Noise Mitigation of a Postal Delivery Service by Electric Vehicles

Environment protection imposes to develop sustainable technologies and to propose alternative systems to reduce acoustic pollution. The present paper compares noise contribution of postal delivery service vehicles, both traditional and electric models, in order to improve acoustic protection of postmen and citizens. Measurements of sound pressure levels were carried out by implementing the methodology described in Directive 97/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, 17 June 1997, on certain components and characteristics of two or three-wheel motor vehicles, amended and corrected, and in Regulation n. 51 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations, concerning the approval of motor vehicles having at least four wheels with regard to their noise emissions. The method, consisting in tests for vehicles in motion and stationary vehicles, was integrated with SEL measurements in different road conditions. Measured sound levels due to detected vehicles were compared; noise abatement obtained by electric vehicles was evaluated for different traffic conditions.