In-Car Noise Cancelling by Jaguar Land Rover

Jaguar Land Rover in partnership with noise cancellation technology specialist Silentium, and high-end in-car audio systems provider Meridian, have developed an in-car noise cancelling system that they say can reduce driver fatigue on longer journeys.

Called Active Road Noise Cancellation, the system uses sensors on each wheel to constantly monitor the vibrations from the road surface and calculates the opposite phase sound wave needed to remove the noise inside the vehicle. By monitoring in real-time, unexpected noises from potholes or rough surfaces can be isolated and removed.

The cancellation sound is played through the Meridian sound system, with the vehicle monitoring cabin occupancy to optimise Active Road Noise Cancellation performance for all drivers and passengers.

Active Road Noise Cancellation combines with Engine Noise Cancellation on the new Jaguar F-PACE and new Range Rover Velar with the P400e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain to further enhance the sense of wellbeing.

The technology is capable of lowering unwanted noise peaks by 10dB and overall noise levels by 3-4dB – the equivalent of turning down the in-car sound system by four ‘steps’. This significant reduction in exposure to low-frequency noises up to 300Hz can help prevent driver fatigue on longer journeys**.

With every Government globally looking to reduce road fatalities, this is brilliant technology. Driver fatigue, in particular significantly reduces driver reaction times – often to those levels comparable to alarming alcohol intoxication.

With airline travel seemingly out of the question for the foreseeable future, more and more of us are going to be on the roads exploring our regional and rural surrounds. This often means long, boring and very tiring driving.

Expect to see this technology on the 2021 Jaguar F-PACE, new Jaguar XF and Range Rover Velar models.

** National Centre for Biotechnology Information (US):  The Effect of Road Traffic Noise on Reaction Time