In the battle between combustion engines and electric motors, one often overlooked difference is the sound they make, or the lack thereof. With a number of automakers shifting strongly toward the production and development of electric vehicles, we're heading toward quiet roads.

Mercedes-Benz embraces this future with a cheeky video advertisement (viewable below). It shows consumers that the company has made their piece with noisy vehicles, using a Generation EQ concept as a conduit. This will be Mercedes-Benz's production EQC electric SUV.



In the video, we see the SUV driving, as usual. The electric is making engine noises, oddly enough. It's revealed that the sound wasn't coming from the vehicle, but from human beatboxer Daniel Jovanov in the back seat. Jovanov is a well-known Australian native, with a specialty in sound effects such as car noises.

Don't expect totally silent vehicles, however. At least not in the states. A National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration rule will require hybrid and electric cars to produce an audible noise under 19 mph. The regulation is scheduled to take effect in less than two years. So while highways will be significantly quieter, you won't be snuck up on in neighborhood streets. This is so that pedestrians can hear vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents.

Some companies have already found solutions to this regulation. Nissan unveiled the Canto last October. This Japanese electric car will produce "singing" when driving at low speeds. This was a proposed resolution to both low-speed audibility, and a reduction of noise pollution.