Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00089:front:0:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00089
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 11136–14943

2021

Regulation No. 138

Uniform provisions concerning the approval of quiet road transport vehicles with regard to their reduced audibility

Contents
       Page

       Regulation

        1. Scope................................................................... 4

        2. Definitions ........................................................ 4

        3. Application for approval ............................................... 7

        4. Markings  ......................................................... 7

        5.  Approval ......................................................... 7

        6. Specifications....................................................... 8

        7. Modification and extension of approval of a vehicle type.......................... 10

        8. Conformity of production............................................... 11

        9. Penalties for non-conformity of production.................................... 11

        10. Production definitively discontinued........................................ 11

        11. Transitional provisions................................................. 11

        12. Names and addresses of Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests
       and of Type Approval Authorities.......................................... 12

Annexes

        1 Communication..................................................... 13

         Addendum to the Communication Form (Technical Information document) .............. 15

        2 Arrangements of the approval mark........................................ 19

        3 Methods and instruments for measuring the sound made by motor vehicles............... 20

         Appendix: Figures and Flowcharts......................................... 33

              1. Scope

              This Regulation applies to electrified vehicles of categories M and N[1] which can be propelled in the normal mode, in reverse or at least one forward drive gear, without an internal combustion engine operating[2] in respect to their audibility.[3]
2.  Definitions
           For the purpose of this Regulation,

2.1.  "Approval of a vehicle" means the approval of a vehicle type with regard to sound.
2.2. "Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System" (AVAS) means a component or set of components installed in vehicles with the primary purpose to fulfil the requirements of this Regulation.
2.3. "Vehicle type" means a category of motor vehicles which does not differ essentially in such respects as:
2.3.1. The shape and the materials of the bodywork of the vehicle which affect the sound level emitted;
2.3.2. The principle of the drivetrain (from the batteries to the wheels).
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 2.3.2. vehicles which differ with respect to overall gear ratios, battery type or the fitment of a range extender may be considered vehicles of the same type;
2.3.3. If applicable, the number and type(s) of sound emitting devices (hardware) of AVAS fitted on the vehicle.
2.3.4. If applicable, the position of the AVAS on the vehicle.
2.4. "Frequency Shift" means the variation of the frequency content of the AVAS sound as a function of the vehicle speed.
2.5. "Electrified vehicle" means a vehicle with a powertrain containing at least one electric motor or electric motor-generator.
2.5.1. "Pure Electric Vehicle" (PEV) means a motor vehicle with an electric motor as its sole mean of propulsion.
2.5.2. "Hybrid Electric Vehicle" (HEV) means a vehicle with a powertrain containing at least one electric motor or electric motor generator and at least one internal combustion engine as propulsion energy converters.
2.5.3. "Fuel Cell Vehicle"" (FCV) means a vehicle with a fuel cell and an electric machine as propulsion energy converters.
2.5.4. "Fuel Cell