Germany – MAN Truck & Bus SE, a subsidiary of the Traton Group based in Munich, Bavaria, took part in a study which purportedly shows that its upcoming battery electric truck is quieter by up to 14.4 dBA¹ than its conventional diesel equivalent (in this case, a TGX 18.510). 

Sound measurement equipment was set up alongside a test track. Speed and other factors were varied to assess their impact on noise levels. Each measurement was performed at least ten times to arrive at the results which MAN has presented. 
 
At 20 km/h, the eTruck was found to be quieter by 5.8 dBA than the TGX (48.9 vs 54.7 dBA). At 30 km/h, the difference was reduced to 4 dBA (52 vs 56 dBA). When both trucks accelerated as they passed by the measurement equipment, it was found that the eTruck was quieter by 12 dBA (50.4 vs 62.4 dBA). 
 
When both trucks were put into reverse, the difference in noise levels was significant. A 13.1-dBA discrepancy was measured between them (47.8 vs 60.9 dBA); when reverse warning sounds were switched off, this difference increased further to 14.4 dBA (45.7 vs 60.1 dBA).