The Hy Project for Toyota

The HY Project was created in response to impending global regulations surrounding electric and hybrid vehicles and AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems) - forcing the often silent cars to adopt strict sonic standards to reduce the danger they pose due to their aural undetectability while in transit. This created an urgent need for artificial car sound options for the mobility market.

Not only does HY’s sound stimulate plant growth, but it's frequencies are also specially designed to not create noise pollution, a crucial feature for different animal species that rely on communication to hunt, mate, and survive. Studies show that noise pollution disrupts the entire interconnected ecosystem. The HY Project is a welcome solution to this growing problem.

Currently, AYAX Toyota is starting to implement the HY technology to its Prius Cs in Uruguay, with a goal to expand a pilot program to Brazil and Argentina in the coming months. The project also has the support of the government of Uruguay, through URUGUAY XXI, which is the office responsible for promoting the development of innovation projects from the country to the world, with a special focus on smart cities and sustainable development.

This idea aims to become the opposite of “noise pollution” — where the sound has a purpose and gives back to the environment. It’s a great thought, as it is important for pedestrians to know when vehicles are coming (which is a disadvantage of a quiet car). However, if the sound also has a lasting benefit for wildlife and plants, there is little to complain about — it’s simply a step forward for the industry.