Horses Detect Near-Silent Electric Vehicles, Study Finds

A Scottish-led scientific study has found that horses may be more aware of approaching electric vehicles (EVs) than the riders handling them, raising fresh considerations for road safety as quieter cars become more common.

The research, carried out by the British Horse Society (BHS), Robert Gordon University and the Electric Vehicle Association Scotland, suggests that horses can detect the subtle sounds produced by EVs even when they are barely audible to humans. The study observed horses and multiple electric vehicle models at Dunecht Estates in Aberdeenshire, with researchers examining reactions at different speeds and distances, finding that low-level noise emitted by EVs is still perceptible to horses, although issues tend to arise when vehicles pass too quickly or too closely.

The findings come amid ongoing concerns about equine road safety, and the British Horse Society reported that almost 3,000 incidents involving horses on UK roads were recorded in a recent year, including 66 fatalities and 129 injuries.

BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox said the research provides important insight for both riders and drivers, explaining: “With more and more electric cars on Britain’s roads, this report’s new data and analysis provides a significant insight that will help to alleviate concerns from riders about how their horse reacts to EVs due to limited sound levels. It will also be a vital tool to encourage drivers, regardless of whether they are driving an electric or conventional vehicle, to be careful when passing horses on the road.”

The Electric Vehicle Association Scotland also welcomed the findings, emphasising the importance of shared road awareness. Director Neil Swanson said: “Research such as this is essential and invaluable both from an EV driver’s and horse rider/owner’s perspective. Safety of horses and their riders on our roads is paramount and understanding how to support the vigilance of both parties is essential if incidents are to be avoided.”

The British Horse Society has also highlighted wider safety concerns on UK roads, previously reporting that a significant proportion of incidents involving horses are linked to vehicles passing too closely or too quickly. In response, the BHS continues to promote its “Dead Slow” campaign, urging drivers to slow to a maximum of 10mph when passing horses, avoid revving engines or sounding horns, and give at least two metres of space where possible before passing slowly and safely.