7 Tips for Upgrading Your EV Sound System
Electric vehicles have increased in popularity over the years thanks to their eco-friendly technology. While these vehicles are known for their environmental benefits, they can also provide a sleek and sophisticated ride. However, one commonality EVs share with standard cars is a poor OEM (original equipment manufacturer) stereo system.
Most vehicles have subpar speakers because manufacturers typically prioritize cost-effectiveness and versatility when producing sound systems for mass-market cars. Buying new audio equipment allows you to have a premium experience during every drive. Below, we’ve detailed seven must-know tips for upgrading your EV sound system .
Evaluate Your Current System
Look at your current EV sound system, and think about what you do and don’t like about it. To make this easier, ask yourself these questions:
- Is the bass too weak?
- Are the highs too tinny?
- Is it hard to hear music over road noise?
- Is there anything you like about your current system?
- Do you want Bluetooth connectivity but don’t have it yet?
Evaluating this information allows you to create a list of pros and cons about your current system so you can establish goals for what you want. The more detailed your objectives are, the easier it is to narrow your search once you begin shopping.
Determine Your Budget
The next step is to decide how much money you want to spend on your new sound system. Your budget will depend on various factors such as the age of your EV and how often you drive. If your car is near the end of its expected lifespan, upgrading your sound system might not be worth the investment.
Likewise, think about how often you drive and how long the average ride takes. If you love taking road trips, commuting to work, and spending a good portion of your day in your EV, then replacing the audio system will be worth the money.
Once you have a budget, begin browsing audio options for systems and installers. Some companies also custom-make audio systems and then install them in your vehicle to ensure a perfect fit.
Upgrade the Head Unit
The head unit serves as the central command center for your entire audio system, controlling signal processing, source selection, and system integration. This area of your sound system is the part that you interact with on the dashboard to manage sound settings and playback during your drive.
Replacing your current head unit with a higher-quality aftermarket option offers higher-resolution audio support, customizable equalizer settings, and advanced connectivity options. Likewise, if your EV doesn’t currently have Bluetooth settings, you may be able to add it to the new unit.
Add a Compact Subwoofer
Subwoofers reproduce the low-frequency sounds often heard in music with heavy bass, making it more impactful and noticeable. This component typically enhances frequencies between 20 Hz and 200 Hz, making it easier to listen to the rumble of a bass guitar and the subtle beat of a kick drum.
Moreover, upgrading your EV’s subwoofer keeps the sound balanced. When your audio system can handle the bass sounds of music, it’s also easier to focus on mid and high tones, further enhancing your listening experience.
Soundproof Your EV
Another tip for upgrading your EV sound system is to soundproof your EV. While this alone may not fix every issue, adding insulation materials helps reduce road noise, wind noise, and electrical interference, allowing you to enjoy your upgraded audio system at lower volume levels.
To insulate your EV, use materials such as butyl rubber mats and closed-cell foam barriers. Focus your soundproofing efforts on the most effective areas: door panels, floor panels, and wheel wells, as these typically provide the greatest noise reduction. Adding sound-deadening materials to door panels not only minimizes noise but also enhances speaker performance by reducing vibrations and creating a more stable mounting surface.
Consider Speaker Quality
Many automotive manufacturers use basic, cost-effective materials when creating speakers because this keeps cars at a decent price; however, this also means poor-quality audio. Your current EV car speakers may vibrate when you play loud bass or become tinny when the volume increases.
When you upgrade to high-quality speakers, sound becomes much crisper and clearer. As you shop, look for options designed for your make, model, and year of electric car to ensure compatibility with your vehicle.
Consult a Professional
It’s always best to reach out to a professional automotive audio installer for a second opinion on options and installation. While one system may look great to you, an expert can review the specs and tell you if it will work for your car. Generally, it’s best to have your audio system custom-built, as this ensures the best quality parts.
Check Their Experience With EVs
Search for companies that work with EV brands and models, as each manufacturer uses different electrical architectures and integration requirements. Ask about their familiarity with EV-specific challenges such as electromagnetic interference, power management, and integration with factory systems.
EVs have complex electrical systems, and moving the wrong wire could do severe damage since the entire vehicle relies on electricity. Before committing, ask the installer if they’ve worked on EVs before. Request details about similar projects they’ve completed or whether they specifically source EV-friendly audio components.
Assess Their Communication Skills
Working with an installer who prioritizes communication is as essential as hiring one with technical expertise. After all, the professional needs to know exactly what you want so they can custom build it. Experts with superb listening skills listen to your needs and clearly explain their process, making them more likely to meet your expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
Contact Stereo Steve’s Today
Selecting the right audio installer involves more than just checking online reviews. By verifying your installer’s EV experience and evaluating communication skills, you can ensure a successful upgrade to your car’s sound system.
Stereo Steve’s offers Tesla audio upgrades to help you get the most out of your EV. We have experience working with Tesla, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have about upgrading your audio system.
