Australian Geely EX5 Ditches Ice Cream Truck Sound for Sensible Hum

Australian Geely EX5 electric cars will no longer play low-speed pedestrian warning music that sounds like an ice cream truck, following an over-the-air software update that replaces the tune with a more conventional humming sound.

The inaugural OTA update from Geely Auto Australia addresses customer feedback with improvements to the pedestrian alert system alongside enhanced connectivity features.

The nationwide deployment will see EX5 vehicles progressively receive the software enhancement throughout this week.

The primary change involves modifying the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), which alerts pedestrians to the vehicle's presence at low speeds.

Updated Pedestrian Alert System

The OTA update replaces the current AVAS tone with a more conventional humming sound. This adjustment reduces cabin noise intrusion while maintaining the safety function required for electric vehicles operating at low speeds.

EX5 Software Update Roadmap

Geely has outlined its future OTA roadmap for Australian customers.

Apple CarPlay integration is scheduled for the next software release, expected in mid-third quarter of this year, while Android Auto functionality will follow with anticipated delivery in late 2025.

Enhanced Connectivity Performance

CarbitLink functionality receives optimisation through the software update. The enhancement aims to improve the reliability and responsiveness of the vehicle's connectivity features.

Improved Navigation Range Calculation

The navigation system now provides more accurate range estimates during route planning. This refinement addresses one of the key concerns for electric vehicle owners regarding journey planning and charging requirements.

Lei Li, CEO of Geely Auto Australia, commented: "We've said time and time again that catering our offerings to best meet customer needs is our top priority. The first Over the Air update for the Geely EX5 is the latest outcome of this promise."

The executive acknowledged the role of customer feedback in driving the improvements. "We're thankful for the patience of our first customers who've put their trust in Geely and given us valuable input, which is helping us to improve our local offerings. Our team has analysed feedback direct from our customers and dealer network, and worked on an update that we're sure will make experiences with the Geely EX5 even more enjoyable," Li remarked.

Li emphasised the company's responsive approach to market demands. "Geely actively listens to feedback so we can provide the right products for the local market; this step is one of the many actions that we can take in order to provide high value vehicles to our ever-dynamic Australian customers," he noted.

Vehicle owners can initiate the update through the 'My Car' menu on their infotainment display. Geely recommends establishing a Wi-Fi connection or mobile hotspot before beginning the download process to ensure stable data transfer during installation.