I first heard the phrase used by parent in a video [1] by youtube channel Not Just Bikes, which found EVs to be similar to ICE cars at typical speeds.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTV-wwszGw8

I find EVs noticeably quieter, but the "typical speeds" here in Copenhagen are properly lower than where you live.

At 30km/h or so, the main noise is the engine, so EVs are quieter (as the video says).

In my experience, EVs are nearly as loud as IC, as the majority of the noise at typical stroad speeds comes from the tires, not the engine.

Isn't that mostly applicable to highway speeds? Does tire noise have much of an effect at city speeds?

Yes. I live in a small city. Along a moderately busy avenue with speeds around 25 mph, it’s hard to carry a conversation. 30 feet down a side street, totally different story.

Yes, it is very noticeable at city speeds. Source: my hears every day I go out.

> the majority of the noise at typical stroad speeds comes from the tires, not the engine

It comes from honking.

The engine noises in cities are generally not a huge problem outside of trucks (or POS cars modified to make noise).

The issue that people apparently think that the horn makes the red light turn green faster or will magic away the car blocking the box.