ECTunes is developing a system that utilizes directional sound equipment to emit noise when and where it’s needed. According to the company, its technology sends audible signals only in the direction of travel, thus allowing the vehicle to be heard by those who may be in the cars path, without disturbing others with unwelcome noise.
My Prius is now almost ten years old. Yes, you need to watch for pedestrians more because they sometimes don’t hear me coming if the engine is going just on the electric motor. It took me about fifteen minutes to realize this and it’s never been a problem since. I suppose this will help but it still seems unnecessary to me.