Modern luxury class cars are already surprisingly silent, in particular when driving less than 50 km/h. That's exactly the speed in situations pedestrians or blind might be endangered. Doesn't seem to be too much of a problem yet.
Yes. If you've ever watched cars drive by on a snow-covered road you know that most of the noise comes from the tires and the pavement. I'd be surprised, and I'm sure automakers would push back, if their new electric cars had to be louder than already shipping cars.
