Interesting thread. I was rather shocked to read the apparent lack of solid, scientifically derived evidence for the RNIB etal arguments for a mandatory PWS. Or, did I misunderstand?
I own 3 cars, a Duster 2019, a Renault Zoé R90 2017 and a Tesla M3 LR AWD 2021. Based on my experiences with these cars, I'd like to add some comments:
1) The Duster is very quiet at low speed ~20 Km/h
2) Zoé and Tesla M3 start making road noise at a slightly higher speed than the Duster - give or take ~25 Km/h
3) In town/city low speed driving with any of my cars, (<30 Km/h), many people >~50 Yrs old who cross roads without checking for vehicles coming towards them (lots of them), do not hear the car coming regardless whether ICE or EV. I've experienced situations where I have followed pedestrians in the middle of the road for 20-30 M before they woke up to my car behind them
4) Younger persons don't ever seem to have a problem hearing or sensing an oncoming EV.
So, there might be a case for people with poor or no eyesight but people of "middle age" often seem plain deaf or at least careless of their safety. Maybe some money should be spent on road safety for pedestrians too? Particularly as the n° of EVs on the roads grows. None of what I say should be taken as pejorative, my remarks are strictly factual, nor do my comments above take away from the obligation to be a careful, safe and attentive driver, respectful of others. But... I have the feeling of the clock being put backwards here!