Panasonic Integrated Active Noise Control System Debuts in Nissan Elgrand

Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. announced on August 3 that it has developed an integrated Active Noise Control (ANC) system capable of reducing both road and engine noise in series hybrid vehicles. The technology has been adopted for the standard audio configurations of the X and G grades of the all-new Elgrand from Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., representing its first deployment in a mass-production vehicle. According to the company, the solution is the world's first integrated ANC system capable of simultaneously controlling both road and engine noise in a series hybrid vehicle, as of July 2026.

How the integrated ANC system works

Traditional ANC systems typically require separate control strategies because engine noise mainly occurs below 200 Hz, while road noise spans a wider frequency range that changes depending on road conditions and vehicle speed. Panasonic Automotive Systems addresses this challenge by using accelerometers positioned throughout the vehicle to detect vibrations that closely correspond to unwanted noise. Its proprietary signal-processing algorithm predicts the generated noise and instructs the vehicle's speakers to emit sound waves with the opposite phase, cancelling both road and engine noise in real time while leaving music, conversations, and phone calls unaffected.

Vehicle-specific optimization improves performance

The company begins analyzing each vehicle's acoustic characteristics, body vibration behavior, and speaker performance during the early stages of development. Engineers then determine the optimal locations for accelerometers and microphones before fine-tuning the control software specifically for each model. This vehicle-specific optimization enables the integrated ANC system to deliver effective noise reduction while maintaining overall audio quality and passenger comfort.

Panasonic ANC adoption history

Panasonic Automotive Systems has already supplied Active Noise Control technology to more than five automakers across Japan and other markets. Its ANC systems have been installed in over 60 vehicle models, reflecting the company's experience in developing in-cabin noise reduction technologies. The adoption in Nissan's all-new Elgrand expands the company's portfolio by bringing its latest integrated ANC technology into series hybrid vehicle production.

Integrated ANC System Highlights for Nissan Elgrand

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Panasonic's integrated Active Noise Control system for series hybrid vehicles?
Panasonic's integrated Active Noise Control system is designed to reduce both engine noise and road noise simultaneously in series hybrid vehicles using a single integrated solution. Accelerometers detect vehicle vibrations, while proprietary signal-processing software predicts unwanted noise and commands the vehicle's speakers to generate opposite-phase sound waves that cancel the noise in real time. The technology preserves music, conversations, and phone calls while improving overall cabin quietness and passenger comfort.