We use data from the Freja satellite to investigate the importance of localized transverse DC electric fields for the generation of broadband waves responsible for ion heating in the auroral region. Theoretical models indicate that shear in the plasma flow perpendicular to the geomagnetic field can generate waves in a broad range around the ion gyrofrequency for parallel currents significantly below the threshold of the current-driven electrostatic ion cyclotron instability. We compare in situ data with laboratory measurements and theoretical predictions, and we find that inhomogeneous electric fields might well be important for the generation of waves in the auroral region. ¿ 2001 American Geophysical Union