Why Electric Cars Can Cause Motion Sickness – and How to Combat It

Do you feel nauseous or dizzy more easily when you first ride in an electric car? This isn’t unusual. A growing number of people are experiencing carsickness in electric vehicles (EVs) that they don’t feel in gasoline-powered cars. This phenomenon, observed globally, has a scientific explanation rooted in how our brains process motion and sensory input.

The ‘Familiarity’ Factor and Brain Adaptation

Research suggests that a key factor contributing to EV-induced motion sickness is a lack of familiarity. The brain needs time to adapt to the unique driving experience offered by electric cars. Studies indicate the brain is less accurate at predicting the strength of movement and speed in an EV compared to a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.

“The feeling of nausea you feel when riding an electric car comes from a lack of previous experience (riding an electric car). (This happens because) the brain is less accurate in estimating the force of motion compared to previous experience (when riding a petrol car),” explains William Emond, from the Université de Technologie de Belfort-Montbéliard in France.

The Role of Sound and Vibration

For decades, drivers have relied on auditory and vibrational cues from gasoline engines to anticipate changes in speed. The increasing engine roar serves as a “warning” of acceleration. Electric cars, although, operate much more quietly, eliminating this familiar signal. This lack of auditory feedback can disorient the brain.

Studies in 2020 also pointed to the loss of engine sound in EVs as a contributor to travel sickness. Research in 2024 found a correlation between the severity of motion sickness and the minimal vibration experienced in electric car seats.

Emond elaborates, “If we are used to traveling in non-EV cars, we are used to understanding the car’s movements based on certain signals, for example engine roar, engine vibration, torque, and so on. But when traveling in an EV car for the first time, it will be a fresh environment for the brain, the brain needs adaptation.”

Regenerative Braking and Sensory Mismatch

Another technological aspect of EVs that can exacerbate motion sickness is regenerative braking. This system slows the vehicle gradually and steadily, over a longer period, rather than with the quick deceleration typical of traditional brakes. This low-frequency slowing can be associated with higher levels of motion sickness.

Motion sickness, in general, is believed to occur when there’s a mismatch between the sensory signals the brain receives regarding body movement. This happens when the inner ear (which controls balance), the eyes, and the body send conflicting information to the brain.

Drivers vs. Passengers

Interestingly, this phenomenon is generally more pronounced in passengers than in drivers. Drivers are better able to anticipate the car’s movements because they are in control, allowing their brains to successfully predict changes in speed and direction.

Mitigating Motion Sickness in EVs

Although more research is needed, several strategies can help reduce motion sickness in electric cars:

• Look at the Horizon: Focusing on a distant, stable point can help synchronize visual and vestibular (inner ear) input.
• Fresh Air: Ensure good ventilation in the vehicle.
• Gradual Exposure: Allow your brain time to adapt by taking shorter trips initially.
• Over-the-Counter Remedies: Consider using motion sickness medication or ginger supplements.

As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, understanding and addressing this unique form of motion sickness will be crucial for ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all passengers.