Why Some Passengers Feel Sick in Electric Vehicles

Many drivers say they love their electric vehicles, but some passengers report feeling queasy or motion sick while riding in them, according to research on the subject.

Researchers have pointed to several possible explanations. Electric vehicles tend to accelerate and brake more smoothly and quietly than petrol or diesel cars, removing some of the engine noise and vibration cues that passengers unconsciously use to anticipate changes in speed.

Regenerative braking, a feature common to most EVs that recovers energy as the car slows, can also produce a different, sometimes more abrupt sensation of deceleration than passengers are used to, which may contribute to discomfort for those prone to motion sickness.

Motion sickness in general is understood to stem from a mismatch between what the inner ear senses and what the eyes see, and researchers suggest that the distinct driving characteristics of EVs may alter that balance for some passengers.

While the research highlights a genuine discomfort for some riders, it has not dampened overall driver enthusiasm for electric vehicles, which continue to be praised for their quiet and responsive driving experience.