Electric vehicles are often associated with smoother operation, but some passengers say the experience can leave them feeling sick. Reports of electric vehicle motion sickness have raised questions about how reduced noise and vibration, rapid acceleration and regenerative braking may affect passengers.
Why Some EV Passengers Feel Sick
BBC reported on several passengers who experienced motion sickness while riding in an EV, including Lola Baird from North London, who asked her boyfriend to change his car because of the problem.
Studies have suggested there may be a link between EVs and motion sickness, although Dr. Bill Yates, who has researched motion sickness at the University of Pittsburgh, said the findings are “pretty sketchy at this point.”
Neurologist Dr. Nicholas Hac, quoted by the publication, said motion sickness can result from “a mismatch in sensory cues.” Chinese EV maker Xpeng also highlighted several characteristics of electric vehicles that may contribute to the issue.
How Electric Vehicles Can Affect Motion Perception
People rely on three main sensory inputs to perceive movement: sight, the inner ear’s balance system and proprioception.
Visual cues are not exclusive to EVs and can become a problem whenever passengers are not seeing signs of movement outside the window. At the same time, the reduced engine noise and vibration of electric vehicles can remove cues that normally help passengers anticipate acceleration.
Rapid Acceleration May Play a Role
Another factor is the instant torque and rapid acceleration associated with EVs. The characteristic has been popularized by the now-discontinued Tesla Model S and its ability to beat fuel-fed supercars in straight-line races.
However, rapid acceleration can happen faster than passengers’ senses can anticipate. That sudden change can create a mismatch between what passengers feel and what their senses expect, potentially increasing the chance of motion sickness.
Regenerative Braking Can Add to the Effect
Regenerative braking is another significant factor. The feature, common among electrified cars, uses the vehicle’s forward momentum to drive the electric motor as a generator when the accelerator pedal is released.
Instead of being wasted as heat typically absorbed by the braking system, kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy. As a result, electrified vehicles, including hybrids, can slow down when the accelerator is released.
When regenerative braking is paired with rapid acceleration, passengers may feel as though they are rocking back and forth, potentially contributing to motion sickness.
Tips to Reduce Motion Sickness in an EV
Studies have offered several ways to reduce motion sickness while riding in a vehicle. These include:
- Looking out the window instead of at a smartphone
- Sitting in the front passenger seat
- Keeping the body steady
- Opening the windows for fresh air
- Staying hydrated
Why Drivers May Be Less Affected
Drivers may not experience the same level of discomfort because their own inputs help them anticipate the vehicle’s movement. The concern nevertheless offers a takeaway for drivers: adopting smoother driving habits may help reduce the effect.
Research into electric vehicle motion sickness remains in its early stages, but future findings could help automakers improve ride quality.
