Why Do EVs Trigger Motion Sickness and How Can I Stop It?

At some point in your driving experiences, you, a passenger, or even one of your pets, may have felt a wave of uneasiness while travelling in a car. Motion sickness can happen when the movement you see differs from what your inner ear senses, leading to dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. It affects around 25 to 30 per cent of the population, with 60 to 70 per cent of travellers (whether in cars, buses, trains, airplanes, or watercraft) experiencing motion sickness at some point. 

While motion sickness can happen in any moving vehicle, it appears to be more common in electric vehicles (EVs). A recent study by researchers at the University of California analyzed data from over 500 participants across multiple vehicle types, including EVs, hybrids, and traditional combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The big takeaway was that EV occupants reported a 30 per cent higher rate of motion sickness than if they were in a gas-powered car.

Read on to discover why some people get motion sickness in EVs, and, most importantly, how to combat it.

Unnatural Acceleration

The unique driving characteristics of electric cars, which can upset a driver’s typical sense of motion, are the primary reason EVs can trigger motion sickness. These distinctive features, such as immediate torque and lack of sensory cues, make the EV driving experience feel unnatural to our senses.

Unlike internal combustion engines, electric motors can deliver maximum torque almost immediately after the accelerator is pressed. This instant torque and quick acceleration are significant selling points for EVs. As an example at the extreme end of the spectrum, the Rimac Nevera electric supercar recently claimed to break the record for the quickest zero-to-100-km/h time in a production car of only 1.82 seconds.

Smooth and Quiet Ride

Compared to conventional ICE cars, EVs produce less vibration and noise, providing a smoother ride, and the electric motors are typically quieter. However, these attributes can lead to a lack of sensory cues for the vehicle occupant’s brain, contributing to motion sickness. 

According to a 2020 study from Vrije University in the Netherlands, passengers who could hear engine noise and feel the vehicle vibrate experienced significantly less motion sickness than those who did not. When traditional sensory cues during driving — like engine sound and vibration — are absent, passengers tend not to expect the vehicle to be in motion. This mismatch between what the brain expects based on past experiences and the actual sensory inputs from the EV leads to motion sickness.

Regenerative Braking

While the thrill of excessive acceleration runs may induce motion sickness, it's important to be aware that the opposite force of regenerative braking in EVs can also cause discomfort. This is a key consideration for both drivers and passengers.

Regenerative braking is a system that captures energy during deceleration, then converts it back into electricity to recharge the battery. Most regenerative braking systems also offer a unique feature called one-pedal driving. This feature allows you to slow down and stop your vehicle using only the accelerator pedal under most conditions, eliminating the need to switch between pedals. This is particularly useful in city driving, where frequent stops and starts are common, and it helps you maximize your EV's driving range.

However, the downside is that the strong braking sensation in EVs, particularly during regenerative braking, and when operating in one-pedal mode, can further exacerbate the feeling of imbalance, leading to motion sickness. 

Infotainment Screens

Since the late 1990s, car infotainment screens have become commonplace in all types of vehicles. These screens are highly popular in EVs because they offer a central hub for accessing vehicle information, entertainment, and connectivity, and because they are often integral to the EV experience, particularly regarding range and charging. Some screens have become so large that they look like they should be in a home theatre system rather than a car's cabin. The electric Mercedes-Benz EQS currently has the biggest touchscreen on the market. Branded as the Hyperscreen, it combines a 45-centimetre (17.7-inch) central touchscreen with two 31-centimetre (12.3-inch) displays, all housed under a single glass panel for a combined measurement of 142 centimetres (56 inches).

However, it's important to note that while offering numerous benefits, these screens can also contribute to motion sickness, as passengers may fixate on them instead of focusing on the horizon, a tactic that helps combat motion sickness.

How to Combat Motion Sickness in EVs

While driving an EV may put you at greater risk of experiencing motion sickness compared to piloting a gas-powered car, it usually quiets down as soon as the vehicle stops. The more you travel in your EV, the more easily you'll adjust to being in motion. But you may want to try to avoid motion sickness in several ways with simple planning.

• Choose seats where you'll feel the least motion

Where you sit in an EV can significantly reduce the effects of motion sickness. If you're the driver, your head moves when you turn the wheel. However, passengers, especially in the back seat, are more susceptible to dizziness and nausea in an EV. If you're a passenger, opt for the front seat. This simple choice can help you prepare for a more comfortable and enjoyable EV ride, while making it easier to look ahead towards the horizon.

• Consider using fake engine sounds

EVs often have fake engine sounds to address pedestrian safety concerns, as they are required by law to make noise at certain speeds. However, some EV manufacturers are incorporating simulated engine noises and gear changes to mimic the experience of a gas vehicle, which can help some people avoid motion sickness. 

Some EVs even offer different sound profiles, allowing drivers to choose their preferred sound. There's BMW's "IconicSounds Electric," a collaboration with Hans Zimmer, a renowned composer, to create unique sounds for its electric cars. Some manufacturers also use fake engine sounds to enhance the driving experience, making it more engaging and sporty, especially for performance EVs. Hyundai's "e-Shift" system in the sporty Ioniq 5 N simulates the sounds of a manual transmission, even though the EV uses a single-gear direct drive transmission. Reintroducing sensory cues in an EV typically experienced in gas cars might help with motion sickness.

• Additional advice to avoid motion sickness

Regardless of the type of moving vehicle you're in, these simple and effective tips can help you avoid motion sickness.

First, stay hydrated and avoid heavy or greasy meals before travel. Keep your eyes focused on the horizon or external view to help your body process the motion cues. You can also allow fresh air to enter the vehicle through the ventilation system or by rolling down the windows. And finally, remember to adjust your seat position if possible to provide more support and minimize potential discomfort. Of course, there are also anti-nausea medications or more natural remedies like ginger candies or tablets readily available at most grocery, drug, or convenience stores.