KATHMANDU: Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular around the world. In 2024, 22% of all new cars sold were electric. But as more people ride in EVs, many say they feel more motion sick compared to traditional petrol or diesel cars.
People often share their experiences of feeling sick while sitting in the back or passenger seat of an EV. Experts say there are scientific reasons behind this.
The Guardian quotes William Emond, a PhD student in France who studies carsickness. He says the main reason is that people are not used to how EVs move. In traditional cars, our brains rely on signals like engine sounds and vibrations. But EVs are quiet and smooth, so the brain doesn’t get those familiar cues and becomes confused.
In ICE cars, the sound of the engine helps us expect what will happen next, like speeding up. But EVs are very quiet. This can make it harder for our brains to prepare for changes in speed.
Studies also show that certain features in EVs add to motion sickness. A 2024 study found that the seat vibrations in EVs are linked to worse carsickness. Another study from 2020 said the lack of engine noise is also a factor.
Regenerative braking is another reason. This is a system in EVs that saves energy when slowing down. It makes the car stop more smoothly and slowly. But this slow, steady deceleration can make people feel sick.
Motion sickness happens when our eyes, ears and body send mixed signals to the brain. If what the brain expects is different from what the body feels, it causes discomfort and nausea.
Drivers usually don’t get motion sick because they know what movements to expect. But passengers, especially in EVs, have fewer signals to predict motion. This makes it easier to get sick.
Emond compares this to space travel. People often feel sick in zero gravity because the brain has no past experience in that kind of motion.
As more people ride in electric and self-driving cars, researchers are working on ways to reduce motion sickness. Some suggest using visual cues like lights or screens to help the brain understand movement. Others suggest adding gentle vibrations to warn of changes in speed.
These ideas may help make EVs more comfortable for all passengers in the future.
