Can Riding in an Electric Car Make You Feel Motion Sick?

Complaints of dizziness while travelling in electric cars have raised questions about whether the vehicles can trigger motion sickness. The reports have prompted experts to examine the possible causes and ways to ease the discomfort.

Motion sickness generally occurs when the information reaching the brain from the eyes conflicts with signals from the inner ear, which helps detect movement and maintain balance. It can happen in any vehicle, particularly when passengers read or look at a screen rather than watch the road.

In electric cars, the way power is delivered and the vehicle slows down may be relevant. Rapid acceleration or repeated changes in speed can contribute to discomfort for susceptible passengers. Regenerative braking, which recovers energy as the car decelerates, can also feel unfamiliar to someone used to a conventional vehicle.

The complaints alone do not establish that electric cars cause more motion sickness than other vehicles. For passengers who feel unwell, looking ahead at a distant, stable point, avoiding screens and taking breaks may help. Smoother acceleration and braking can also make the journey more comfortable.