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 experience differs from riding in a conventional vehicle. The reports have prompted a closer look at what may trigger motion sickness and how passengers can ease it.

Motion sickness can occur when the movement sensed by the inner ear does not match what the eyes see. Looking at a phone or reading inside a moving car, for example, can create that mismatch. It is not a problem exclusive to electric vehicles.

Electric cars can, however, have driving characteristics that may contribute to discomfort for some passengers. Rapid acceleration and the slowing effect of regenerative braking can produce changes in motion that feel unfamiliar, particularly when the driver uses the accelerator abruptly.

The complaints alone do not establish that electric cars cause more motion sickness than petrol-powered vehicles. A passenger’s sensitivity, driving style and road conditions can all influence the experience.

For passengers who feel unwell, looking ahead towards the horizon and avoiding screens may help. Drivers can also make the journey more comfortable by accelerating and slowing smoothly. Persistent dizziness, especially when it occurs outside a moving vehicle, warrants medical advice.