Why Electric Cars Worsen Motion Sickness: Expert Explains

Motion sickness is a common problem that occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals about motion from your inner ears, eyes, and body. This can lead to issues such as nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. While motion sickness can occur in anyone and in any form of vehicle, including car, train, aeroplane, or boat, some people claim that travelling in electrical vehicles worsens motion sickness. To understand this link, the OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Prashant Sinha, Head of Emergency, PSRI Hospital, Delhi.

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Why Do Electric Vehicles Cause Motion Sickness More Often Than Traditional Cars?

“Motion sickness occurs when there is a mismatch between what the eyes see and what the inner ear (balance system) senses,” explained Dr Sinha.

“In electric cars, the very smooth and quiet ride removes some of the subtle physical cues that the body normally uses to anticipate movement. This can confuse the brain and increase the likelihood of nausea or dizziness compared to traditional vehicles,” he added.

To understand the link between motion sickness and EVs, a 2024 study published in the International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction focused on regenerative braking, a feature unique to EVs where the car slows down and recharges the battery at the same time. In a road test with 16 people prone to motion sickness, they found that stronger regenerative braking made passengers feel more sick.

Dr Sinha explained that electric vehicles accelerate and decelerate with less vibration and less gear-shifting compared to petrol or diesel cars. “While this feels pleasant, the absence of these small jolts means passengers’ brains cannot always predict motion changes. The sudden yet smooth surges of acceleration or regenerative braking can therefore feel unexpected, worsening motion sickness.”

Interestingly, the study also found that when auditory cues, like sounds matching the car’s movement, were added, motion sickness was reduced, especially with high-level regenerative braking. This suggests that adding clear motion cues could make EV rides more comfortable and guide better design of braking systems.

Also Read: Acupressure Bands for Motion Sickness: Here’s How They Can Help You

Are Some People More At Risk Than Others?

According to Dr Sinha, children, elderly individuals, and people who already experience travel sickness are more vulnerable in EVs.

Children’s balance systems are still developing, the elderly may have reduced adaptability of the inner ear, and those who are naturally sensitive to motion will feel the effects more strongly. Sitting in the back seat, where visual cues of the road are limited, can further worsen symptoms.

How To Reduce Motion Sickness

There are several ways to minimise discomfort:

• Sit in the front seat, where the view of the road helps align visual and motion cues.
• Focus on a stable object outside the car, such as the horizon.
• Avoid reading or phone use during travel, as it increases sensory mismatch.
• Take fresh air breaks or keep windows slightly open to reduce nausea.
• Use ginger, light snacks, or prescribed motion sickness tablets before long rides if needed.
• Drivers can adjust driving style by avoiding abrupt regenerative braking or sudden accelerations, keeping the ride predictable for passengers.

Final Word

Dr Sinha mentioned that engineers are already working on solutions like advanced suspension systems, adaptive seating, and controlled vibration feedback. "Some companies are also exploring in-car visual displays or augmented reality systems that align with car movements to reduce sensory conflict."

In addition, he concluded by saying that customisable driving modes that soften acceleration and braking may make EVs more comfortable for sensitive passengers.