Science Explains Why Motion Sickness Is More Common in Electric Cars
Electric vehicles have rapidly gained popularity, making up about 17 percent of new car sales across the European Union in 2025. As more people switch to these quieter, smoother rides, an unexpected issue has started to surface. Passengers frequently report feeling queasy or dizzy, especially compared to trips in traditional gasoline or diesel cars. This growing complaint has caught the attention of researchers who now understand the root cause behind this discomfort.
The human brain has spent decades adapting to the cues from internal combustion engines. Sounds like engine revs, subtle vibrations, and gradual shifts in power all signal upcoming changes in speed or direction. These familiar hints help our inner ear and eyes stay in sync with the body’s movement. In electric cars, however, many of those signals disappear, leaving the brain confused about what to expect next.
Instant torque delivers quick, silent acceleration without the usual buildup of noise or vibration. Regenerative braking creates longer, gentler slowdowns that feel different from traditional friction brakes. Studies from 2024 highlight how these prolonged low-frequency decelerations trigger stronger motion sickness responses. The lack of advance warning intensifies the sensory conflict that leads to nausea.
Low-speed driving in cities adds another layer to the problem. Electric vehicles produce unique vibration patterns that some people find more unsettling than those in conventional cars. When passengers read on their phones or focus on infotainment screens, the mismatch between what the eyes see and what the body feels grows even worse. This combination explains why complaints often come from those sitting in the back seat.
Drivers rarely experience the same level of discomfort. They control the vehicle and can anticipate every turn, acceleration, or stop. That foresight helps align their sensory expectations with reality. Passengers lack that preview, making them far more vulnerable to the unfamiliar dynamics of electric driving.
Automakers and researchers are already exploring practical fixes. Some prototypes use changing cabin lighting to visually signal acceleration or braking. Others test gentle sounds or seat vibrations that mimic the old cues from combustion engines. These innovations aim to retrain the brain for the new reality of electric mobility.
Motion sickness in electric cars reflects a temporary adaptation challenge rather than a fundamental flaw. As society grows accustomed to silent, instant power delivery, these symptoms should become less common over time. The shift to electric driving brings cleaner air and lower running costs, but it also requires our senses to learn a fresh set of rules.
Have you felt more motion sickness in an electric vehicle compared to a traditional car? Share your experiences in the comments.
