Electric cars are making passengers sick – here’s how to fight it

For many, the silent hum and instant acceleration of electric vehicles (EVs) seem futuristic and luxurious—but for some passengers, these same features trigger crippling motion sickness. Studies show that around 30% of people experience nausea in EVs, far more than in traditional petrol or diesel cars. Experts explain that the mismatch between what passengers see and what their inner ears feel is the main culprit. Without engine noise or vibrations, the brain struggles to anticipate acceleration, braking, and turns, often resulting in dizziness and nausea.

Regenerative braking, which slows the car smoothly while converting kinetic energy to electricity, can worsen the problem. Sudden deceleration without pressing the brake pedal creates unexpected sensory cues, further confusing the brain. Similarly, the immediate torque of EVs—linear, instant acceleration—feels abrupt compared to gradual changes in petrol engines, compounding the motion sickness.

While drivers rarely suffer, because their body predicts each movement, passengers are left vulnerable. Research highlights that exposure to subtle engine-like sounds can reduce nausea, and some modern EVs, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, now simulate artificial engine noises. Ventilation, avoiding greasy foods, rest before travel, and over-the-counter motion sickness remedies can also help.

However, for those particularly sensitive, there is only one true failsafe: taking the wheel. Driving allows your brain to anticipate every movement, eliminating the sensory mismatch. For some, like this writer, the only cure is being in control—a revelation that might frustrate enthusiastic EV-driving partners but ensures a relatively queasy-free journey. As electric cars become more widespread, understanding and mitigating this hidden side effect is key for millions of passengers.