In brief
A trend of passengers reporting nausea in electric vehicles has sparked discussion among experts. Eidological drivers enjoy their cars, but passengers like Lola Baird and Mark Quigg’s daughter feel sick during trips. Scientists suggest that the quiet nature of EVs, regenerative braking and rapid acceleration may cause sensory mismatches leading to motion sickness. While data is still sparse, tips such as looking out the window and choosing front seats can help. Car manufacturers are investigating smoother acceleration profiles and adding audio cues to reduce discomfort.
In a senior London car, 24‑year‑old Lola Baird had to pull over, vomiting after only forty minutes. She had never been motion‑sick before her boyfriend bought an electric car two years earlier. Other riders claim that nothing in the car’s quiet, smooth drive is to blame, but experts warn of a real link between EVs and passenger nausea.
Neurologist Dr Nicholas Hac of Northwestern Medicine says he hears "many, many, many" patients report nausea while in electric cars, and he suspects the lack of engine hum and vibration may create a mismatch between visual and inner‑body cues, triggering motion sickness. Biomechanics professor Dr Irene Di Giulio adds that faster, more vigorous acceleration and the irregular hand‑hold of regenerative braking could exacerbate the problem.
Some owners, such as Mark Quigg, have seen their children’s symptoms worsen after buying an EV, though other motorists report no change or even less nausea. EV association CEO Vicky Edmonds says her members have not experienced the issue, and that newer EV designs aim to smooth acceleration and deceleration. Yet the evidence is still thin, with Professor Bill Yates of the University of Pittsburgh describing the research as "pretty sketchy".
Studies suggest several ways to reduce discomfort. Passengers should look out the front window, avoid screens, sit in a front or middle rear seat, keep the head steady, recline slightly, breathe calmly, open the window and stay hydrated. Long‑term exposure may also help the body adapt, one expert notes.
Manufacturers are investigating solutions such as adding subtle audio cues, smoothening acceleration curves and reducing sudden regenerative braking. Until then, passengers can try the tips above or ask drivers for a smoother ride.
