Are EVs Making You Sick? Scientists Finally Reveal the Surprising Reason Why
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Electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage these days—sleek, silent, and supposedly the future of motoring. But if you’ve ever hopped into one of these high-tech wonders and found yourself feeling a bit green around the gills, you’re not alone. In fact, there’s a growing chorus of Aussies (and drivers worldwide) who are discovering that EVs can make you more carsick than the old petrol guzzlers we grew up with. So, what’s really going on here? Is it all in your head, or is there some science behind that queasy feeling?
Let’s buckle up and take a closer look at why EVs might be turning your stomach—and what you can do about it.
Why Do EVs Make Some People Carsick?
It turns out, there are some very real, very scientific reasons why you might feel more motion sickness in an electric vehicle compared to a traditional car. Researchers have been digging into this phenomenon, and the answers are more fascinating than you might expect.
1. The Sound of Silence: Your Brain Misses the Engine Noise
Most of us learned to drive in petrol or diesel cars, where the rumble of the engine and the vibration of the chassis are as familiar as the smell of hot chips at the servo. These sensory cues—especially the sound of the engine revving—help our brains anticipate what the car is about to do. When you press the accelerator and hear the engine roar, your brain gets a heads-up that you’re about to speed up.
But in an EV, things are eerily quiet. There’s no engine noise, just a faint hum (if that). According to a 2020 study published in *Applied Ergonomics*, this lack of auditory feedback can throw your brain for a loop. Without those familiar sounds, it’s harder for your brain to predict the car’s movements, which can lead to a mismatch between what you expect and what actually happens—one of the main triggers for motion sickness.
As William Emond, a PhD student studying motion sickness in France, puts it: ‘Travelling in an EV for the first time is a new motion environment for the brain, which needs adaptation.’ In other words, your brain is used to certain signals, and when they’re missing, it can get confused.
2. Regenerative Braking: The Sneaky Culprit
Another big difference with EVs is regenerative braking. For those not in the know, this is a clever system where the car recaptures energy when you slow down, feeding it back into the battery. It’s great for efficiency, but it can be a bit of a shock to the system, especially if you’re used to the gentle, predictable braking of a petrol car.
Many EVs have a ‘one-pedal’ mode, where simply lifting your foot off the accelerator causes the car to slow down quite dramatically. If you’re not expecting it, this sudden deceleration can throw off your balance and make your stomach do somersaults. Again, it’s all about that ‘neural mismatch’—your brain thinks one thing is about to happen, but your body experiences something else.
If this conflict goes on for too long, it can trigger the classic symptoms of motion sickness: nausea, dizziness, and that general feeling of ‘I need to get out of this car, pronto.’
3. The EV Boom: Why More Aussies Are Feeling It
Australia’s car market is changing faster than you can say ‘BYD’ or ‘Tesla’. With more affordable EVs hitting our shores—especially from Chinese brands like BYD, Chery, and GWM—more of us are making the switch. According to Carsales.com.au, hybrid and electric vehicles made up just 8% of new car sales in 2021, but that’s expected to jump to a whopping 25% by the end of 2025.
That means more Aussies are getting their first taste of EV driving—and, for some, their first taste of EV-induced queasiness.
What Can You Do About EV Motion Sickness?
If you’re keen to join the electric revolution but worried about feeling crook, don’t despair. Here are a few tips to help your brain and body adjust:
The Future of Driving: Will We All Get Used to It?
As EVs become more common, carmakers are likely to refine their designs to make the ride smoother and more intuitive. Some are already experimenting with artificial engine sounds or haptic feedback to help bridge the sensory gap. And as more of us make the switch, our brains will gradually adapt to the new normal.
Have you ever felt carsick in an electric vehicle? Do you have any tips for beating motion sickness on the road? Or are you still happily cruising in your trusty petrol car? We’d love to hear your stories and advice—share your thoughts in the comments below!
Read more: Range anxiety–or charger drama? Australians are buying hybrid cars because they don’t trust public chargers
Why Do EVs Make Some People Carsick?
It turns out, there are some very real, very scientific reasons why you might feel more motion sickness in an electric vehicle compared to a traditional car. Researchers have been digging into this phenomenon, and the answers are more fascinating than you might expect.
Many electric vehicle drivers have reported increased car sickness due to the absence of engine sounds and vibrations. Credit: nicoletaionescu / iStock
1. The Sound of Silence: Your Brain Misses the Engine Noise
Most of us learned to drive in petrol or diesel cars, where the rumble of the engine and the vibration of the chassis are as familiar as the smell of hot chips at the servo. These sensory cues—especially the sound of the engine revving—help our brains anticipate what the car is about to do. When you press the accelerator and hear the engine roar, your brain gets a heads-up that you’re about to speed up.
But in an EV, things are eerily quiet. There’s no engine noise, just a faint hum (if that). According to a 2020 study published in *Applied Ergonomics*, this lack of auditory feedback can throw your brain for a loop. Without those familiar sounds, it’s harder for your brain to predict the car’s movements, which can lead to a mismatch between what you expect and what actually happens—one of the main triggers for motion sickness.
As William Emond, a PhD student studying motion sickness in France, puts it: ‘Travelling in an EV for the first time is a new motion environment for the brain, which needs adaptation.’ In other words, your brain is used to certain signals, and when they’re missing, it can get confused.
2. Regenerative Braking: The Sneaky Culprit
Another big difference with EVs is regenerative braking. For those not in the know, this is a clever system where the car recaptures energy when you slow down, feeding it back into the battery. It’s great for efficiency, but it can be a bit of a shock to the system, especially if you’re used to the gentle, predictable braking of a petrol car.
Many EVs have a ‘one-pedal’ mode, where simply lifting your foot off the accelerator causes the car to slow down quite dramatically. If you’re not expecting it, this sudden deceleration can throw off your balance and make your stomach do somersaults. Again, it’s all about that ‘neural mismatch’—your brain thinks one thing is about to happen, but your body experiences something else.
If this conflict goes on for too long, it can trigger the classic symptoms of motion sickness: nausea, dizziness, and that general feeling of ‘I need to get out of this car, pronto.’
Australia’s car market is changing faster than you can say ‘BYD’ or ‘Tesla’. With more affordable EVs hitting our shores—especially from Chinese brands like BYD, Chery, and GWM—more of us are making the switch. According to Carsales.com.au, hybrid and electric vehicles made up just 8% of new car sales in 2021, but that’s expected to jump to a whopping 25% by the end of 2025.
That means more Aussies are getting their first taste of EV driving—and, for some, their first taste of EV-induced queasiness.
What Can You Do About EV Motion Sickness?
If you’re keen to join the electric revolution but worried about feeling crook, don’t despair. Here are a few tips to help your brain and body adjust:
- Give it time: Like any new experience, your brain will adapt. The more you drive (or ride in) EVs, the more your senses will get used to the new cues.
- Ask about adjustable settings: Some EVs let you tweak the level of regenerative braking. If you find the default setting too abrupt, see if you can dial it down for a smoother ride.
- Focus on the road: Looking out the front window and keeping your eyes on the horizon can help your brain sync up with the car’s movements.
- Fresh air helps: Crack a window or turn on the air con—good ventilation can make a big difference.
- Take breaks: If you’re on a long trip, stop for a stretch and a cuppa. Sometimes a quick break is all you need to reset.
As EVs become more common, carmakers are likely to refine their designs to make the ride smoother and more intuitive. Some are already experimenting with artificial engine sounds or haptic feedback to help bridge the sensory gap. And as more of us make the switch, our brains will gradually adapt to the new normal.
Read more: Range anxiety–or charger drama? Australians are buying hybrid cars because they don’t trust public chargers
