As electric vehicles gain traction globally, there’s a surprising twist: these cars might make some drivers feel more nauseous compared to traditional gas-powered ones.
If you’ve felt a bit queasy in an electric car, relax—you’re not alone. There’s a scientific basis for this phenomenon.
Limited Familiarity
While EVs are on the rise, most of us have learned to drive in cars with internal combustion engines. This leads to certain expectations.
According to a study published in 2020 in Applied Ergonomics, the absence of engine noise might play a significant role in motion sickness. Predicting movement can help mitigate feelings of nausea, as the study suggests.
For instance, when you press the accelerator in a traditional car, your brain anticipates a surge in speed due to the accompanying engine sounds.
In contrast, electric vehicles often produce little to no sound, making it tricky for your brain to gauge how fast you’re going.
“If we’re accustomed to gas vehicles, we interpret a car’s movement through various signals like engine noise, vibrations, and torque,” explains William Emond, a student at a French technical school. “Driving an EV for the first time presents a completely new set of cues for the brain to process.”
Regenerative Braking
The regenerative braking system in EVs can also contribute to feelings of nausea. This system recovers kinetic energy when braking, returning it to the battery.
Drivers accustomed to traditional braking might find that the regenerative braking experiences a stark contrast, especially if they’ve set the vehicle to maximum regeneration. Simply releasing the accelerator can lead to a rapid deceleration, which might cause discomfort.
For some, this sudden change can feel jarring, disrupting their sense of balance.
Emond elaborates, “Understanding how we move helps us predict our coordination. But when what we expect differs from reality, it creates a type of conflict in our brains.”
This ongoing discrepancy can potentially trigger the symptoms associated with motion sickness.
On another note, the Australian automotive landscape is undergoing significant transformation—with some experts dubbing it one of the most significant changes in history.
Chinese automakers have begun to make an impact in the Australian market, leading to competitive pricing from brands like BYD and GWM.
According to Lossbooth from carsales.com.au Data Services, much of the growth in the automotive sector is attributed to electric and hybrid models.
He notes, “We’re noticing a clear trend toward more fuel-efficient options, with increasing interest in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles.”
Sales of hybrid and electric cars, which only made up 8% of new vehicles in 2021, are projected to rise to 25% by the end of 2025.
