Phil Bellamy thought he was doing his family a favor when he switched to an electric car for the daily school run. Instead, his teenage daughters now refuse to ride with him unless they take motion sickness tablets first. What should have been a smooth, quiet ride turned into a daily battle with nausea that only happened in his electric vehicle.
Bellamy’s experience isn’t unique. Research shows that people who never had motion sickness problems in conventional cars are developing symptoms when riding in electric vehicles. The issue has become significant enough that families are changing their travel plans and some passengers avoid electric cars entirely.
Atiah Chayne, a content creator from London, discovered this problem during summer Uber rides. She experienced extreme nausea that started within minutes of getting into electric vehicles and stopped immediately after exiting. The pattern was so consistent that she now tries to avoid electric Ubers entirely, though that’s becoming increasingly difficult as more drivers switch to electric vehicles.
The use of regenerative braking can upset passengers’ balance as the decelerations induced by this system are usually low frequency, which is typical of a sickness-inducing motion force. This technology, which captures energy during deceleration and feeds it back to the battery, creates a different braking sensation that can trigger nausea in sensitive passengers.
The causes go beyond braking systems. Electric cars often deliver instantaneous torque, meaning they can accelerate and decelerate rapidly, creating sudden movement changes that confuse the inner ear. Additionally, the lack of traditional engine noise and vibrations removes sensory cues that passengers unconsciously use to anticipate movement changes.
University of Westminster psychology professor John Golding explained that motion sickness primarily affects passengers because they can’t anticipate the vehicle’s movements like drivers can. This problem could worsen with self-driving cars, where even drivers lose control over movement anticipation. Chinese researchers have found that low-frequency deceleration is a prime factor in electric vehicle motion sickness.
Japanese researchers at Nagoya University also discovered that listening to a 100-hertz sound for one minute might help by stimulating parts of the inner ear that detect gravity and acceleration. The automotive industry recognizes this emerging problem and is exploring solutions. Some manufacturers are developing seat vibrations that warn passengers about upcoming turns or stops, helping them anticipate movement changes.
For now, experts recommend practical solutions. Sitting in the front seat provides better visibility and control anticipation. Passengers should avoid looking at phones or reading, keep windows open for fresh air, and consider motion sickness medications before traveling. As electric vehicles become more common, addressing motion sickness concerns will be crucial for passenger comfort and broader EV acceptance among families dealing with this unexpected side effect.
Industry players like Massimo Group (NASDAQ: MAMO) may also have to conduct awareness campaigns to alert motorists about this risk and suggest simple solutions to consider in case someone develops motion sickness while in their vehicle.
About GreenCarStocks
GreenCarStocks (“GCS”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on electric vehicles (“EVs”) and the green energy sector. It is one of 70+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, GCS is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, GCS brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. GCS is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
To receive SMS alerts from GreenCarStocks, text “Green” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.GreenCarStocks.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the GreenCarStocks website applicable to all content provided by GCS, wherever published or re-published: https://www.GreenCarStocks.com/Disclaimer
GreenCarStocks
Los Angeles, CA
www.GreenCarStocks.com
310.299.1717 Office
[email protected]
GreenCarStocks is powered by IBN
