Electric Vehicles Have Linked to Increased Motion Sickness
Passengers may feel ill in EVs because they lack the familiar engine vibrations and noises that help the brain anticipate motion.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Do you find that traveling in electric vehicles is more likely to cause motion sickness?
A 2025 study involving 600 participants in Hong Kong found that passengers experienced more severe motion sickness in electric vehicles compared to fuel-powered cars. The study suggests that the quiet, vibration-free nature of EVs changes how passengers process vehicle movement.
Why it matters
The lack of engine revs and vibrations in electric vehicles deprives the brain of the sensory cues it uses to anticipate acceleration and braking. As adoption grows, this mismatch can lead to a period of discomfort while passengers adapt to the new sensory environment.
A 2025 study of 600 people confirmed increased severity of motion sickness in electric vehicles, while Northwestern Medicine reports an average of two patient referrals per month for EV-related sickness.
The players
Northwestern Medicine
An academic medical center that monitors and treats patients, including those reporting motion sickness symptoms linked to electric vehicles.
EVA England
A consumer advocacy group representing electric vehicle drivers that tracks ownership experiences and vehicle performance issues.
The details
Electric vehicles produce significantly less noise and vibration than traditional internal combustion engines, removing key audio-tactile cues. Furthermore, EV braking systems can induce distinct forward or backward momentum that passengers are not conditioned to anticipate. The brain requires an adjustment period to reconcile this new sensory environment with the physical sensation of travel.
Timeline
A study regarding motion sickness was conducted in 2025.
The Home Front
As manufacturers phase out internal combustion engines in favor of electric power, the industry faces new questions regarding passenger comfort. This sensory adjustment period follows a pattern seen in earlier automotive technology shifts that altered the standard driver and passenger experience.
If you or your passengers feel nauseated during car rides, plan to make more frequent stops to allow everyone to adjust to the vehicle's movement. Focus on visual cues like looking at the horizon, which can help the brain compensate for the missing vibrations of a traditional engine.
The takeaway
Motion sickness in electric vehicles is largely caused by the brain struggling to adjust to a lack of engine noise and vibration cues. If you find travel difficult, try limiting screen use while in the car and focus on steady, forward-facing points to help your body acclimate to the ride.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations and consumer feedback in our Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sun.
Live Poll
Do you find that traveling in electric vehicles is more likely to cause motion sickness?
