A silent revolution on UK roads is facing an unexpected bump: a sharp rise in complaints of severe nausea and car sickness among passengers travelling in electric vehicles (EVs). What was meant to be a smoother, quieter ride is for some becoming a journey of discomfort, prompting urgent research into this modern motoring malady.
The Science Behind the Queasiness
The culprit isn't the electric motor itself, but a perfect storm of factors unique to EVs. The immediate and powerful acceleration, combined with near-silent operation and the frequent use of regenerative braking—which slows the car without the familiar feel of a brake pedal—creates a sensory mismatch. This confuses the brain's vestibular system, a key player in balance and spatial orientation, leading to waves of nausea.
"It's a disconnect between what your body feels and what your eyes see," explains a leading automotive ergonomist. "In a traditional car, the noise and vibration prepare your body for movement. EVs remove those cues."
Who is Most at Risk?
While anyone can be affected, experts note that passengers, particularly those in the back seat who are often looking at screens or reading, are most vulnerable. This poses a significant challenge for families, where children on longer journeys are increasingly susceptible.
The Tech and Design Race for a Cure
The automotive industry is not ignoring the issue. Carmakers are in a fierce competition to engineer solutions that retain the benefits of EVs while eliminating the sickness. Innovations being explored and implemented include:
- Adaptable Regenerative Braking: Allowing drivers to adjust the intensity of the braking effect for a smoother deceleration.
- Advanced Suspension Systems: Utilising predictive camera technology to read the road ahead and adjust the suspension to minimise pitch and sway.
- Audio Engineering: Introducing artificial, tailored engine sounds that provide auditory cues for acceleration and braking.
- Haptic Feedback Seats: Developing seats that provide subtle vibrations to warn occupants of upcoming changes in speed or direction.
A Temporary Hiccup on the Road to Net Zero
Despite this challenge, the shift to electric transport remains a critical pillar of the UK's net-zero strategy. The consensus among experts is that 'EV sickness' is a teething problem—a byproduct of rapid technological change that engineers are swiftly learning to solve. For now, drivers are advised to use a smoother driving style and ensure passengers have a clear view of the road ahead to help their brains predict the vehicle's movement.
The journey to an all-electric future may require a few more stops for fresh air, but the destination of cleaner, smarter transport is firmly in sight.
