Electric Vehicles May Cause Increased Motion Sickness

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 5, 2026

Experts and user reports suggest that electric vehicles may cause increased motion sickness due to their quieter and smoother operation, which disrupts passengers' sensory cues. As EVs become more common, further research is needed to understand this phenomenon and improve passenger comfort.

Electric vehicles (EVs) may contribute to increased instances of motion sickness among passengers, according to experts and new user reports. Some drivers have observed that children and other family members experience greater discomfort compared to rides in traditional petrol or diesel cars.

One suggested explanation centers on the quieter operation of EVs, which provide fewer auditory cues to passengers indicating upcoming acceleration or braking. Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles, which produce engine noise and vibrations that help the brain anticipate movement, EVs often accelerate and decelerate more smoothly and silently. This absence of familiar sensory signals can disrupt passengers’ perception of motion.

William Emond, a specialist in motion sickness at the Université de Technologie de Belfort-Montbéliard in France, attributed the issue to a lack of familiarity with EVs. “If we are accustomed to travelling in non-EVs, we are used to understanding the car’s motion based on signals such as engine revs, engine vibrations, torque, etc. Traveling in an EV for the first time is a new motion environment for the brain, which needs adaptation,” he explained.

Neurologist Dr. Nicholas Hac from Northwestern Medicine in Chicago noted an increasing number of referrals related to motion sickness linked to EV use, averaging two cases per month. This clinical observation aligns with findings from a 2025 study conducted in Hong Kong involving over 600 participants, which reported that EVs induced more severe motion sickness symptoms compared to conventional fuel-powered vehicles.

Despite these reports and studies, definitive scientific consensus remains elusive. There are currently no comprehensive studies conclusively proving that EVs inherently cause more motion sickness. Representatives from EVA England, an organization representing EV drivers, stated that the issue had “never come up as an issue” within their membership.

As electric vehicles continue to gain market share worldwide, further research may be needed to understand how their unique driving characteristics affect passenger comfort and to develop strategies for mitigating symptoms of motion sickness.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.