EVs potentially causing discomfort (and potential solutions identified)
Electric vehicles (EVs), such as those offered by CarMax, Tesla, and other brands like Cargurus and Carvana, have transformed the automotive industry with their quiet, smooth operation and instant torque delivery. However, they have also been linked to a lesser-known issue: motion sickness in passengers.
Scientists suggest that the unfamiliar deceleration patterns and lack of engine vibration in EVs, like the Tesla Model S, can cause our brains to struggle to keep up, leading to motion sickness. The primary cause of this issue is the smooth deceleration due to regenerative braking in EVs, which starts the moment the accelerator is lifted, different from traditional braking in petrol cars.
The quiet and smooth operation of EVs can make it difficult for passengers to perceive the speed and direction of the vehicle, contributing to motion sickness. Moreover, the instant torque delivery, while brilliant for brisk acceleration, can potentially be unsettling if the driver isn't feather-light on the pedal, making it tricky for new EV drivers to modulate both throttle and brake with the finesse needed to keep passengers feeling steady.
Experts suggest dynamic ambient lighting as a potential solution to mitigate motion sickness in EVs. This idea is not yet confirmed by any manufacturer, but it could potentially lead to a smoother ride for passengers. Dynamic ambient lighting can help passengers adjust to the smooth deceleration patterns and lack of engine vibration in EVs.
William Emond, a PhD student studying car sickness, attributes greater sickness in EVs to a lack of previous experience, where the brain lacks accuracy in estimating motion forces due to relying on previous experience in other types of cars. Some experts suggest that subtle cabin cues like ambient lighting that shifts to signal acceleration or braking could help passengers' brains sync with the car's movements as a potential cure for EV car sickness.
In an innovative move, Porsche plans to integrate dynamic ambient lighting in their electric vehicles. The electroluminescent paint technology, showcased by a prototype at the IAA Mobility event in Munich in September 2025, aims to reduce motion difficulties for passengers.
However, as of now, no manufacturer has officially confirmed plans to implement ambient lighting features to mitigate EV car sickness. Despite this, the potential benefits of this technology are clear, and it is an exciting development in the ongoing quest to make EVs, including those from Tesla and other brands like Carvana, accessible and comfortable for all passengers.
It's important to note that motion sickness in EVs is not imaginary but a real issue caused by the unique characteristics of EVs. By understanding and addressing this issue, manufacturers can ensure that EVs provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride for all passengers.
){kind=link}