There's growing interest in whether electric cars can make passengers feel more travel sick than traditional petrol and diesel models. There are a few reasons why that might be the case, writes Electric Vehicles Editor Steve Fowler.
The first is the way EVs accelerate and slow down. Electric motors deliver their power instantly, which is one of the things I love about driving them. But that immediate response can mean the car accelerates more sharply than passengers are expecting, especially if the driver has a slightly enthusiastic right foot.
Then there’s regenerative braking. Many EVs allow you to drive using just the accelerator pedal, with the car slowing quite strongly when you lift your foot. It’s wonderfully convenient once you get used to it, but if you’re constantly accelerating and decelerating, the resulting motion can be uncomfortable for passengers.
I’ve noticed this myself when sitting alongside drivers who aren’t particularly smooth with the accelerator. The constant changes in speed can make the car feel a little like a nodding dog, and it’s certainly not the most relaxing way to travel.
There’s another interesting theory, too. Our brains use information from our eyes, ears and inner ears to work out how we’re moving. In a petrol or diesel car, the noise of the engine and changes in engine speed provide additional clues about acceleration and deceleration. EVs are much quieter, so some of those familiar signals are missing. That mismatch between what your body feels and what your brain expects can contribute to motion sickness.
Of course, it doesn’t mean every EV will make you feel ill. Far from it. The smoothness and quietness of electric cars can make them wonderfully relaxing, and I’ve driven plenty that are considerably more comfortable than their petrol equivalents. There are also just as many people who say that their EVs don't make them sick, when their petrol or diesel cars used to.
But, in any case, if sickness is an issue, what can you do about it?
The biggest difference will probably come from the driver. Try accelerating more gently and anticipating when you’ll need to slow down, rather than lifting off the accelerator suddenly. If your EV has adjustable regenerative braking, experiment with a gentler setting. Most electric cars allow you to select different levels of regeneration, while others have a choice between stronger one-pedal driving and more conventional coasting.
You might find that switching to a more relaxed driving mode helps, too. Sport mode can make the accelerator particularly sensitive, which is great fun for the driver but not necessarily for everyone else.
Many modern EVs also give you the option to have some sort of sound that relates to the performance of the car: how quickly you're accelerating or how fast you're actually going, too. Rather than switch them off entirely, try different sound settings if your car has them.
The usual advice for travel sickness still applies, too. Sitting in the front passenger seat, looking ahead at the road rather than down at a phone or tablet, and keeping the cabin well ventilated can all help. If you’re travelling on winding roads, looking towards the horizon can make a difference.
And don’t underestimate the importance of a comfortable ride. Some EVs have rather firm suspension, particularly those with enormous alloy wheels and low-profile tyres. That can exaggerate the sensation of movement over uneven roads, although it’s certainly not a problem exclusive to electric cars.
My advice would be to experiment with the settings and concentrate on driving as smoothly as possible. You may find that simply reducing the strength of the regenerative braking makes a noticeable difference.
And if you’re the driver, remember that just because your EV can accelerate like a sports car, it doesn’t mean you have to demonstrate that ability at every opportunity.
Your passengers will thank you for it – and you’ll probably get a few more miles from every charge, too.
This article originally appeared as an answer to a question in Steve Fowler’s weekly DriveSmart newsletter. Sign up for all the latest car news, reviews and insider tips free in your inbox every Monday
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