Urdu Report Desk
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular around the world, but for some passengers, traveling in them can come with an unexpected problem: nausea, dizziness, sweating and other symptoms associated with motion sickness.
Not everyone experiences this reaction. Some people may actually experience less motion sickness in an electric vehicle than in a conventional car. Experts say, however, that symptoms can be more noticeable or severe for certain passengers.
Research into the issue is still at an early stage, so experts do not conclude that electric vehicles necessarily cause motion sickness. Several possible factors may help explain why some passengers experience it.
Conflicting Signals in the Body
Experts say motion sickness can occur when the body receives conflicting signals about movement from different sensory systems.
Three main sources help the body detect movement: the eyes, the balance system in the inner ear, and sensory signals from different parts of the body.
For example, when a vehicle is moving but a passenger is looking at a mobile phone screen, the eyes may not perceive the movement that the body and inner ear are detecting. This mismatch can trigger nausea and dizziness in some people.
Why Electric Vehicles May Feel Different
Electric vehicles generally produce less engine noise and fewer of the vibrations associated with conventional vehicles. People have become accustomed to associating a vehicle’s movement with its sound and vibrations.
With fewer of these signals in an electric vehicle, a difference can arise between the information received by the eyes, inner ear and body, potentially contributing to motion sickness in some passengers.
Another possible factor is regenerative braking. When the driver takes their foot off the accelerator, the vehicle’s motor can operate as a generator, slowing the vehicle while returning energy to the battery.
If the vehicle slows down suddenly, passengers may feel a slight forward-and-backward movement, which could intensify nausea in some people.
Acceleration May Also Play a Role
Electric vehicles can also accelerate and decelerate relatively quickly compared with conventional vehicles. Sudden acceleration or changes in speed may increase motion sickness in people who are particularly sensitive to movement.
Experts stress, however, that driving style can also play an important role, and the vehicle itself may not necessarily be the sole cause of the problem.
Women and Children May Be More Susceptible
Some people are naturally more prone to motion sickness, and genetic factors may also play a role.
Experts say women and children are relatively more likely to experience the condition. Among children, motion sickness is generally more common between the ages of 8 and 10, after which it may decrease over time and with greater travel experience.
However, not everyone who travels in an electric vehicle experiences motion sickness. Many passengers feel completely normal, while some may even experience fewer symptoms compared with conventional vehicles.
Ways to Reduce Motion Sickness
Several simple measures may help reduce motion sickness during a journey.
Passengers can look ahead in the direction of travel and avoid using a mobile phone or reading a book. Sitting in the front seat may also help. If sitting in the back is necessary, the middle seat can be preferable because it provides a clearer view of the road ahead.
Keeping the head against the headrest and limiting unnecessary head movement may also help. Opening a window to allow fresh air in can reduce nausea for some people, while calm and steady breathing may also be beneficial.
Before a long journey, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and avoiding very fatty food may help reduce the likelihood or severity of symptoms.
Motion sickness medicines can also be used when necessary, but some may cause drowsiness. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using them.
Can the Body Adapt Over Time?
Experts say repeated travel can reduce motion sickness in some people as the body gradually adapts to a new pattern of movement.
Therefore, someone who initially experiences nausea in an electric vehicle may not necessarily continue to experience the problem permanently. The body can become accustomed to the new travel experience over time.
Future Vehicle Technology Could Help
Experts say future electric vehicle technology could potentially incorporate changes designed to reduce the likelihood of motion sickness.
Possible measures include using software to make sudden acceleration smoother, providing passengers with audio or subtle seat vibrations to signal vehicle movement, and adjusting regenerative braking so that the vehicle does not slow down too abruptly.
Some electric vehicles already allow drivers to turn regenerative braking off or adjust its intensity.
More Research Is Needed
Experts currently emphasize that more research is needed to understand the relationship between electric vehicles and motion sickness.
Available evidence is not yet extensive enough to conclude that electric vehicles cause more motion sickness than conventional cars. The experience can vary from person to person and may also depend on factors such as driving style and sensitivity to motion.
