Electric Vehicles and the Worsening of Motion Sickness: A Scientific Perspective
A recent article published on Presse-Citron, titled “La science explique pourquoi les voitures électriques accentuent le mal des transports” (Science Explains Why Electric Cars Worsen Motion Sickness), sheds light on a potentially counterintuitive but scientifically grounded phenomenon: the tendency for electric vehicles (EVs) to exacerbate motion sickness for some passengers. The article, published on July 6th, 2025, at 16:04, delves into the underlying sensory discrepancies that can contribute to this discomfort.
While the widespread adoption of electric vehicles is celebrated for its environmental benefits and technological advancements, this new research suggests a nuanced aspect of the EV driving experience. Motion sickness, or kinetosis, is primarily caused by a conflict between what our eyes perceive and what our inner ear’s vestibular system detects. Our brains expect a certain amount of motion based on visual cues. When there’s a mismatch – for instance, when our eyes see a stable interior while our body feels acceleration or deceleration – the brain can become confused, leading to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and sweating.
The Presse-Citron article highlights that the unique characteristics of electric powertrains, particularly their silent operation and immediate torque delivery, can play a significant role in this sensory disconnect. Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs often lack the audible engine noise and vibrations that passengers have become accustomed to, which can serve as subtle cues about the car’s acceleration and deceleration. This absence of familiar auditory and haptic feedback means that passengers might not anticipate the vehicle’s movements as readily.
Furthermore, the instantaneous torque provided by electric motors allows for rapid acceleration and deceleration. While often a desirable feature for drivers, these smooth yet powerful changes in speed can be more pronounced and less predictable to passengers compared to the often more gradual and sometimes jerky acceleration of ICE vehicles. This heightened responsiveness, without the accompanying sensory cues, can amplify the sensory conflict described earlier.
The article suggests that in traditional cars, the gradual build-up of engine noise and vibrations might subconsciously prepare passengers for an increase in speed. Conversely, the braking in ICE cars often involves engine braking and a noticeable downshift, providing further sensory input. In EVs, the regenerative braking system, while efficient, can also contribute to this phenomenon. When a driver lifts their foot off the accelerator, the vehicle begins to slow down automatically, a process that might feel more abrupt to some passengers than the coasting or conventional braking they are used to.
The Presse-Citron piece emphasizes that this issue is not universal and depends on individual susceptibility to motion sickness, as well as driving style and vehicle calibration. However, it offers a valuable scientific explanation for anecdotal reports and concerns raised by some EV owners and passengers.
While the article doesn’t propose immediate solutions, it underscores the importance of understanding these subtle sensory interactions. As EV technology continues to evolve, manufacturers may explore ways to mitigate these effects, perhaps through adjustable acceleration profiles, enhanced haptic feedback systems, or even subtle auditory cues that help synchronize sensory input for passengers.
In conclusion, the Presse-Citron article provides a fascinating scientific insight into how the inherent characteristics of electric vehicles, specifically their quiet operation and immediate torque, can inadvertently contribute to an increase in motion sickness for some individuals. This research adds another layer of consideration to the ongoing transition towards electric mobility, reminding us that even seemingly minor sensory differences can have a tangible impact on passenger comfort.
La science explique pourquoi les voitures électriques accentuent le mal des transports
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Presse-Citron published ‘La science explique pourquoi les voitures électriques accentuent le mal des transports’ at 2025-07-06 16:04. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.