A TikTok post by Julia Rose on 1/12/2024 highlighted a common issue: experiencing motion sickness in the back seat of an electric vehicle. Rose's post, which included an image of her looking unwell, quickly garnered widespread sympathy, with many users confirming similar personal experiences and offering advice.

One user recounted a memorable 21st birthday experience, traveling home in a Tesla after a night out. They expressed gratitude for the driver, who had thoughtfully prepared sick bags, underscoring the severity of their discomfort.

The woman appears unwell in the back seat of an electric car. Photo: Julia Rose

Another person, 24, shared the embarrassment of adult motion sickness. Their coping strategy involves controlled breathing through the nose and focusing on a distant object to alleviate symptoms.

Emerging research indicates that electric vehicles (EVs) and self-driving cars may increase the likelihood of motion sickness, particularly for passengers in the rear seats. This phenomenon is attributed to several factors unique to these advanced vehicles.

A primary factor in EVs is their remarkably smooth acceleration and the absence of traditional sensory cues. Unlike conventional internal combustion engines, EVs lack engine noise, vibrations, or discernible gear shifts. These familiar signals typically help the brain anticipate vehicle movements. Without them, the brain experiences a sensory mismatch, which is a significant trigger for motion sickness.

This issue is often exacerbated in self-driving cars, where vehicle movements can become less predictable due to the absence of a human driver. The inherent uncertainty in autonomous driving further intensifies sensory conflict, thereby increasing the risk of motion sickness among passengers.

Fortunately, several recommended measures can help mitigate motion sickness, many of which are surprisingly simple to implement.

Customers experience a self-driving car service in the US. Photo: Verge

Firstly, opting for the front passenger seat often proves more effective in preventing motion sickness. When passengers have a clear view of the outside environment, their brain receives better visual signals that align with vestibular cues, reducing the risk of sensory conflict and nausea.

If sitting in the back seat is unavoidable, it is advisable to limit visually intensive activities such as reading or using a phone. These activities force the eyes to focus on a static object while the body perceives motion, a classic trigger for motion sickness.

Additionally, specific preventive measures are available depending on the vehicle type. For instance, some electric vehicles offer gentler self-driving modes, and drivers can adjust braking or acceleration settings to create a smoother ride.

My Anh (according to InsideEVs)