When the eyes and inner ear detect different movements, causing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, sweating, headache, and vomiting.
Key Notes:
- Tesla motion sickness results from sensory mismatches during external motion, while vertigo is linked to inner ear or nervous system issues and causes a spinning sensation.
- To reduce Tesla motion sickness, adjust car settings, sit in the front seat, focus on the horizon, open a window, try ginger, or consider medication if needed.
Due to rapid acceleration or deceleration and no engine noise, electric cars like Tesla’s might cause motion sickness. Read this article completely to learn more about the causes and preventions of Tesla motion sickness.
What Causes Tesla Motion Sickness?
Tesla cars are known for their high performance, smooth acceleration, and regenerative braking. However, these features may also contribute to motion sickness in some people. Here are some possible reasons why:
Smooth Acceleration
Tesla cars can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 1.9 seconds (in the upcoming Roadster model).
This rapid acceleration can create a sensation of being pushed back into the seat, which may not match what the eyes see or what the inner ear senses.
Regenerative Braking
Tesla cars use regenerative braking to slow down and recapture energy that would otherwise be wasted as heat. This means that the car decelerates faster than a conventional car when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal.
Regenerative braking can create a sensation of being pulled forward, which may also conflict with the visual and vestibular cues.
Autopilot
Tesla cars have an advanced driver assistance system called Autopilot, which can steer, accelerate, and brake the car automatically under certain conditions.
However, some people may feel uneasy or nauseous when they are not in control of the car or when they do not anticipate the car’s movements.
Windshield Distortion
Some Tesla owners have reported that their windshields have a slight distortion or waviness that can affect their vision. This may also cause eye strain or headache, which can worsen motion sickness.
Lack of Engine Noise in Electric Vehicles (EVs)
The absence of engine noise in electric vehicles (EVs) like Tesla can also contribute to motion sickness. This may be due to the fact that engine noise may notify the body that it is in motion.
Autonomous/Self-Driving Vehicles
EVs such as Tesla are also associated with autonomous driving. With manufacturers predict that autonomous vehicles will be the future of transportation.
In recent research, the Transportation Research Institute at the University of Michigan discovered that autonomous vehicles cause less motion sickness than conventional ones.
This could be due to the fact that autonomous vehicles can anticipate sharp turns and sudden acceleration, resulting in a more comfortable ride.
Read More: Do All Tesla’s Have Autopilot? [Explain]
How to Prevent or Reduce Tesla Motion Sickness?
If you or your passengers suffer from motion sickness in Tesla cars, here are some tips that may help:
Adjust the Settings
You can adjust the acceleration and regenerative braking settings in your Tesla car to make them less aggressive. You can also turn off Autopilot if it makes you uncomfortable.
Sit in the Front Seat
The front seat offers a better view of the road and less motion than the back seat. It also allows you to control the car or communicate with the driver.
Look at the Horizon
Focusing on a fixed point on the horizon can help your brain align your visual and vestibular inputs. Avoid looking at your phone, tablet, or book while in motion.
Open a Window
Fresh air can help you breathe better and reduce nausea. It can also reduce the smell of the car’s interior, which may trigger motion sickness in some people.
Use Ginger
Ginger is a natural remedy that has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness in Tesla. You can consume ginger in various forms, such as tea, candy, capsules, or oil.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Do electric cars cause more car sickness than normal cars?
Electric cars, including Tesla, seem to cause more car sickness than normal due to the combination of regenerative braking and easy speed changes, both upwards and downwards, coupled with the lack of engine noise.
Can switching regenerative braking from “Standard” to “Low” help with motion sickness?
Yes, many people have reported that switching regenerative braking from “Standard” to “Low” can help with motion sickness.
Can you adapt to motion sickness in a Tesla?
Yes, many people have reported that they eventually adapted to motion sickness in a Tesla after driving it for a while and learning how to control the accelerator smoothly.
Is motion sickness more common in the back seat of a Tesla?
Yes, some people have reported that motion sickness is more common in the back seat of a Tesla, possibly due to reduced visibility.
Can Autopilot cause motion sickness in a Tesla?
Some people have reported that Autopilot can cause motion sickness in a Tesla due to its tendency to accelerate and brake harder than a person would manually.
Can changing the tires on a Tesla help with motion sickness?
No, changing the tires on a Tesla is unlikely to help with motion sickness as it is most likely due to the feeling of regenerative braking by the passengers.
Can adjusting your driving style help with motion sickness in a Tesla?
Yes, adjusting your driving style to reduce the number of small accelerations and decelerations can help with motion sickness in a Tesla.
Read More: Turn Off Screen in Tesla Camp Mode: A Complete Guide
