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Some electric vehicle (EV) drivers and passengers report experiencing nausea during rides, often attributed to the unique driving dynamics of regenerative braking and fast acceleration. It is more common for riders to experience nausea if the driver is new to EVs and has not mastered smooth driving techniques.
Understanding the Cause:
Regenerative braking allows EVs to recapture energy during deceleration, which can lead to a driving experience characterized by frequent acceleration and deceleration. For those unaccustomed to this, the sensation can be unsettling or cause car sickness.
As one EV owner noted, their spouse experienced nausea due to the repeated acceleration and deceleration from regenerative braking and one-pedal driving. They found that adjusting driving techniques and settings helped alleviate the issue.
Mitigation Strategies:
1. Adjust Regenerative Braking Settings:
Many EVs offer adjustable regenerative braking levels. Setting it to a lower level can reduce the intensity of deceleration, providing a smoother ride. This adjustment allows the vehicle to coast more like a traditional gas-powered car, which can be more comfortable for passengers prone to motion sickness.
2. Practice Smooth Driving Techniques:
With experience, drivers can learn to modulate the accelerator to counteract the baseline deceleration from regenerative braking. By applying consistent acceleration, drivers can achieve a steadier speed, minimizing the stop-and-go effect that may cause discomfort.
3. Use One-Pedal Driving Wisely:
One-pedal driving, where lifting off the accelerator initiates braking, can be convenient but may contribute to motion sickness if not used smoothly. Gradually easing off the pedal rather than abruptly releasing it can help maintain a more comfortable ride.
Finally, those who are susceptible to motion related nausea often do better sitting in the front passenger seat, or even driving.
As a driver, it's important to spend time getting accustomed to the specific regenerative braking characteristics of your EV . This can help develop a driving style that minimizes passenger discomfort.
