The Smooth Ride of EVs: Why They Can Exacerbate Carsickness in Passengers

Electric vehicles (EVs) can exacerbate motion sickness in passengers due to their relative smoothness and lack of audio and kinetic cues, such as engine noise and vibrations. Studies have linked the silence of EVs, seat vibrations, and low-frequency deceleration to increased motion sickness. EVs' one-pedal driving and quick deceleration without a coasting phase may also contribute to the issue. As EVs become more common, it's possible that motion sickness will become less common due to increased familiarity.

Title: The Impact of Electric Vehicles on Motion Sickness and the Growing Lithium Market

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and technological advancements. However, one unexpected consequence of this shift is the potential exacerbation of motion sickness in passengers. This article explores the connection between EVs and motion sickness, while also highlighting the growing demand for lithium, a critical component in EV batteries.

Motion Sickness and Electric Vehicles

Motion sickness is a common issue for passengers in all types of vehicles, but EVs present unique challenges. The smooth ride and lack of traditional audio and kinetic cues, such as engine noise and vibrations, can make passengers more susceptible to motion sickness. Studies have linked the silence of EVs, seat vibrations, and low-frequency deceleration to increased motion sickness. Additionally, the one-pedal driving and quick deceleration without a coasting phase in EVs may contribute to the issue.

As EVs become more common, it is possible that motion sickness will become less common due to increased familiarity. However, the transition to EVs may require adjustments in vehicle design and passenger comfort features to mitigate these effects.

The Growing Lithium Market

The growing demand for EVs is driving up the need for lithium, a key component in EV batteries. According to a recent report, the lithium market is expected to double by 2030 due to soaring EV demand [1]. This increased demand has led to significant investments in lithium production and processing facilities across North America.

For instance, Mangrove Lithium is scaling up its operations to produce 20,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium yearly, enough to power over 500,000 EVs [2]. Similarly, Stardust Power has broken ground on a $1.2 billion lithium refinery in Oklahoma, which will eventually produce up to 50,000 metric tons per year of battery-grade lithium [3]. These investments highlight the critical role of lithium in the future of the EV industry.

Conclusion

While the rise of electric vehicles presents challenges in terms of passenger comfort, it also offers significant opportunities for the lithium market. As EVs become more prevalent, the demand for lithium will continue to grow, driving investment and innovation in lithium production and processing. However, it is essential for the industry to address the motion sickness issue to ensure a smoother transition to EVs for all passengers.

References

[1] Electrek, "Soaring EV demand pushes lithium market to double by 2030, according to new report," https://electrek.co/2022/08/11/soaring-ev-demand-pushes-lithium-market-to-double-by-2030-according-to-new-report/

[2] Electrek, "Mangrove Lithium is scaling up in a big way to produce more homegrown lithium in North America," https://electrek.co/2024/01/27/mangrove-lithium-is-scaling-up-in-a-big-way-to-produce-more-homegrown-lithium-in-north-america/

[3] Electrek, "A $1.2B battery-grade lithium refinery breaks ground in Oklahoma," https://electrek.co/2025/01/27/a-12b-battery-grade-lithium-refinery-breaks-ground-in-oklahoma/