As their popularity increases, avoiding electric vehicles can be a challenge - the number of new zero-emission cars registered in the UK rose by 40.5% in April to June 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, latest Department for Transport figures show.

At the end of June 2026, 5.8% of all licensed cars on UK roads were zero-emission vehicles, the data shows. The sale of new purely petrol or diesel cars is set to be banned from 2030. [...] Dr Bill Yates, who has researched motion sickness at the University of Pittsburgh, says the body of research is "pretty sketchy at this point".

"There's some anecdotal information, but not a lot of really serious, extensive studies done yet," he says.

'Wonderful to drive... but my daughter gets unwell'

When Mark Quigg was looking at options for a new car last year, an electric vehicle seemed like the best choice because of the lower running costs. [...] Matt Adams from BEAMA, which represents UK manufacturers of electric vehicle charge points, says he's confident that "if future research identifies the reason for car sickness that vehicle manufacturers can respond and improve accordingly".

But for Lola, she just wants her boyfriend to trade in his car. She says that day can't come soon enough.

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[BBC]