Electric vehicles reduce stress for drivers, says new brain monitoring study
May. 15th 2018 9:39 am ET @FredericLambert
... The quieter driving environment of an electrically driven vehicle can have significant mental health benefits, according to a new brain monitoring study.
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They claim that the results indicate that drivers are more focused, calmer, and happier when driving the electric version of the taxi:
More focused than when driving the diesel vehicle
Higher levels of beta brain wave activity were recorded by drivers in the electric vehicle, which indicates higher levels of active concentration. In short, while driving the electric taxi, drivers were freed up get on with driving
This was particularly noticeable when vehicles are waiting at traffic lights – a common situation for the London cabbie
Calmer than when driving the diesel vehicle
Heart rate was consistently less variable in the electric taxi than the diesel taxi, indicating greater mental calmness
The electric taxi was a less noisy working environment for the drivers with around 5dB less overall amplitude, and an increased dynamic range in comparison to recordings from the diesel taxi.
Happier than when driving the diesel vehicle
Additional driver survey data showed that the largest improvement over the diesel taxi reported by the drivers was increased happiness
This was followed by reduced stress and less distraction in the electric taxi
Electrek’s Take
... I personally do feel more relaxed in electric vehicles, and especially in my Model S. The quieter ride and smoother instant acceleration feedback likely have something to do with it, but I also think that the thought that I am not burning gas makes me feel a lot better.
Whenever I can smell the exhaust from another vehicle, I’m reminded that my vehicle is fueled by hydroelectricity and that’s a good thought. I am no psychologist, but I think the more good thoughts you have throughout the day, the less stress you will experience...