In a world of constant technological evolution, it is essential to understand public opinion on advances and anticipate their future acceptance. What is society's perception of the autonomous, connected and shared vehicle? Do industry experts trust him?
To find out the opinion on this innovative form of mobility, a survey has been carried out within the framework of research promoted by the Repsol Foundation Energy Transition Chair, at the Polytechnic University of Madrid.
The survey was disseminated in various areas to capture different perceptions. 238 people participated (60% men and 40% women), of whom 47% can be considered experts in the automotive sector.
Regarding the age range, the participants are between 18 and 70 years old, with a majority concentrated in the range of 40 to 60 years old. Most of the respondents have had a driver's license for more than 10 years. The most commonly used mode of transportation is the private vehicle.
In relation to the autonomous vehicle, it is relevant to highlight the low confidence in this technology, despite numerous studies that ensure that it could reduce the number of accidents.
Only 40% of respondents said they would be willing to purchase an autonomous vehicle in the future, and more than 80% expressed a desire to try it out before making a decision.
However, 50% of respondents expect this technology to reduce the risk of accidents and 60% expect it to reduce the stress of driving.
The perceived usefulness of the autonomous vehicle is mainly reflected in social inclusion, since 70% of respondents affirm that its use can facilitate transportation for a large number of people, such as the elderly, people with reduced mobility or without a driving license.
In this way, 79% of those surveyed recognize the usefulness of the autonomous vehicle for long trips and for inexperienced drivers or in non-optimal conditions, although this usefulness is not perceived the same in scenarios such as unknown areas or in adverse weather conditions.
The data reveals that almost 60% of respondents consider stress reduction and environmental benefits, such as lower consumption and emissions, to be the main reasons for using autonomous vehicles.
However, when asked what they considered the most relevant factor, around 20% of respondents valued security, trust and efficient use of time most, with the rest of the factors being a minority.
On the contrary, the reasons why respondents would choose not to use the autonomous vehicle present a clearer trend. The high price is the main drawback mentioned, followed by a lack of confidence in the vehicle's actions, loss of control and concern about possible attacks from cybercriminals.
Regarding the connected vehicle, it stands out that only 56% of those surveyed recognize that it provides valuable information and services for the user and 74% for traffic, and only 16% are willing to pay more for having connectivity services. .
Additionally, there is additional concern about privacy risks.
Regarding shared vehicles, respondents show a partial willingness to use it, since only 24% are willing to change their habits of using private transportation.
This resistance does not seem to be related to the social status associated with the private vehicle, but rather to other factors such as comfort, flexibility and the perception of safety.
The survey reveals that 76% of respondents would be willing to use the car-sharing service by renting it for a specific trip, but less than 50% are willing to share rides with other users.
Among the reasons why respondents would choose not to use the shared vehicle, the lack of availability stands out.
Among the group of experts linked to the automotive field, legal and regulatory aspects are identified as the main barriers to the use of autonomous vehicles, followed by economic ones due to the high cost associated with the implementation of the necessary technologies both in infrastructure and in vehicles.
In relation to shared vehicles, most experts assure that the main barriers to use are social in nature, with their implementation being more likely in urban environments than in interurban ones.
The survey results highlight the importance of addressing legal, economic and social challenges to the successful adoption and use of these forms of mobility in the future.
The survey makes visible the notable disparity of opinions between experts and non-experts regarding the implementation of the autonomous, connected and shared vehicle.
It is observed that 65% of experts consider that there are more advantages than disadvantages in the use of autonomous vehicles, 79% in the use of connected vehicles and 65% in the use of shared vehicles, while among non-experts only 35% share this opinion regarding the autonomous vehicle, 33% regarding the connected vehicle and 45% regarding the shared vehicle.
This difference in perception highlights the importance of considering different perspectives and knowledge when evaluating the potential impact and implications of these emerging technologies on mobility.
It seems essential to promote greater information among the general public, in order to promote an adequate implementation of these forms of mobility in the future, overcoming current barriers.
This article was originally published on The Conversation.
Felipe Jiménez Alonso is a University Professor in the area of vehicles and transportation and Director of the Intelligent Systems Unit of INSIA, Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM). Nuria Herrero García is a researcher associated with the Chair of Transport, Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM).
