Barriers of shared autonomous mobility revealed

A lack of trust in safety technology and an emotional 'attachment' to car ownership are two key roadblocks to a future of vehicle sharing and self-driving cars.

According to a new study, it could be at least 10 years before autonomous vehicles, and the sharing of them, will become part and parcel of society. This, combined with a perceived lack of prestige in not owning a vehicle, suggests that the majority of today's motorists aren't yet ready for mobility concepts of the future.

The study 'Being Driven: A study on human adoption of autonomous vehicles', by Neckermann Strategic Advisors, in collaboration with 7th Sense Research UK Ltd., finds that humans are today not ready to make a 'double leap' of faith when considering future personal transportation.

With the automotive and tech industries looking toward the greater integration of autonomous technology into mainstream cars, the new survey illustrates the path required for buyers to embrace the concept of self-driving cars. One of the study takeaways highlights that an increased communication of the benefits of AVs is vital to combat the fear of the unknown and inspire the greater level of trust required for widespread end-user acceptance.

The survey revealed that 75% are not comfortable with, or undecided, about future adoption of AVs, along with strong resistance to a future of shared car ownership. Fergus McVey, 7th Sense Research UK CEO, said: "The prospect of shared ownership – giving up what's often seen as a mechanical member of extended family – and a skewed perception of what AV technology offers, is too much for a large majority of the UK to consider in one step. The industry needs to communicate the message that AVs are being developed to make your life better, not more complicated, less flexible or to jeopardise any sense of freedom."

Lukas Neckermann, managing director of Neckermann Strategic Advisors and co-author of the study said: "Consumers need to be inspired by the benefits of AVs instead of being flummoxed by the technology. The promise of enhanced journey safety, convenience and dependability is much more compelling than endless discussions on the trolley-problem and number of miles driven in autonomous mode."

The study also shows that 60% of respondents would favour a private use, private ownership model as being the most appealing way of accessing autonomous transport. This is at odds with the previous industry assumption that shared ownership would form the core of future mobility.

7th Sense was commissioned to survey more than 3,000 UK residents, using a survey compiled to create data that could be analysed to reveal societal expectations for future mobility. The Neckermann study complemented the survey with extensive global research and interviews with governing bodies, vehicle manufacturers and autonomous vehicle technologists, among others.