To Share or to Own? Understanding the Willingness to Adopt Shared and Owned Electric Automated Vehicles on Three Continents

Abstract

Electric automated vehicles (AVs) are expected to become part of the transportation system within the coming years. The implications of their implementation are still uncertain. What is known is that human behaviour will be central to determining AV adoption. This research aims to gain insight into how potential users of privately owned (PAVs) and shared (SAV) electric automated vehicles are characterised across three different continents assessing the influence of cultural and geographic features, personal attitudes and characteristics and the perceived advantages and disadvantages of AVs. Using survey data collected among residents (N = 1440) in Greater Sydney, Australia; Greater Montréal, Canada; and the Randstad, the Netherlands, this paper explores individuals’ willingness to adopt PAVs and SAVs using statistical descriptive analysis and logistic regression models. The study supports the impact of personal characteristics (e.g., age and travel characteristics) and attitudes towards personal and societal gains on the willingness to adopt AVs. Furthermore, this paper provides cross-continental evidence for the regional socio-urban context, affecting the desire to adopt AVs in different forms. Policy-makers should consider these factors and tailor different strategies according to cultural norms in order to motivate a coherent and sustainable implementation of AVs into existing and future mobility landscapes.