This study investigated the public acceptance of Society of Automotive Engineers Level 3 conditionally automated cars, which can self-drive under certain specified conditions but require the human driver to remain ready to resume control when requested.
Previous UTAUT2-based research has focused mainly on European samples, leaving a gap in understanding whether the same factors influence acceptance globally. This study addressed this gap using the L3Pilot Global User Acceptance Survey.
Out of an original dataset of 18,631 respondents, the final analytic sample comprised 18,603 respondents from 17 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Data were analyzed using a UTAUT2-based structural equation model to examine how performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and hedonic motivation shape the intention to use Level 3 cars.
The model showed strong explanatory power. The intention to use Level 3 cars was mainly driven by performance expectancy, social influence, and hedonic motivation, with effort expectancy and facilitating conditions contributing less directly.
Age, gender, and prior experience with advanced driver assistance systems were statistically significant but comparatively weak predictors. Overall, findings suggest that the acceptance of Level 3 automated cars depends less on demographic characteristics or ease-of-use concerns and more on whether people perceive the technology as useful, socially supported, and enjoyable to use.
Blogger's Review: This study reveals that public acceptance of autonomous vehicles is primarily influenced by perceived usefulness and social backing, rather than traditional user demographics. This insight is crucial for future development and marketing of autonomous vehicles, emphasizing the importance of user experience and social validation in technology adoption.