Millennials and automated mobility: exploring the role of generation and attitudes on AV adoption and willingness-to-pay
Hamidreza Asgari, Rajesh Gupta, Xia Jin
Abstract
Results from a recent travel behavior survey are used to examine the impacts of generational and attitudinal factors on autonomous vehicle (AV) adoption and willingness to pay (WTP). Initial exploratory data analysis confirmed generational differences in various aspects of travel behavior. A structural equation model (SEM) was developed to capture the causal effects of different variables on AV adoption/WTP. In particular, Interaction effects with generational cohorts were analyzed. Generally, it could be inferred that WTP significantly and positively affects adoption levels, so do technology savviness, the desire for driving assistance/higher safety features, and mobility for non-drivers. The WTP is also affected by income, employment status, and previous technology experience. Further, our model suggests that millennials who appreciate the on-demand aspect of AVs are more likely to adopt a fully or partially automated vehicle. The middle-aged cohort (35–39 years old) as well as transit-user millennials are likely to have higher WTP values.