Canadians not ready for autonomous vehicles, study finds

Canadians appear unready for the arrival of fully automated self-driving vehicles (AVs) and have a poor understanding of the technology, the J.D. Power 2022 Canada Mobility Index Study concludes.

The study put the consumer AV readiness index at 37 out of 100. They are least comfortable with the idea of riding in an AV or buying one and most comfortable with AVs used to transport goods or those who can’t drive themselves.

The study found 67 per cent of consumers had inaccurate knowledge of AVs, with 59 per cent lumping various driver-assist technologies available on current vehicles into the AV category.

Some 48 per cent said the threat of AVs being hacked was a disadvantage, a view that spanned all age demographics. Seventy-seven per cent said they wanted more information on safeguards.

The study shows it’s essential consumers be adequately educated and have a sound understanding of AV technology’s capabilities, said Lisa Boor, J.D. Power’s senior manager of auto benchmarking and mobility development. 

“Consumers are receptive to learning about technology but managing misconceptions regarding the benefits AVs offer is imperative,” she said in a news release, adding stakeholders must use consistent terminology aimed at consumers.

The study included questions on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) survey respondents had on their current vehicles.

Some 32 per cent said they used their owner’s manual to learn about their vehicle’s ADAS features, followed by dealer explanation (30 per cent) and family or friends (25 per cent. Such methods have proven inadequate in educating consumers, the study partners said in their release.

When it comes to learning about fully automated, self-driving vehicles, half of respondents picked online searches as the best tool. Fifty per cent went to manufacturer/developer sites, 36 per cent to online videos and 34 per cent looked for industry or academic experts.

Consumers are receptive to AV training, with 55 per cent willing to take a course to learn to operate one and more than three-quarters said they expect training would be needed to own and operate an AV.

Some 79 per cent said they wanted more information on how AV technology meets government standards to feel comfortable with it.

The study was based on responses from 4,000 vehicle owners in Canada age 18 and older who completed a 15-minute online survey in April and May this year.

J.D. Power, Partners for Automated Vehicle Education- Canada, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Transportation and Logistics, participated in the study, supported by funding from Transport Canada.