Who Really Wants Automated Vehicles? Determinant Factors of Acceptability Profiles in Portugal

Abstract

Addressing the acceptability of automated vehicles (AVs) implies, beyond technical, legal, or ethical aspects, the debate on perceptions and use intentions. The focus of this study is placed on questioning the technique by the social dimension: what acceptability profiles emerge from these perceptions? This study analyzes the determinant factors of AVs acceptability to identify different Portuguese population clusters. A survey was developed, in the scope of the AUTODRIVING project, with 501 participants. Three acceptability clusters were identified: Objectors; Ambivalent; and Enthusiasts. To complement these results, five focus groups were carried out, involving both professional and regular drivers. The results enabled the access to a situated point of view, considering the current experience of driving, particularly in the case of professional drivers. This study could contribute to deploying AVs, highlighting the importance of a contextualized analysis hic and nunc, and allowing to bring to the fore the demands and constraints of driving.