A recent survey by D’Ieteren reveals that Belgians are hesitant about self-driving taxis. Only 8% of respondents would definitely use a driverless taxi, while a significant 40% believe the technology is "not at all on point." This skepticism shows a general concern about whether self-driving cars are really safe and ready to be used on public roads.
Why Skepticism?
Several factors contribute to this reluctance:
Trust Issues with Technology: Many Belgians doubt the safety and reliability of self-driving cars, with 40% of survey participants stating that the technology is far from ready.
Cultural Caution: Belgium tends to approach new tech conservatively, especially when it comes to something as essential as transport.
Lack of Firsthand Experience: Most Belgians have yet to try autonomous vehicles themselves, allowing doubt to grow in the absence of personal experience.
A Shift in Perception: The Power of Direct Experience
Could firsthand experience be the key to changing minds? Recently, we took over 40 Europeans on Waymo rides in San Francisco, and the results were striking:
No Fear: Not a single rider felt frightened during the trips.
Increased Confidence: All participants reported greater trust in the technology after experiencing it firsthand.
This suggests that direct interaction with self-driving cars can transform skepticism into confidence. Seeing and experiencing something in real life leads to believing in it.
Insights from the Polaris 2024 Study
Above all, Polaris is a project by D’Ieteren to ensure its future in Belgium's changing mobility market. Launched in 2021, it surveys Belgians on electric vehicles and new mobility trends. The 2024 study, in partnership with Profacts, focuses on car electrification and openness to alternative transport.
The recent Polaris 2024 Study by D’Ieteren offers a broader look at Belgium's mobility trends, highlighting a slow move toward new solutions:
Cars Still Dominate: 88% of Belgian households own at least one car, and even with mobility packages available, 84% prefer cars over alternative options.
Slow Electric Vehicle Adoption: Only 39% of Belgians are considering an electric car for their next vehicle, largely due to cost and limited charging infrastructure.
Limited Interest in Shared Mobility: Only 18% of Belgians have used shared mobility services, and cycling or public transport options remain underused.
Business Uptake of EVs: Electric company cars are on the rise, particularly in Flanders, where 20% of company fleets are now fully electric.
Energy Innovations: While 73% of Belgians are open to installing Energy Management Systems at home, only 57% are comfortable with switching to dynamic energy tariffs.
The Polaris 2024 Study reveals that many Belgians are still hesitant to embrace alternative transportation options. Although 7% of employees currently use bike leasing, 19% are thinking about it. There is also a significant concern about self-driving taxis, with many people worried about safety.
The study shows that 36% of bike owners are willing to pay for secure bike parking. Additionally, 73% of people are interested in installing systems to manage their energy use and lower their electricity bills. However, only 57% are open to changing to energy tariffs with variable pricing. Overall, these results suggest that while there is some interest in more sustainable mobility options, many Belgians are still cautious about making the switch.
Would you be willing to try a self-driving taxi in Belgium ?
YES
NO
Could Experience Be the Key to Wider Adoption?
The gap between Belgian skepticism and the positive feedback from Waymo riders raises an interesting question: Could firsthand experience be the solution to wider adoption of self-driving technology?
The reluctance shown in the Polaris 2024 Study may soften if people get the chance to experience autonomous vehicles directly, as fear often dissolves in the face of actual experience.
In Belgium, where cars are still the main form of transportation and people are unsure about the future of mobility, offering live demonstrations or test rides could help more people accept new options.
What about you? Do you think personal experience could change how Belgium views self-driving technology? Let us know what you think about that in the comments!
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