Abstract
In an era where a robust climate change response is vital for the future of our planet, the liveability of our cities and our societal prosperity, utilising the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, could be a key to minimise the devastating and pollutive consequences of transport. Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) are deemed as instrumental in shifting away from a century-long-lasting driver-centred transport paradigm. Packaging alternative fuels with CAVs can, if used responsibly and wisely, equip CAVs with genuine pro-environmental qualities that will support a more sustainability-centric transition to a primarily AI-based travel eco-system. Alternatively fuelled CAVs (AFCAVs) are driverless and cooperative vehicles powered by energy sources alternative to oil such as electricity, hydrogen, and biofuels. Nonetheless, alternatively fuelled vehicle technologies are still at an early stage of their development. Therefore, it should be crucial to build a thorough understanding of attitudes to AFCAVs establishing challenges and opportunities that can shape their implementation and offering user-centric recommendations to policymakers and automotive businesses.The present study accomplishes its aim using a sequential mixed-methods approach, with a qualitative phase based on elite interviews exploring the concept of AFCAVs followed by a general public survey stage exploring the attitudinal determinants to their acceptance. As to the qualitative stage, 32 semi-structured expert interviews were conducted with elites from academia, policy and industry that can define the AFCAVs discourse. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and contextualise the full range of opportunities and challenges underpinning the effective implementation of AFCAVs. Five core themes appeared: Infrastructure Considerations, Awareness & Trust Building, Operations & Costs, Impact Expectations, and Governance & Policymaking. Each of them has various and distinctive dimensions.
Regarding the quantitative stage, an online survey questionnaire was developed benchmarked against the thematic results as well as theoretical insights. The questionnaire was completed by 676 residents in the UK and China. Descriptive Statistics and Principal Component Analysis with Promax factor rotation were employed. Ordinal regression modelling was then used. Whilst descriptive statistical results showed that over 78% of the residents agreed they would travel with AFCAVs because of their less-polluting performance compared to oil-based fleets, ordinal regression analysis findings confirmed that Cost Interventions, Infrastructure Access, Impact Expectations, and Awareness-Raising Campaigns can reflect and affect the AFCAVs acceptance. Results also suggested that country of origin is an influencing factor to the attitude development process. Built upon the findings, evidence-based policy recommendations were proposed for AFCAVs so that these could be more user-oriented and sustainable. To alleviate the infrastructure-associated concerns, governments should offer legal incentives and establish collaboration with businesses to upgrade battery recycling facilities, fast-refuelling infrastructure technologies, sensor systems, recharging station allocation, and safety protocols. Whilst policymakers should provide tax reduction triggers for shared travel incentivisation with AFCAVs such as electric autonomous Ubers, automotive businesses need to specify and mitigate the risks around the uptake of hydrogen. The study also recommends that governments should consider refuelling facility investment into transport hubs for making AFCAVs more accessible. Furthermore, governments and businesses should engage with public via knowledge-raising initiatives such as training, for the purpose of building trust.
| Date of Award | 7 Nov 2025 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Supervisor | Alexandros Nikitas (Main Supervisor) & Paloma Liu (Co-Supervisor) |