Futuristic Shanghai cityscape with self-driving cars at twilight.

Autonomous Vehicles in Shanghai: Navigating the Future of Urban Mobility

Elliot Brynn in Tech & Innovation July 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into how Shanghai residents are embracing self-driving technology and what it means for the future of transportation."

Imagine a city where traffic flows seamlessly, commutes are stress-free, and the roads are safer for everyone. This is the promise of autonomous vehicles (AVs), and it's a future that's rapidly approaching in cities like Shanghai. As experimental commercialization initiatives take root, understanding public perception and acceptance becomes crucial.

Shanghai, a bustling metropolis known for its innovative spirit, is at the forefront of AV development in China. With dedicated test sites and trial operations already underway, the city offers a unique opportunity to study real-world attitudes towards self-driving technology. But how do Shanghai residents truly feel about AVs? Are they ready to embrace a driverless future?

Recent research dives into these questions, exploring the factors that influence Shanghai residents' willingness to use AVs. By applying established models like the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and incorporating new perspectives such as perceived externalities, this study offers valuable insights for policymakers, automakers, and anyone interested in the future of urban mobility.

Decoding Shanghai's Acceptance of Autonomous Vehicles: What Drives Public Opinion?

Futuristic Shanghai cityscape with self-driving cars at twilight.

The research employs a comprehensive survey and structural equation modeling to analyze the attitudes of Shanghai residents towards AVs. The study builds upon the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which traditionally focuses on perceived usefulness and ease of use. However, it goes further by incorporating the Perceived Risk (BAR) model and introducing perceived externalities as a significant psychological variable.

Perceived externalities capture the broader impacts of AVs on society, such as reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and enhanced accessibility for those unable to drive. By considering these factors, the study provides a more holistic understanding of public sentiment towards self-driving technology.

Key findings from the research reveal several critical factors:

Perceived Usefulness: The more useful people believe AVs to be, the more willing they are to use them.
Ease of Use: A user-friendly AV experience significantly increases acceptance.
Perceived Externalities: Positive perceptions of the broader societal benefits of AVs drive adoption.
Perceived Risk: Concerns about safety, security, and privacy negatively impact willingness to use AVs.

Interestingly, the study also uncovers a complex relationship between ease of use and perceived risk. While a simplified AV experience might seem appealing, it can also lead to concerns about loss of control and potential safety hazards. This highlights the importance of finding a balance between convenience and a sense of security in the design of self-driving technology.

Implications for the Future: How Can We Foster Greater AV Acceptance?

This research provides valuable guidance for policymakers and automakers seeking to promote the widespread adoption of AVs. By focusing on enhancing perceived usefulness, addressing safety concerns, and highlighting the societal benefits of self-driving technology, we can pave the way for a future where autonomous vehicles improve urban life for everyone. As Shanghai continues to lead the way in AV development, these insights will be crucial for navigating the road ahead.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2405.05578,

Title: Shaping The Future Of Urban Mobility: Insights Into Autonomous Vehicle Acceptance In Shanghai Through Tam And Perceived Risk Analysis

Subject: econ.gn q-fin.ec

Authors: Miaomiao Shen, Linxuan Yu, Jing Xu, Zihao Sang, Ruijia Li, Xiang Yuan

Published: 09-05-2024

Everything You Need To Know

What is the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and how does it relate to the adoption of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in Shanghai?

The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is a framework used to understand why people accept or reject new technologies. It focuses on two primary factors: Perceived Usefulness, which is how much someone believes the technology will help them, and Ease of Use, which is how easy the technology is to understand and operate. In the context of Shanghai and AVs, the TAM helps researchers gauge residents' initial reactions. If Shanghai residents believe AVs are useful for their daily lives (e.g., reducing commute times) and easy to use, they are more likely to adopt them. The research also expands on the TAM by incorporating Perceived Risk and Perceived Externalities, providing a more nuanced understanding of AV acceptance beyond just usefulness and ease of use.

What are Perceived Externalities, and why are they important in understanding Shanghai residents' attitudes towards Autonomous Vehicles?

Perceived Externalities refer to the broader societal impacts of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) that extend beyond the individual user experience. They encompass benefits like reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and enhanced accessibility for those who cannot drive. Understanding these externalities is critical because they shape public opinion. Even if an individual is hesitant about using an AV, they might still support their adoption if they perceive the benefits for the larger community. In Shanghai, where urban challenges like traffic and pollution are significant, highlighting these positive externalities can increase the acceptance of AVs.

How does Perceived Risk affect the willingness of Shanghai residents to use Autonomous Vehicles, and what are the key concerns?

Perceived Risk significantly influences the willingness of Shanghai residents to use Autonomous Vehicles (AVs). Concerns about safety, security, and privacy are the primary drivers behind this risk perception. Residents may worry about the reliability of the technology, the security of their personal data, and the potential for accidents. The research suggests that these concerns can counteract the positive aspects of ease of use. If an AV is designed to be simple to use but feels unsafe or exposes users to privacy risks, adoption rates will likely remain low. Therefore, addressing these safety and security concerns is paramount for successful AV implementation in Shanghai.

What are the primary factors that drive the adoption of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) among Shanghai residents, according to the research?

The research identifies several key factors that significantly influence Shanghai residents' willingness to adopt Autonomous Vehicles (AVs). These are Perceived Usefulness, Ease of Use, Perceived Externalities, and Perceived Risk. If Shanghai residents believe AVs are useful for their needs, experience ease of use, and recognize the positive societal impacts, they are more inclined to embrace the technology. However, concerns about safety, security, and privacy – the Perceived Risk – can create reservations. The balance between these factors determines the overall acceptance level. Thus, to promote AV adoption, policymakers and automakers must prioritize addressing these concerns while highlighting the benefits.

How can policymakers and automakers in Shanghai foster greater acceptance of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) based on the research findings?

Based on the research, policymakers and automakers in Shanghai can promote Autonomous Vehicle (AV) adoption by focusing on several key strategies. They should enhance Perceived Usefulness by demonstrating how AVs can improve daily life, such as reducing commute times and offering convenient transport. Addressing safety concerns and mitigating Perceived Risk is also crucial; this could involve rigorous testing, transparent safety protocols, and robust data security measures. Furthermore, highlighting Perceived Externalities, like the benefits of reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality, can garner public support. Finally, automakers should strive to create a user-friendly experience, balancing simplicity with a sense of security. By strategically addressing these factors, Shanghai can pave the way for wider AV adoption and realize the vision of improved urban mobility.