Most Australians slow to adopt EVs & assisted driving tech

New research from mycar Tyre & Auto indicates that most Australians are not utilising the assisted driving features installed in their vehicles.

According to the 2025 mycar Mobility Index, three-quarters of Australian drivers have access to assisted driving technology, but reported usage rates remain low. Only 32 percent of respondents use cruise control, 31 percent make use of lane assist, 28 percent utilise brake assist, and just 22 percent take advantage of assisted parking functions. These figures suggest a significant gap between the proliferation of smart vehicle technology and driver adoption.

There remains significant reluctance among Australians to embrace fully autonomous vehicles. The report found that 40 percent of drivers would not feel comfortable relinquishing complete control to a self-driving system, even if such technology were legal and available today, while only 19 percent would be prepared to use a fully autonomous vehicle for most journeys.

EV hesitation

Interest in electric and hybrid vehicles is also declining, with only 23 percent of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) drivers planning to switch to an electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid. This represents a 12 percentage point decline from the previous year. The research, which surveyed 2,020 Australian vehicle owners, uncovered rising concerns about battery longevity, overall running costs, and the resale value of electric vehicles.

One in four ICE drivers remain sceptical about the battery life and total ownership costs of EVs compared to hybrids, and 11 percent expressed concern about the potential resale value of electric cars. Comparatively, 23 percent of respondents see hybrids as offering lower upfront costs, which they believe makes them a more viable financial choice. In the second-hand vehicle market, trust in EVs remains minimal, with only five percent of ICE drivers open to purchasing a used electric vehicle.

Australian car owners are also keeping their vehicles for shorter periods, with the average length of ownership now at just under 3.5 years (40.7 months), compared to 3.6 years (42.9 months) in 2024.

This year's Mobility Index shows a noticeable shift in sentiment. While interest in EVs appears to be growing, many Australians are holding back. We understand that some people have concerns about battery longevity and overall cost of ownership, including servicing. That's why mycar is helping bridge the gap and prepare for the future of mobility by offering trusted advice and expert servicing for cars today and tomorrow. A key element of this is our mycar EV ready stores across Australia, and our growing number of mobile vans which can provide EV servicing at your home or workplace. Whether it's simply switching from petrol to diesel or stepping from ICE to hybrid or EV, our team is committed to helping drivers with that transition.

The research highlights that while hesitation persists, there is an openness to EV and hybrid adoption under specific conditions. One in four ICE drivers would consider purchasing a new EV or hybrid if it included access to the latest technology and comprehensive warranty coverage, indicating that increasing consumer confidence could be pivotal to wider adoption.

Technology adoption and large vehicles

The survey results show that the path toward autonomous vehicles faces additional challenges. Not only is the uptake of assisted driving features low, but only a minority of drivers appear willing to embrace full automation. Despite 76 percent having assisted driving technology in their cars, just a third use features like adaptive cruise control and lane assist, while fewer rely on brake assist and assisted parking.

The popularity of large vehicles in Australia remains strong, with nearly half of drivers of SUVs, Utes, and crossovers citing interior space, cargo capacity, and overall comfort as key purchase considerations. Additionally, 46 percent believe the elevated driving position offers improvements to visibility and safety, while 43 percent feel a greater sense of control when operating larger vehicles.

Australians are open to embracing new vehicle technologies, but confidence hinges on more than just the showroom experience. To truly support the transition to EVs and emerging systems, we need to assure drivers that these vehicles can be safely and affordably serviced right across the country. That means training more technicians, ensuring access to service and repair information, and investing in the skills infrastructure our industry needs. The Government has a vital role to play in backing the workforce that will keep these vehicles on the road.

Maintenance and cost-of-living

Cost-of-living pressures are impacting how Australians maintain their vehicles. Two-thirds of drivers reported that they have adjusted their maintenance habits due to higher expenses, with 17 percent extending the time between regular services to save money. A further 12 percent are now conducting more maintenance tasks themselves, rather than relying on professional services.

The data reveals that, on average, Australians are servicing their vehicles every nine months, a marginal improvement from last year's 9.2 month interval, but still well behind the recommended six-month or 10,000km service schedule. Over a third of Australians (36 percent) admit to servicing their vehicles only every 10 to 12 months, with a further 10 percent waiting even longer between appointments.

Maintenance habits also vary by age group. Gen Z drivers are shown to service their vehicles every 7.3 months, more frequent than any other generation. In contrast, Baby Boomers are leaving nearly 10 months between services.

It's tempting to take shortcuts when finances are tight, but professional servicing remains the best way to ensure long-term performance, safety and value. This is why, at mycar, we pride ourselves on providing affordable, high-quality servicing for all Australians, no matter what car they drive. To help our customers feel more confident, we've developed tools like Auto Translate which breaks down technical jargon into simple analogies so drivers can better understand what's going on under the bonnet. Getting to grips with the foundations of your car is essential for every driver – but it's crucial that actual maintenance is conducted by experts.

The mycar Mobility Index provides a snapshot of the current challenges and sentiments among Australian drivers as the industry navigates the transition towards more advanced vehicle technology and changing economic circumstances.