RESULTS: EastLink's self-driving & electric car survey 2025

The 2025 EastLink Self-Driving & Electric Car Survey – Australia’s largest annual study of its kind – reveals a rapidly evolving landscape in motorists’ attitudes toward vehicle technology.

With over 5,700 participants, the survey highlights a growing preference for hybrid vehicles, steady but cautious interest in fully electric cars, and a complex mix of excitement and scepticism about self-driving technology.

Key Trends:

• Hybrid vehicles remain the top choice for future car buyers, while interest in fully electric vehicles is recovering after a recent dip.

• Barriers to electric vehicle adoption are shifting: lack of charging infrastructure, battery lifespan, and recharging time now rival purchase cost as leading concerns.

• Driver assist features are increasingly used, but motorists remain wary of functions that take over steering, such as automatic lane changing and active parking assistance.

• Knowledge and trust in self-driving cars are gradually increasing, yet safety, legal, and ethical questions persist. Many motorists want more information about how these vehicles operate, their safety record, and who is liable in the event of an accident.

• Public sentiment is polarized: While some are excited by the potential for safer, more accessible, and environmentally friendly transport, many remain sceptical, citing concerns about loss of control, cybersecurity, and readiness of infrastructure.

• Hands-off driving and robotaxis are slowly gaining acceptance, but most motorists still prefer to retain some level of control or oversight.

This year’s results suggest that while the “hype” around self-driving and electric vehicles is stabilizing, the journey toward mainstream adoption will depend on addressing practical barriers, building public trust, and demonstrating real-world benefits.

The survey underscores the importance of continued innovation, transparent communication, and robust regulatory frameworks as Australia moves toward a more connected and sustainable transport future.

EastLink is committed to supporting advancements in self-driving and electric vehicle technologies through its involvement with the Centre for Connected and Automated Transport (CCAT).

As part of that commitment, EastLink sponsored and participated in CCAT’s National Future Transport Summit in September 2025. At the Summit, 14 recommendations on maximising the benefits of connected and automated transport were debated and agreed.

More information about CCAT is on www.ccat.org.au