Recent research from mycar Tyre & Auto has revealed that most Australian drivers are not fully utilizing the advanced technology available in their vehicles, particularly assisted driving features. According to the 2025 mycar Mobility Index, while three-quarters of Australian drivers have access to some form of assisted driving technology, the actual usage rates remain surprisingly low.
Low Use of Assisted Driving Features
The study found that just 32 percent of respondents use cruise control, 31 percent rely on lane assist, 28 percent use brake assist, and only 22 percent engage the assisted parking functions in their vehicles. This highlights a significant gap between the availability of smart vehicle features and their adoption by drivers.
Reluctance Toward Fully Autonomous Vehicles
Australians are also hesitant to embrace fully autonomous vehicles. Despite the availability of self-driving technology, 40 percent of drivers would not feel comfortable giving up full control to a self-driving system. Only 19 percent of respondents would be willing to use an autonomous vehicle for most of their journeys, even if such technology were legal and available today.
Declining Interest in EVs
Interest in electric and hybrid vehicles is on the decline, with only 23 percent of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) drivers planning to switch to an EV or hybrid. This marks a 12-point decrease from the previous year. The survey, which included responses from 2,020 Australian vehicle owners, also found that concerns about battery life, running costs, and resale value are key factors behind the decline.
A quarter of ICE drivers remain skeptical about EVs’ battery life and total ownership costs, while 11 percent worry about the resale value of electric cars. Moreover, only five percent of ICE drivers are open to purchasing a used electric vehicle in the second-hand market.
Shorter Vehicle Ownership
In addition to the decline in EV interest, Australians are holding onto their cars for shorter periods. The average car ownership length has dropped to 40.7 months (just under 3.5 years), compared to 42.9 months (3.6 years) in 2024. This reflects a shift in how Australians are managing their vehicles, possibly due to economic factors or the increasing availability of new technology.
The Path Toward EV and Hybrid Adoption
Despite these hesitations, there is still room for growth in the EV and hybrid markets. A quarter of ICE drivers would consider purchasing a new EV or hybrid if it came with the latest technology and a comprehensive warranty. This suggests that increasing consumer confidence could be the key to broader adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in Australia.
Challenges in Autonomous Technology Adoption
The shift towards fully autonomous vehicles faces additional hurdles. While 76 percent of Australians have assisted driving technology in their cars, only one-third of them use features such as adaptive cruise control and lane assist. Even fewer drivers rely on brake assist or assisted parking, indicating that many are reluctant to embrace the full potential of these technologies.
Preference for Larger Vehicles
Larger vehicles like SUVs, Utes, and crossovers remain popular among Australian drivers. Nearly half of these drivers cite interior space, cargo capacity, and overall comfort as their top reasons for purchasing larger cars. Additionally, 46 percent believe that the elevated driving position improves visibility and safety, while 43 percent feel a greater sense of control when driving larger vehicles.
The Importance of Confidence in EV and Hybrid Adoption
For Australians to fully embrace new vehicle technologies, confidence in both the vehicles and their ability to be serviced properly is essential. Training more technicians and ensuring access to service and repair information will be key in supporting the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles. This is where mycar is helping—through their EV-ready stores and growing fleet of mobile service vans, mycar is making it easier for Australians to maintain their vehicles, whether they’re shifting from petrol to diesel or making the move from ICE to hybrid or EV.
Economic Pressures Impacting Vehicle Maintenance
Economic pressures are also affecting how Australians maintain their vehicles. Two-thirds of drivers have altered their maintenance habits due to rising costs. Seventeen percent have extended the time between services to save money, while 12 percent are handling more maintenance tasks themselves.
The average time between services has increased slightly to 9 months, up from 9.2 months last year, but still falls short of the recommended six-month or 10,000km service schedule. Over a third of Australian drivers (36 percent) only service their vehicles every 10 to 12 months, with some waiting even longer.
Generational Differences in Maintenance Habits
Maintenance habits also vary by generation. Gen Z drivers, on average, service their vehicles every 7.3 months, which is more frequent than any other generation. In contrast, Baby Boomers wait nearly 10 months between services.
While it’s tempting to delay servicing when finances are tight, professional servicing remains essential for the long-term health and safety of vehicles. That’s why mycar continues to offer affordable, high-quality servicing for all Australians, no matter what type of car they drive.
The mycar Mobility Index provides valuable insights into the challenges facing Australian drivers as they navigate the transition to advanced vehicle technologies and changing economic conditions. The shift toward EVs and autonomous driving will require significant changes in both consumer behavior and the service infrastructure, but with the right support, Australia can build a future where these technologies thrive.
