Despite perceptions that younger people are moving away from car ownership, new research shows Gen Z is driving more often than before.
Enterprise Mobility’s second annual “On the Move” survey found that 66 per cent of Gen Z respondents use a private vehicle weekly or more, up from 62 per cent in 2024. More than half said they drive more this year than last, the largest increase among any generation.
The share of Gen Z respondents who reported using a private vehicle only a few times a month dropped to three per cent from seven per cent year over year. While private vehicle use is rising, younger generations also lead in alternative transportation. Gen Z and millennials are most likely to use mass transit, ride-hailing and public buses weekly compared to older cohorts.
“Gen Z’s transportation habits defy easy categorization,” said Will Withington, executive vice-president of global operations at Enterprise Mobility. “The mobility landscape is changing fast, and consumers are shaping what comes next.”
The survey also highlights mixed feelings about automotive technology. More than half of respondents said new cars have too much tech, and nearly seven in 10 would trade advanced features for a more affordable vehicle. Repair costs are a concern for 72 per cent of drivers. However, GPS and Bluetooth remain essential, and 47 per cent want advanced safety features such as blind spot detection and automatic emergency braking. Fewer than one in five desire high or full automation, though younger drivers are more open to it.
Comfort with autonomous vehicles has declined five percentage points year over year, even as awareness grows. Among the 10 per cent who have ridden in an AV, 92 per cent reported the same or better perception afterward. Safety fears and technical errors top the list of concerns, but six in 10 Americans believe AVs could benefit people who cannot drive.
Electric vehicle adoption appears to have stalled. While hybrid and EV use as a primary ride rose seven points, overall EV consideration increased just one point to 41 per cent. Cost and range anxiety remain key barriers. Regional differences persist, with 52 per cent of Western respondents considering EVs compared to lower rates elsewhere.
Enterprise Mobility said the findings emphasize the need for mobility solutions that balance affordability, technology and convenience.
“No matter how mobility evolves, the goal remains the same: solutions that keep people at the center,” Withington said.
Image credit: Depositphotos.com
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