Automated vehicle (AV) is expected to improve travel safety and reduce traffic congestion; thus, investigating the factors affecting its intended usage is critical. Formerly, people were inclined to respond with randomness and uncertainty due to the lack of AV perception. To overcome this limitation, the present study collects data through a face-to-face questionnaire from 117 respondents who have experienced an AV (SAE Level 4) in Beijing Haidian Park. An extended theory of planned behavior, which incorporates trust and behavior experience, is adopted. Results show that the first and tentative experience of new technology can contribute to the prediction of attitudes, subjective norm perceived behavioral control, and trust. Attitude acts as a mediator between subjective norm and consumers’ intentions. This finding implies that authorities can help people ramp up the intention toward AV through actual experience, influential experts, formal propaganda and guidance, and word of mouth of the general public.

CICTP;automated vehicle;uasge experience;user acceptance;theory of planned behavior