Electric, autonomous, shared mobility: who wants them all? Project ID SEBE0022

Three main innovations have the potential to disrupt road mobility as we know today: the mass adoption of electric vehicles, the development and diffusion of driverless vehicles, and the shift to shared models of vehicle ownership and ridership. In the ideal world of the future, groups of travellers will share fully automated cars powered by electric engines. This would make travel time more productive and enjoyable, roads freer and safer, air cleaner. But what are the pathways leading to the ideal world? Electric vehicles, car clubs, ridesharing are already available. The earlier adopters are the “usual suspects”: young, well-educated, urban professionals. How can electric and shared mobility be made popular among other population groups? Will the diffusion of electrification, automation and shared ownership/ridership follow the same paths or will the three innovations be attractive to different groups of people? What policies can foster the advent of the ideal world?
It is expected that the student will answer these and/or other relevant questions by means of interviews, focus groups and surveys but other approaches will also be considered.
Qualified applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisors informally to discuss the application. The position will be open until filled.

Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in Transport/Civil Engineering, Geography, Cognitive Sciences, Sociology, History (other degrees will be considered if the applicant can show the relevance to the project) with a good fundamental knowledge of transport planning and/or human behaviour and modelling.

English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent, qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online. https://www.napier.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/research-degrees/application-process

Essential attributes:
• Experience of fundamentals of transport planning and/or human behaviour and modelling
• Competent in SAS/SPSS/R
• Knowledge of decision making models and choice analysis
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills, relevant to the project
• Good time management

Desirable attributes:
• Experience with research