The Impact of Electrification and Partial Automation on Driver Speeding Behavior

Abstract

As electric vehicles (EVs) and partial automation systems become increasingly prevalent, their impact on everyday driving behavior remains underexplored. This study utilizes real-world naturalistic data to examine how vehicle type, an electric versus an internal combustion engine (ICE), and the use of partial automation are associated with speeding behavior. Data were collected from 24 drivers over the course of a month each, comparing Tesla Model 3s with Autopilot (EV) and Cadillac CT6s with Super Cruise (ICE), covering about 38,000 miles of driving. Results indicate that EV drivers tended to speed for shorter durations on arterial roads but exhibited higher speeding magnitudes on residential and controlled access roads after their first week of driving. Notably, driving with partial automation, regardless of powertrain, was associated with significantly longer speeding durations and slightly greater speeding magnitudes compared to manual driving. These findings suggest that both electrification and automation contribute to evolving driver behaviors, changing speeding behavior in specific driving contexts. As drivers adapt to new vehicle technologies, understanding how these systems shape behavior is important. Insights from this study may inform the design of future in-vehicle systems and guide driver education strategies to promote safe driving practices in an evolving transportation landscape.