IPSOS Mobility 2026 Report
Mobility is a very personal matter: It determines how we get to work, how we reach our families, and how we organize our daily lives.
The new Ipsos Mobility Report 2026 shows that the car continues to play an important role for many people. At the same time, expectations regarding vehicles, powertrains, and mobility services are changing.
We took a look at the report that was released a few weeks ago, and five key findings stood out in particular.
1. The car remains firmly rooted in everyday life
According to the survey, 43 percent of drivers surveyed say they cannot imagine life without a car. Another 43 percent could, in principle, do without one, but would prefer to keep it. This is often driven less by an emotional attachment to a specific vehicle than by a desire for reliability and autonomy. Especially in a professional context, the car is increasingly seen as a practical tool for mobility. This is also confirmed by our latest trend analysis from June 2026: For 79 percent of respondents from companies with company cars, the mobility required for their daily work is the top priority.
2. Driving still offers a sense of freedom
For 33 percent of respondents worldwide, the car is the mode of transportation they enjoy the most. This puts it ahead of “walking,” which was cited by 22 percent. This enjoyment has a lot to do with personal freedom: being able to decide for oneself when to leave, which route to take, and where to stop along the way. At the same time, the report shows that people combine different modes of transportation depending on the route and situation.
3. Electric mobility requires positive experiences
47 percent of respondents worldwide find the idea of driving an electric car appealing. In Europe, however, there is still greater hesitation.
That’s why real-world experiences are key to acceptance: Does the range match my daily trips? Where can I charge the car? How does the vehicle perform in everyday use?
Here, too, the MHC Mobility Study offers an interesting comparison: When it comes to preferred future powertrain types for company vehicles, electric cars—at 46 percent—are already on par with gasoline-powered vehicles. So the willingness is there—companies and drivers need, above all, certainty regarding practical implementation.
4. New technology requires trust
Opinions on autonomous driving are divided. Globally, 36 percent of people would feel safe in a self-driving car, while another 36 percent would feel unsafe. In Europe, skepticism prevails. Technological progress is most convincing when it is understandable, safe, and transparent. Features alone do not build trust; trust is built through transparent communication and positive everyday experiences.
5. Mobility is a shared responsibility
55 percent of people are concerned about traffic safety in their neighborhoods. 70 percent support lower speed limits in residential areas, and 67 percent would like to see protected bike lanes. This shows that the car is increasingly viewed as part of a larger mobility system. Safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists, reliable public transportation, and vehicles for individual use complement one another.
“Mobility always starts with people’s everyday lives. This is especially true in the context of company cars. For some, a car is indispensable on a daily basis; for others, it’s just one mode of transportation among many. What matters most is that the options remain reliable, understandable, and flexible.”
“As a mobility provider, we must therefore listen carefully and create solutions that can adapt to changing needs,” says our CEO, Rainer Thies.
Mobility is becoming more diverse
The Ipsos Mobility Report does not paint a uniform picture of the future. That is precisely where its strength lies: mobility needs vary by region, occupation or industry, and personal circumstances. For companies, this means planning their fleets in a more nuanced way.
Which vehicle is right for the task? Which powertrain performs well in everyday use? How long will the vehicle be needed? And how much administrative work is involved? The future of mobility, therefore, depends less on any single technology. It depends on how well different solutions fit into people’s actual lives.
