Is Gen Z Really Driving Less?

David Shultz

David Shultz reports on clean technology and electric vehicles, among other industries, for dot.LA. His writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Outside, Nautilus and many other publications.

Is Gen Z Really Driving Less?
Photo by Jan Baborák on Unsplash

Gen Z pop icon Olivia Rodrigo’s number one song on Spotify is titled Driver’s License. The song begins “I got my driver’s license last week / Just like we always talked about.” It’s an interesting choice from Miss Rodrigo, because according to The Internet, Gen Z is less interested in getting their driver’s license and driving in general than previous generations. Yes, no matter where you look, there are articles suggesting that, ironically, the generation nicknamed “The Zoomers” doesn’t really want to…zoom.

Analysts have pointed to everything from Uber to anxiety to Facetime as reasons why Gen Z is less inclined to get behind the wheel than previous generations. From a climate perspective this is terrific news. Less cars on the road means less pollution, less demand for fossil fuels, less lithium mining needed for EVs, less congestion. If you’re trying to sell cars to the next generation, on the other hand, the trend may be alarming. The question is, are the trends legitimate?


GfK is a market research firm that studies consumer attitudes and behavior. Their researchers have been tracking buyer attitudes towards car ownership continuously since the 1980s but this latest study paints a more complex picture of the situation.

For one, Gen Z is driving just about the same distance as other generations: Gen Z drives 51 miles on average per day, comparable to the total US population average of 47 miles/day. Gen Y (Millennials) drives the most at 60 miles/day; Boomer and GI drive the least at 34 miles/day.

Attitudes towards buying cars are similarly middle of the road. Gen Z was the least likely to say they intended to buy a new car. Intention rate was only 29% for Gen Z compared 44% for Gen Y and 50% for the Boomers. However, Gen Z was more likely to say they were considering buying a used car than Millenials, with ~40% of Zoomers intending to buy used versus 33% Gen Y.

Evan Xie

While these stats don’t exactly probe into whether Gen Z is waiting longer to get their licenses (there is some good data to support this assertion) they do illustrate that Gen Z has a fairly similar relationship with cars as Millenials.

GfK is currently working on a follow up study that interrogates whether the differences in Gen Z’s automotive proclivities are the same as previous generations when they were the same age. “You hear a lot that Gen Z is so different, but then we asked the same questions: Are they really different? Or is it a life stage thing?” says Lisa Kong, Vice President at GfK. “Do they turn around and want a car when they get older?”

One thing that GfK’s data supports is that Gen Z is entering into the car market at a point when car prices–both new and used–are at an all-time high. The higher the bar to entry into a market, the lower the overall enthusiasm is going to be. If car ownership feels out of reach anyway, there’s less incentive to get a license and probably less enthusiasm to learn to drive.

Again, easy to paint the situation as similar to how previous generations have wrung their hands at Millennials’ apparent disinterest in homeownership when the reality is they’re simply priced out of the market. As the youngest of-age cohort with the least disposable income, Gen Z’s strong preference for used cars versus new also supports this line of thinking.






🍵☕️Top 6 Coffee Alternatives for Enhanced Productivity

In the fast-paced world of startups and venture capital in Los Angeles, maintaining peak productivity is essential for founders and investors alike. As the hustle intensifies, many are seeking alternatives to traditional coffee that not only provide a sustained energy boost but also support overall health and well-being. The following list highlights some of the top-rated coffee alternatives that can enhance focus and productivity while minimizing the adverse effects of caffeine. These options incorporate adaptogens, superfoods, and gut-friendly ingredients, making them ideal choices for those looking to optimize their performance without the afternoon crash.


Matcha

Image Source: Jade Leaf Matcha

Matcha is a finely ground green tea that offers a moderate amount of caffeine, along with L-theanine, which promotes relaxation without drowsiness. This combination can enhance focus and concentration, making matcha a suitable alternative for those looking to boost productivity without the jitters of coffee.

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Image Source: Amazon

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Adaptogenic Drinks

Image Source: MUD\WTR Masala Chai

Adaptogenic beverages, which include ingredients like ashwagandha, reishi, and maca, are designed to help the body adapt to stress and promote mental clarity. These drinks can provide a sustained energy boost without the crash, supporting productivity throughout the day. They are often made with superfoods and spices that enhance both physical and mental performance.

Popular Brands: MUD\WTR Masala Chai (35 mg caffeine), Four Sigmatic Think Coffee (150 mg caffeine), ReNude Chagaccino (0 mg caffeine)


Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)

Image Source: Golde

Golden milk, made from turmeric, ginger, and milk (or a milk alternative), is a caffeine-free option that can improve mood and reduce inflammation. The calming properties of this drink can help maintain focus and clarity, making it a great addition to a productive morning routine.

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Chicory Root Coffee

Image Source: Teeccino

Chicory root coffee is an excellent alternative that satisfies the desire for a warm beverage without caffeine. It is rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that aids in digestion and promotes gut health by supporting beneficial bacteria. Chicory coffee has a nutty, earthy flavor and can help control blood sugar levels, contributing to overall energy and productivity throughout the day.

Popular Brands: Anthony’s Instant Chicory Root (0 mg caffeine), Teeccino Chicory Coffee Alternative (0 mg caffeine)


Yerba Mate

Image Source: Guayaki Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a traditional South American herbal tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It contains about 40-80 mg of caffeine per serving, which is less than a standard cup of coffee but enough to provide a gentle energy boost. Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and users often report feeling energized without the jitters or crashes associated with coffee. It has a unique, slightly bitter flavor and can be enjoyed in various forms, including loose-leaf tea and pre-brewed options.

Popular Brands: Guayaki Yerba Mate (40-150 mg caffeine)


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LA’s Data Center Supply Crunch

🔦 Spotlight

Happy Friday Los Angeles!

The Los Angeles data center market is experiencing a significant supply crunch, ranking 12th in growth among top markets since 2020 with only 265 megawatts of colocation inventory (data centers where businesses rent space to store their computing hardware and servers). Despite this, demand is surging, driven by AI, cloud, and hyperscaler needs, with AI accounting for 20% of new data center demand nationally. This scarcity is creating a highly competitive environment, with vacancy rates at a record low 3% and asking rents rising 13-37% year-over-year. For Los Angeles, this presents both challenges and opportunities in the big picture. The city's strategic position as a global entertainment hub and its connectivity to international markets through subsea cables make it an attractive location for data centers. However, the limited inventory and rising costs could potentially hinder growth and innovation in the tech sector. To maintain its competitive edge, Los Angeles will need to address these constraints through new developments, such as GI Partners' 16 MW addition at One Wilshire, and by focusing on high-connectivity, high-power capacity submarkets. The city's tech community should prepare for a landscape of increased competition for quality data center space, higher costs, and the need for innovative solutions to meet growing demand, particularly in AI and cloud services. While Los Angeles faces a challenging data center supply crunch, its strategic advantages and ongoing developments offer a promising path forward.


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LA Companies

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    🌐Decentralizing Data & Vacations: Sony's Web3 Leap and Sensible Weather's KOA Partnership

    🔦 Spotlight

    Happy Long Weekend Los Angeles!

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