Since their invention over 100 years ago, cars have become ultra-modern, tech-enabled machines incomparable to their original prototypes. Almost all products in the automotive industry have witnessed technological breakthroughs, but refueling has remained unchanged for 70 years. Meanwhile, convenience has become a key competitive factor in all retail businesses, and automated services play a crucial role in bringing these desires to life. For gas station companies and consumers, automated refueling technology may be the key to improving business and customer satisfaction as well as pushing the industry forward.
The evolution of digital technologies has made its way into almost every facet of daily life. From mobile phones seamlessly connecting to the internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and online shopping, the ability to make purchases of almost all consumer goods can easily be done with the push of a button. One thing that has yet to be infused with convenience and innovation is the refueling of automobiles. The lack of change in this sector prevents gas stations from becoming more profitable and hinders them from transforming into businesses that facilitate future mobility and consumers’ high expectations for convenience.
Automated refueling is a simple concept, but many have never seen it before in practice. When installed at a fuel dispenser, a robotic arm, and technologies like artificial intelligence handle refueling without human interaction. The customer no longer needs to exit the car. A large screen is situated in front of the automobile and will prompt them to park and select their payment or fuel type. This service increases convenience and comfort for customers but also assists gas stations in bringing in more profit.
Automated refueling eliminates the hassle of getting your hands dirty or stepping out of your car during the blistering heat or cold. While this sounds like an unnecessary change to a standard process, some may find it crucial for getting the fuel their car needs. Disabled individuals struggle to refuel their cars themselves, and many people often wonder why it has to be a manual process. Autofuel, a Danish development company, had similar thoughts.
Autofuel’s founders were confused about the lack of innovation at the gas pump. In their eyes, cars steadily shifted from a manual machine operated by a human to an autonomous computer that takes responsibility for your journey. With the release of fully functional autonomous vehicles, this change has become defined as the future of the automotive industry and something that gas station owners must adapt to.
Electric vehicles, the precursor of autonomous cars, have also presented challenges to historic refueling models. While many car owners still need fuel, electric vehicle counterparts don’t. They’ve stopped visiting the gas station altogether unless charging ports are available. This drop in customers affects gas station owners and will only increase as more people switch to alternative fuel types.
For Autofuel, creating automated refueling technology was first built from the idea of increasing convenience. After working to make this possible, Autofuel’s team saw more of the big picture.
“When Autofuel was founded, we were excited to improve the experience of refueling cars and helping gas stations increase their profits and traffic flow, but now our mission has become so much more,” says Co-Founder Jonas Thor Olsen, “Robotic refueling is the automated link between cars and energy sources. It enables gas stations to transform into mobility hubs that can serve average customers, commercial fleets, and any other kind of driver, even if they have an electric car or an autonomous one. Autofuel aims to be the pioneer in building the infrastructure needed to reach that point. We see many benefits for gas stations and consumers because the convenience it brings today will enable us to achieve heightened mobility in the future.”
Autofuel is one of the only businesses with an ATEX-approved and production-ready robotic refueling system. The company has tested and deployed its system in multiple locations throughout Europe. It’s safe to use and requires no human intervention. Autofuel’s proprietary technology allows the machine to recognize a car and its information, including fuel type, and handle payment for a customer. The system is also adaptable. The attached tool for opening the fuel door can be exchanged to suit cars with alternative fuel types. Additionally, Autofuel’s refueling system requires no modifications to existing gas dispensers, making it seamless to install and operate.
Gas stations once ruled how and where a consumer would receive fuel. In today’s landscape, consumers have many more options than before. They can choose a competitor station or charge their car at home if they have switched to electric, and they can even use services where mobile gas providers can fill them up anywhere they please. It’s in the best interest of gas stations to modernize their approach. If they invest in implementing automated refueling options, they can remain attractive to consumers and upgrade their entire business model.
