In the last five years alone, fuel stations have taken substantial technological strides, constantly innovating to meet customer demands in this new "age of information." With technology advancements moving at such an incredible speed and ever-evolving customer behavior, this is how we envision the future gas station:

A central hub for every driver

With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles and government pressures to reduce our carbon footprint, the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) estimates that by 2030, there could be 26 million electric cars in the U.S. So, where does this leave fuel stations if there's less demand for fuel?

How do they stay profitable and attract customers?

We believe fuel stations must look at how they can accommodate all manner of drivers, from electric scooters and electric vehicles to those using new biofuels like CNG, by expanding their products and services. They will have more charging stations, but also cater to more non-fuel purchases like food service, car maintenance, entertainment, lounging, and even wellness services. 

Community meeting point

Fueling stations will become like a local convenience store with better food options. Think of it as an updated variation on the old-fashioned neighborhood market: A place for the community to get together, dine, and pick up groceries. Refueling their car will become more of an afterthought.

Fuel stations will continue to expand on added services, becoming the go-to place for various customer needs and even leasing space to other service providers. At many gas stations today, you can already buy snacks and beverages, order a freshly cooked meal, take out cash, pick up a package or get home delivery, something we're going to see more of in the coming years. 

Driven by data insights

We live in a world where we can barely blink without businesses transforming our data into customer insight. Okay, that's an exaggeration, but they don't say data is the new gold for nothing. It has already become one of the most vital tools in a fuel station's kit to attract, delight, and retain its customers. 

By leveraging data and analytics technology, fuel stations will have the insights to provide a highly personalized experience. Even something as simple as the type of takeaway cup (coated paper or foam) can make one station someone's favorite stop. With comprehensive marketing data, fuel stations will know what's working, what's not, and what customers want to keep them coming back. 

More automated than ever

Customers want convenience. And fuel stations will evolve to keep up as other businesses deliver that convenience in spades. With automated checkouts, walk-in vending machines, and automated cleaning technology, future gas stations will be fast, easy, and robotic. 

Fuel stations will use automation technology to reduce staff overheads, make their jobs easier (especially with cleaning technology), streamline customer experience, automate grocery orders and deliveries, encourage curbside pick-ups, and reduce in-store queues.

Advertising from the outside-in 

As more fuel stations have already adopted automatic payment at the pump or charging areas, there isn’t as much need for drivers to enter the convenience store or fast food area—yet these points are where fuel stations make most of their profit. 

To keep people coming in the doors, we'll see more outdoor advertising. 

From TV screens showing the latest fast-food menu item to displaying items for purchase outside to tempt drivers to come inside, fuel station owners will look at new and creative ways of getting more foot traffic into their convenience stores.

Fuel station competitors of the future

According to an in-depth Boston Consulting Group (BCG) study, in a market environment where electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous vehicles, and new mobility models take off rapidly, up to 80% of the current fuel-retail network could be unprofitable by 2035. Let's look at these threats and discuss ways fuel stations can respond. 

Electric vehicles 

Unlike refueling at gas pumps, there's a considerable waiting time for charging an EV car which has unlocked opportunities for other industries. Most people would prefer to charge their cars somewhere they're happy to spend 30 minutes to an hour. Gas stations aren't typically the first place that comes to mind for relaxing while you wait. 

There are now more options than ever for EV drivers to charge at shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, and even Starbucks! The popular coffee chain recently announced a partnership with Volvo to pilot EV charging stations in its parking lots along a 1,350-mile route from Denver to Seattle.

To be competitive, fuel stations will have to become somewhere customers want to spend at least 30 minutes to an hour, or more, while their car is re-charging. Game areas, play areas, and even nap zones for the kids, plus lounge areas for adults with WiFi, TVs, cafés, shopping amenities, and restaurants will go a long way in tempting more people to stop at their local fuel station for charging.

Autonomous vehicles & shared mobility

It's not just EVs that fuel station owners need to consider; we're also seeing massive investments in autonomous vehicles, which will significantly impact shared mobility and, therefore, fuel stations. BCG expects that nearly 25% of new cars sold in 2035 will have the ability to drive themselves. 

Autonomous cars will replace human drivers, making shared mobility platforms like Uber and Lyft more affordable and widely used—leading to fewer car purchases by younger generations. These shared mobility services will also likely run on electricity and be charged at their own purpose-built service stations. 

How can fuel stations compete? While it's likely that car-sharing will reduce gas demands, fuel stations can still attract those passengers by expanding their convenience, customer service, and food offerings.

Three key ways fuel stations can prepare for the future 

While there isn't a whole lot fuel station owners can do to stop the decline in gas and diesel demand, they can take action now to diversify their income streams and start building a long-term strategy to compete. 

Here are three key tactics to focus on for your fuel station: 

1. Invest in customer relationships, services, and convenience 
2. Acquire assets that diversify your income streams (restaurants, lounge areas, EV chargers, WiFi, laundromats, etc.)
3. Continually upgrade the look, feel, and functionality of your fuel station 

Protect your fuel station from a disruptive future

We hope we've given you some food for thought in this blog about how fuel stations might look in the future and how to prepare so you don't get left behind while others get a head start. If you'd like to learn more about the future of fuel stations, listen to KE Design’s president and principal architect, Nicole Lynam, talk about the impact of electric vehicles as a special guest on the Innovative Cities podcast with Isra Banks, AIA. 

Design your fuel station for a brighter future

Need help preparing your fuel station to cope with changing customer demands and the introduction of new technologies and innovations? At KE Design, we become your reliable, responsible, and responsive partner, helping you plan and execute groundbreaking designs that fuel the future for your service station or convenience store operations. 

If you're interested in working together on an upcoming remodel or new build, a convenience store upgrade, or a new commercial project, we'd love to hear from you!

Click on the blue button, tell us a bit about your project, and we'll follow up with you!