The filling station of the future

In the future, an increasing number of automobiles will be fueled by electricity rather than conventional fuels. Thus, will there be a long-term demand for filling stations? “Yes,” argues Günther Homolar, an OMV analyst who tracks innovations and trends in the filling station business, “even though the range on offer will appear much different than it does today.”

The way we travel is changing: while the bulk of vehicles continues to run on gasoline or diesel, alternative drivetrains are rapidly gaining traction. Private transport is becoming electrified; whether hybrid or all-electric, e-vehicles will become more prevalent on our roads in the coming decades. By 2020, around 10% of new vehicle registrations would be for electric vehicles. The reasons are self-evident – the fuel comes directly from the power outlet, ideally from renewable sources. This is accompanied by a large decrease in particle and CO2 emissions, which contributes to climate change mitigation. Additionally, many European countries offer financial aid for the purchase of an electric vehicle.

In comparison, it appears that large goods traffic will shift to hydrogen or LNG in the near future (Liquefied Natural Gas). Why aren’t there electric trucks? “Because current battery technology is insufficient. The required batteries would be far too large and heavy to provide the same level of power and range as hydrogen or LNG”, explains Günther Homolar.

The changing face of transportation – future scenarios

Numerous scenarios regarding the future of the filling station have been proposed by experts:

Gasoline, diesel, and electric filling stations 2.0

“Refueling will increasingly be separated from the filling station in the private car sector,” the OMV expert says. “After all, electric vehicles do not require a charging station. The charging process is typically carried out at home, at work, or in locations where you spend extended periods of time, such as a shopping mall or supermarket. The fueling station will then be critical for passengers and those embarking on extended travels. Fast chargers deliver a charge of 150–350 kW, which equates to a charging time of approximately 20 minutes”. In such case, you’ll have enough time to sip a coffee in our VIVA Lounge. 😉

The filling station as a charging station for alternative-drive vehicles

In the future, heavy goods and long-distance transport will be powered by hydrogen or LNG. While many freight companies have previously operated their own filling stations for their (mainly) diesel-powered trucks, they are likely to do so in the future. A hydrogen or LNG filling station demands a significant technological and financial investment, rendering it simply impossible. This means that the filling station will transform into a charging station for vehicles equipped with alternative drivetrains. OMV has already embraced this scenario: “In 2012, we opened Austria’s first hydrogen filling station in Vienna. Since 2013, we’ve partnered with companies like as Smatrics and Ionity to supply electric charging stations at our filling stations. And now we want to be LNG pioneers as well, which is why we are collaborating with partners to develop an LNG filling station infrastructure capable of meeting our customers’ needs”.

As a general store, the filling station

This scenario emphasises the filling station’s critical role as a communication and social hub – as a neighbourhood store filled with necessary daily commodities. Additionally, parcel delivery, toll sticker sales, and car washing are included as normal. Fueling will become a sideline, with individuals stopping by for daily requirements and to catch up. “This is particularly evident in rural regions. That so, many filling stations have closed in recent years, and we, too, are more inclined to build in high-traffic areas and on suburban or city bypasses. The filling station must be easily accessible without detours and, most importantly, it must have a significant amount of consumer traffic. In terms of what is then available, there are numerous possibilities, and we will continue to tailor our offerings to meet consumer needs, as we have done in the past”. Who is to say? Perhaps one day, a laundromat will be located adjacent to the coffee-to-go kiosk at the fueling station. Which brings us to the following scenario:

As a service hub, the filling station

Substituting public transportation, car-sharing, an e-bike, or an e-scooter for your automobile allows you to get around the city more simply while still taking advantage of the various amenities available at the filling station. “It will become even more critical for commuters to maximise their time and complete tiny chores on the go,” says Günther Homolar. Today, the majority of filling stations offer fresh snacks and beverages, as well as the ability to withdraw cash, pick up a gift, or arrange for home delivery. And this tendency is anticipated to continue as the range expands to meet the actual needs of customers. “Another plausible explanation is that unoccupied space at fueling stations is rented to service firms seeking high consumer traffic. Everything is possible, from passport picture machines to laundromats”.

Thus, filling stations will increasingly serve as centres of contact for a variety of client demands in the future, while remaining primarily employed for fueling. “More than ever before, the classic filling station will be turned into a multipurpose service hub for on-the-go clients,” Günther Homolar says.