Aral looks into the future of mobility
Ultra-fast charging stations, maintenance stations for autonomous fleets and landing pads for air cabs. These are just few of the predictions made in a new German study about the future of mobility.
In the joint study, the Institute of Transport Research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and service station company Aral have provided interesting insights into the future of mobility in Germany. With a horizon up to the year 2040, they paint a picture of a society with increasing mileage despite a shrinking population. The study shows how both private and commercial transportation will develop and which new business models could emerge as a result.
Challenges
Electrification, automation and changing customer needs are placing new demands on the petrol station business. In response, Aral and DLR are exploring possible services, from ultra-fast charging stations and maintenance stations for autonomous fleets to landing pads for air cabs and battery exchange stations for e-bikes and e-scooters.
Alongside these innovations, there is still a need for both conventional and alternative fuels, suggesting that a broad mix of energy sources will remain in place in two decades’ time. This is supported by the idea that the majority of passenger cars will still rely on hybrid technologies, supplemented by purely battery-powered models and vehicles that run on renewable or synthetic fuels.
Regional perspectives on the filling station of the future
Mobility centers
In an urban context, the filling station is developing into a service-oriented mobility center. This is where offers for recharged e-bikes, autonomous sharing vehicles and air cabs come together. In addition, these locations are positioning themselves as comfortable recreational areas with gastronomic offerings and rental options for meeting rooms.
Areas with an urban character
In the peripheries, commuters can expect a seamless transition from private to collective means of transportation. The service stations act as interfaces that not only ensure the supply of necessities at the location, but also offer additional convenience through additional services such as parcel stations.
Rural areas
In view of a thinning infrastructure, petrol stations in the future will also serve as transfer points. Both as social meeting points and as providers of an extended range of products that cover daily needs and support local supply chains with combined passenger and freight transport.
Highway locations
Freight traffic along highways is increasingly using service stations for effective reloading and loading processes. The facilities are adapting with specialized catering and overnight accommodation to meet the requirements of long-distance transport.
Conclusion and outlook
Aral draws a positive conclusion from the knowledge gained and considers itself well equipped for future challenges. Innovative test projects, such as ultra-fast charging stations and partnerships in the retail sector, already point to the realization of some visions.
The authors of the “Petrol Station of the Future” study therefore not only present trends and forecasts, but also show in concrete terms how the petrol station business can develop – a development that promises both ecological and technological progress.
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