Last updated: December 2025
Technology Evolution
The fuel retail industry is undergoing rapid technology transformation. From payment systems to automation to alternative fuels, understanding these changes is critical for technicians and operators.
EMV Payment Compliance
76%
Fraud reduction at EMV sites
$10,635
Quarterly liability (non-compliant)
Apr 2021
Final outdoor deadline
EMV Timeline
Oct 2015
EMV liability shift for in-store POS
Oct 2017
Original outdoor pay-at-pump deadline
Apr 2021
Final outdoor EMV deadline (after COVID extension)
2022+
Fraud liability averaging $10K+/quarter for non-compliant
Most large chains invested early. Some small/rural still catching up.
Contactless Payment
51% of US consumers now use tap-to-pay
of US consumers use tap-to-pay
COVID-19 pandemic
Consumer preference for speed
Mobile wallet growth
Mobile Payment Apps
79%
prefer digital loyalty
Shell appPay at pump, Fuel Rewards
BPmeSite-to-pump payment, Rewards integration
Maverik Adventure ClubTrail Points, Nitro card discounts
ExxonMobil Speedpass+Secure pay, Rewards tracking
Fleet Card Evolution
Evolving from fuel-only to 'mobility cards'
EV charging integration
Toll payments
Real-time controls
AI fraud detection
Driver ID verification
Future: One card for all mobility expenses - fuel, charging, tolls, parking
Technology Outlook
Near Term (1-2 years)
- Contactless payment becomes standard
- Remote monitoring adoption accelerates
- EV charging infrastructure expands with NEVI funding
- AI-powered pricing optimization grows
Medium Term (3-5 years)
- Autonomous vehicle fueling/charging
- Drone delivery from c-stores
- Biometric payment (palm/face)
- Hydrogen infrastructure for trucking
Long Term (5+ years)
- Fully automated c-stores
- Energy hubs (fuel, EV, hydrogen)
- Personalized pricing via loyalty data
- Carbon capture at fuel sites