Will Gas Stations Become Obsolete in the Future?

Over time, everything evolves and becomes obsolete. Livery stations and stables were once commonplace in cities, but they are no longer seen. Moreover, even the milkman, bread man, fuller brush man, and tinker, who used to provide various services, are now merely a memory.

When I was a kid, there was a gas or service station every 15 miles or less on the highway. However, it is now common to see service stations located every 60 miles or more. As the world progresses, these changes reflect the evolving nature of our society and transportation systems.

Interestingly, despite the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), it appears that traditional gas stations are not destined to disappear anytime soon. In fact, it is quite unlikely that they will vanish within the next three decades. According to experts, predicting changes beyond that timeframe becomes increasingly challenging.

From Gas to Other Fuels

As we transition towards a more sustainable future, the shift in the role of gas stations is inevitable. Instead of selling gasoline, gas stations will likely start selling synthesized clean liquid or gaseous products for vehicles equipped with batteries. This transition will be gradual and will heavily depend on how quickly we can make the shift to cleaner and more efficient energy sources.

Timeline predictions about the replacement of traditional gas-powered vehicles with electric ones vary. While estimates suggest that electric vehicles (EVs) might replace traditional gas stations within the next 50 to 100 years, this timeline does not necessarily mean that gas stations will become obsolete right away. The transition will likely be more gradual, and some gas stations may continue to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the transportation industry.

Reimagining Future Fueling Stations

There is a growing belief that, while gas stations may eventually cease to sell gasoline, they will still exist in some form. Instead of serving gas, these stations might offer charging services for EVs and advanced fuel options. This transformation is driven by a range of technological advancements and the evolving needs of the transportation sector.

For instance, some experts predict that we might see new types of fuel stations that use nuclear fusion or fission technologies. In particular, Avalanche Fusion on the Orbitron platform is seen as a promising solution. This technology could potentially provide 100 kW of electric output in a compact form factor similar to a plane trolley. The fuel required would be raw hydrogen, which would be used with a very small and efficient process, consuming only 0.15 grams of fuel to power the station for 24 hours non-stop. It is estimated that the actual output could be double this, accounting for the system's own energy consumption.

Moreover, this fusion technology is designed to be radio-free, thanks to its Boron10-Proton-Boron11 reaction, which makes it an appealing option for various applications, including charging stations for electric vehicles. For a sports car or heavy trucks, this technology could be more efficient than carrying around a large battery, and a container of fusion technology could generate plenty of energy for multiple EVs.

The Continuing Role of Gas Stations

While the shift towards synthetic fuels and fusion energy may be on the horizon, it is important to acknowledge that we still have a significant number of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. According to data, there are over 250 million ICE vehicles in the United States, and we continue to purchase about ten times more ICE vehicles than electric ones.

This means that gas stations will continue to play a crucial role in our transportation infrastructure for several more decades. In the near future, we can expect gas stations to evolve and adapt, potentially offering a broader range of services beyond just selling gasoline.