Volvo is developing the self-fuelling car.
The company is working on a range of cars which will never need to visit a fuel station.
End of the road for the forecourt pump? Image: pixabay |
The vehicle will send a message via smartphone to a mobile fuel suppler which will rendezvous with the car and top it up.
Driver does not even need to be present as the fuel suppler will have a secure, one-off code which will allow the fuel cap to be opened.
Volvo's head of technology, Klas Bendrik, said, "The Internet of Things has hit the automotive industry and the widespread use of smartphones is unlocking new potential in what you can do connecting a car with a customer."
The Swedish-based, Chinese-owned car company has taken automation a step further. While Amazon is considering drones for package delivery, Volvo has made it possible for drivers to receive parcels in their car rather than at their homes. The innovative automaker has also tackled the perennial winter problem of vehicle icing, with some Volvo drivers being able to activate de-icers remotely before they step out of their house or office. The company has also joined the ranks of automotive manufacturers in the burgeoning driverless car market.