Ask HN: In 15 years, what will a gas station visit look like?

Overall Change vs Continuity

• Many expect 2040 US gas stations to look much like today: same basic layout, still selling gasoline and especially diesel, with some EV chargers added.
• Others think that’s too conservative, pointing to rapid EV adoption in some regions (Norway, China, California) and predicting a tipping point where many urban stations shut down or convert.
• Several argue 15 years is too short for a full transition because cars last a long time and current EV market share is still modest; some think 40–50 years for ICE dominance to end.

Shift From “Fuel Stop” to “Service Hub”

• Stations are already evolving into mini-marts and fast-food venues; commenters expect more food quality, seating, and “destination” stops (Buc-ee’s–style) where charging time is spent eating, shopping, or working.
• Longer EV dwell times could push stations toward lounges, offices, playgrounds, even “charging malls” and multi-story hubs, but there’s skepticism about whether charger turnover will support the business model.
• Some foresee gas stations becoming primarily convenience/coffee shops with a few pumps or chargers; others think chargers will be more naturally integrated into supermarkets, big-box stores, malls, and airports.

EV Charging: Home vs Public, Centralized vs Distributed

• One camp: most charging will happen at home or work; a large share of residents have single-family homes and can install chargers, making public “fuel stops” less central.
• Another camp: many people lack safe/secure off-street parking; vandalism, cable theft, and urban density limit home charging, making public infrastructure crucial.
• Ideas raised: VIN-based automated payments over the cable; battery swapping; democratized micro-stations at homes and small businesses; concerns about grid peak demand and complex load management.

Fossil Fuels, Trucks, and Alternatives

• Broad agreement that gasoline demand shrinks but persists; diesel for heavy and medium trucks is seen by some as irreplaceable for decades, while others point to emerging electric freight and mining fleets as counterexamples.
• Hydrogen gets mixed reviews: some see growth (e.g., in Japan), others consider it a dead end for personal transport due to cost, logistics, and safety.

Automation, Surveillance, and Payments

• Expectation of more unattended or minimally staffed stations, heavy use of card/phone payments, potential biometric or membership systems, and reduced cash.
• Several anticipate more cameras, facial recognition, hyper-targeted ads at the pump, and more product tie-ins (vapes, influencer goods, bubble tea).
• Toilets are widely acknowledged as the one constant.