January 24, 2023 Clean Fuels: Myth-busting Misconceptions Around Electric Vehicles ​ Climate change is seen to be a serious problem for an enormous 93% of EU citizens. As such, it is important to know how you can reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment without compromising convenience. David Mc Guinness, Director of Product Management, Electric Vehicle Charging at Dover Fueling Solutions®, highlights the benefits of going electric. “There are many myths around electric vehicles (EVs). This includes negative beliefs about the price, charge time, requirements and convenience of alternatively fueled vehicles. However, many of these are just common misconceptions." “Electric vehicles can offer benefits to both drivers and the environment. Operating with the same, if not better, processes than their petroleum and diesel counterparts, electric makes your journey better ergonomically, economically and environmentally.” Here, we explore the increasing emergence of EVs and the truth you need to know behind those common misconceptions. How common are electric vehicles? The EV market increased its sales by 186% across 2020. 233,413 electric vehicles were sold in Europe throughout the second quarter of 2022 alone, with France and Spain being leaders in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) growth, as they increased vehicle numbers by 22% and 18.6% respectively. Misconceptions and the Truth They Can’t Travel Far Enough 37% of people believe that electric vehicles, such as the standard EV, can’t travel for long distances. This sways drivers away from buying EVs, as they believe they can’t commute their daily journey without worrying about losing power. However, this is a myth. Most EVs can meet your daily distance standards. In fact, the RAC, an automotive services company in the UK, claims that EVs can reach up to 300 miles on a single charge. Compare this with the European worker’s average commuting distance of 28.56 kilometers a day, and it’s clear that EVs are more than capable of the daily commute. There are over 330,000 publicly available charging ports across the EU, and Germany and France are frontrunners in providing these, which means that careful planners can cover large distances across the EU in an electric vehicle. However, it's worth remembering the infrastructure of electric vehicle charging is still being developed, so travel in an EV outside of France, Germany and the Netherlands may be more difficult. Electric Vehicles Don’t Actually Help the Environment Some people believe the emissions from the production of EVs outweigh the carbon emissions they save through their use – making them worse for the environment than originally thought. Many also believe that EV batteries need to be replaced more frequently than their petroleum and diesel counterparts and that these batteries will end up in landfills – harming the environment further. Electricity was once only generated through the burning of coal and other fossil fuels, but the drive to make electricity sustainable means production has changed to solar power and other renewable sources. This change means that they don’t produce excess carbon emissions. Misconceptions and the Truth (continued) EVs Can’t be Driven in the Rain In 2019, Hyundai found that many drivers were worried about owning an EV due to bad weather conditions. The worry is that electric vehicles aren’t safe during thunderstorms or carwashes. However, the myth around the safety of EV is just that – a myth. Driving an EV, even in the rain, is no less safe than your traditional petrol or diesel car. It’ll Cost More A common misconception is that EVs cost more than traditionally fueled ones. However, this is not always true. Used EVs can dip below £10,000 with new models starting at £20,000. Equally, with the cost of petrol and diesel rising, choosing alternative methods of fueling your vehicles could save you money in the long run. Problems with Places to Recharge Another belief about EVs is that it is difficult to find charging points, especially outside of metropolitan cities such as London, Madrid and Berlin. Electric vehicles, however, are much easier to charge than they used to be. Governments have put in place initiatives to improve accessibility – placing chargers in more residential and rural areas. 33,996 chargers are currently available to the public across the UK, so there’s no need to worry that you cannot charge your car. Germany is the leading country in the EU for plug-in vehicle sales, with 673,747 sales being made across the nation in 2021. France also came out near the top of the board with 303,501 sales. As of the second quarter of 2022, there are currently 28,631 charging stations within Germany alone, an increase of over 7,000 stations since the final quarter of 2020. Plus, a push to put charging ports near workplaces has been encouraged, with a heightened focus on areas outside of key urban centres – meaning you can drive cross-country with confidence knowing that ports are not only available within the capital city but at a range of other locations. There are many misconceptions surrounding EVs, from the distance they can travel to whether they are able to be driven in the rain or through carwashes; however, they are great alternatives, especially for your daily use. Electric vehicles have been met with hesitation in the past, but there is no need to be worried about this innovative technology. They are fast becoming more and more popular and can match or exceed traditionally fueled vehicles in effectiveness. With alternative fueling solutions in vehicles, we can be sure that the future of transport will be greener. ​ Useful Links https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/evchargers Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​

April 24, 2024 Hydrogen Cars: Are We There Yet? ​ While the UK is celebrating a significant win with news of a vast new EV battery manufacturing plant, others around the world are already stealing a march on the production of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The hydrogen propulsion method is indeed nothing new. It first gained traction in the early 2000s but has been supplanted in recent years by other alternative energy methods such as EV while liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) are also gathering traction - at least in the European market. Europe notably trails the world-leading Asian market with eight times more hydrogen-fueled passenger cars in Korea alone than the entire EU. Japan meanwhile, aims to have over 800,000 hydrogen vehicles on the road by 2030. Why then, is Europe lagging behind in hydrogen car adoption? Will we see more euro-centric manufacturers committing to hydrogen vehicles? Will EMEA countries transition from having hydrogen-fueled vehicles concentrated in the transport and logistics sector to the everyday motorist? Experts, Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS), examine the current state of play. The Asian Market When considering alternative fueling options, it can often be a “chicken or egg” scenario. Will adoption follow infrastructure, or vice versa? Statistically, Asia has much more advanced infrastructure than Europe for hydrogen fuel, which can accelerate adoption. As of 2022, China has the most hydrogen refueling stations in the world with 250. South Korea makes an interesting case study here as the growth of the hydrogen sector has largely been underpinned by government funding. Indeed, the country is pursuing a hydrogen-based economy, which is seen as a key driver of economic growth and capable of generating $43 billion of economic growth and creating 420,000 jobs. To facilitate this, subsidiaries, loans and tax benefits have been in place for the hydrogen sector since 2019 and $2.34 billion invested within the sector since 2012. The European Model If Europe is to catch up, similar government spending programs are needed across the region; however, most countries are currently pouring money into electric vehicles (EVs) as opposed to hydrogen. That being said the continent plans to have 1.3 million public chargers in place by 2025 and 2.9 million by 2030. Indeed, EU member states would all need to combine their efforts to compete with the powerhouses of China and Korea. China is currently the largest hydrogen producer in the world – boasting capacity of 40 million tons – and is likely to remain a key industry in the future. It would appear that the European country most notably blazing a trail is Germany, which is set to invest heavily in hydrogen refueling with an emphasis on heavy freight transport. A call-for-action was recently sent to the French government urging them to invest in Hydrogen to reduce the country’s carbon footprint while providing a cheap, abundant fuel source to combat spiraling energy costs. France aims to have a similar volume of refilling stations as Germany by 2030. Despite lagging behind Germany currently, France is also pursuing strong interest in developing the technology and accompanying network. The cash injection, which will see the country’s hydrogen network triple in size, will reposition the country as the “backbone” of European hydrogen. How about commercial transport? Unlike passenger cars, battery-powered vehicles are not yet considered strong enough to be used in heavy goods vehicles, where diesel has long been the prevailing fuel. Hydrogen does carry strong potential for commercial transport. It is often praised as a great energy carrier with a small amount able to release a lot of energy to drive the vehicle. However, the first hydrogen trucks to hit European roads were again Asian in origin with Hyundai trucks being rolled out across the continent. Indeed, eight out of the 10 biggest global hydrogen truck companies are based in Asia. By comparison, hydrogen truck manufacturing in Europe remains in its infancy with leading brand Volvo only in the testing and development stage. 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝘁? It’s clear that Europe trails behind countries such as Japan and South Korea in both the passenger and commercial transport hydrogen markets. While hydrogen does show some potential for commercial transport, it wouldn’t appear that cars for the everyday motorist will surface in the mainstream any time soon. This was underlined by VW – the continent’s largest motors manufacturer – when they announced that they had no plans to produce a hydrogen-fueled passenger car due to poor infrastructure. Presently, the only fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) cars available on the continent are the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo, which – clocking in at £50,000 and £70,000 respectively – are more within the realms of higher earners. Hydrogen will no doubt play its part in the decarbonization mix, but the extent of that will only really become apparent when infrastructure improves. The road to net zero never did run smoothly. Useful Links https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/clean-energy-dispensers https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/clean-energy Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert statistic_id1026719_global-hydrogen-fuel-stations-by-country-2022 (1).png - Google Drive Fuel cell electric vehicle stock and hydrogen refuelling stations by region, 2021 – Charts – Data & Statistics - IEA Home | Dover Fueling Solutions Volvo Trucks has started tests of fuel cell electric trucks. Global Top 10 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Companies [2023] (blackridgeresearch.com) Hydrogen vehicles in Europe – is there growing support? (autovistagroup.com) The Hydrogen Powered Car Is Alive: Sales Up By 84 Percent In 2021 (motor1.com) Industrial groups push for support in France's National Hydrogen strategy | Reuters Global and China Fuel Cell Market and Trend Research Report 2023: Green Hydrogen Set to Be an Investment Hotspot - ResearchAndMarkets.com | Business Wire

May 17, 2022 Harness Technology’s Limitless Potential to Take Your Forecourt to the Next Level ​ Technology is rapidly altering the landscape of fuel and convenience retail – making it more competitive, more advanced, more personalized. That’s why the theme of this year’s Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS) User Conference was ‘No Limits.’ Over three action-packed days, thought leaders and attendees discussed the limitless potential of technology and how to harness it to boost profit, enhance customer experiences and drive customer loyalty. Read on for top takeaways on how to keep your c-store ahead of the competition in 2022 and beyond. 1. Boost the bottom line with smarter fuel monitoring and increased promotions on the forecourt With fuel being your c-store’s biggest expenditure and prices rapidly rising, the cost associated with fuel loss and downtime has never been higher. Lost fuel means lost profit. To safeguard against this, leverage remote monitoring tools and integrate advanced security measures for improved accuracy, efficiency and protection. DFS DX™ connected solutions platform, which includes DX Wetstock® and the ClearView wetstock management solution, rapidly identifies and helps resolve instances of fuel loss whether by leak, short delivery, meter discrepancy or theft. DX Monitor® provides access and insights into each dispenser and fueling point, supplying real-time data helping to alert c-store owners to maintenance needs and security issues. Together, these solutions keep your forecourt safe and running at a lower cost. Volatile fuel pricing fluctuations and surges in theft make it even more imperative to diversify revenue streams. How do you pull customers into the store? Again, we look to technology for cross-selling and upselling opportunities. The DFS Anthem UX® platform elevates customer interactions with a sleek digital interface that allows for personalized messaging and promotions. Utilizing DX Promote®, c-store owners now have the autonomy to showcase targeted and relevant in-store products or services, driving foot traffic and sales at higher volumes. Future capabilities could allow customers to purchase products directly at the pump to be prepared in-store for quick pick up or even offer expedited delivery straight to the customer’s car, removing all friction points and making additional transactions seamless. 2. Enhance customer experiences to stand out from competitors As customers raised on technology begin to make up larger populations at c-stores, shifting technology expectations won’t bypass the fueling industry. New-age customers crave personalized digital experiences and investing early is key to winning them over. DFS User Conference gave us a holistic view of revolutionary customer engagement laser-focused on understanding who makes up the c-store customer base, what drives their behaviors and how we keep them coming back. While behind-the-scenes tank and dispenser monitoring solutions ensure fewer upsets from shortages and dispenser downtime, digital upgrades make the most of the 2-3 minutes customers spend fueling. The DFS Anthem UX® platform is not just a c-store promotional tool. With an interactive touchscreen and contactless payment system, Anthem UX® platform simplifies and accelerates transactions for the optimal customer experience. It also heightens customer interactions through a variety of entertainment options: games, community highlights, local traffic and weather updates, all accessible via a powerful and sleek interface sure to garner attention and win over users. 3. Drive customer loyalty and retention for long-term business health Once you’ve optimized the customer experience within your forecourt, your next priority is to bring them back, over and over. Offering a variety of fueling options catered to different needs, as well as providing fuel rewards and loyalty programs, helps create a strong defense. With larger percentages of the population shifting to electric vehicles and being spoilt for choice, integrating EV chargers into your forecourt retains customers who have recently made the switch. DFS User Conference featured a joint session between DFS and ChargePoint where they explained there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to integration. Instead, it’s dependent upon your customer base and understanding what you need to offer to ensure they keep coming back. Gone are the days of generalized offers – new-age customers crave personalization. The conference showcased loyalty programs designed to captivate audiences and transform fuel dispensers into automated selling machines with targeted content suited to customers’ needs. An existing DFS customer recently leveraged DX Promote® in the forecourt to encourage customers to sign up for their in-house loyalty program, resulting in a marked increase in adoption from previous print promotions. Digital solutions are helping c-stores leverage wallet steering and build loyalty incentives for increased sales. The fuel and convenience retail industry has not historically been categorized at the forefront of technological innovation, but DFS User Conference was on a mission to change that perception. We believe technology is key to driving innovative customer experiences. By investing early, you set your business up for longer-term success, boost sales, optimize processes and keep your customers coming back time and time again. Didn’t attend the DFS User Conference? You can view the video by clicking the link in the 'Useful Links' section below. Useful Links http://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/anthemux https://youtu.be/4eBYIJZLIAY Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​

February 5, 2024 Fuel Dispenser Safety and Security ​ As a fuel retailer or service station owner, it goes without saying that dispensers are one of the most important pieces of equipment you have on site. Not only must the dispenser be easy to use by the motorist, it must also operate safely and efficiently, as well as measure out fuel accurately without risk of tampering or fraud. Not only to protect your customers but also to protect the longevity of your fuel business. Dispenser Security At Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS), we take security seriously, as we know how fraudulent activity can hurt your customers, which again hurts your reputation and business. The motorist trusts retailers to provide the exact amount of fuel the dispenser is displaying and ensure the metering is accurate and within legal tolerance, which is why our dispensers represent a crucial first line of defence when it comes to preventing fuel and monetary theft on the forecourt. From a security standpoint, the DFS EMEA dispenser ranges – Tokheim Quantium®, Wayne Helix®, and Wayne Century™ 3 fuel dispensers – offer a strong line of defence against criminal behaviour, as our intelligent and secure component technology and physical design reduce the risk of tampering and meter manipulation to prevent theft. We also offer additional layers of security from unique key and lock options, to panel sensors that detect unauthorized access into the dispenser as well as intelligent multi-level access control to the pump computer. Our integrated payment terminals are designed to meet the latest and most stringent security regulations as well as being specifically designed to prevent card-skimming and manipulation. DFS prides itself on staying one step ahead of the criminals, anticipating their next move and blocking attempts to carry out any fraudulent activity. Dispenser Safety Dispensers from DFS are designed with safety in mind from assembly, transport, installation, maintenance, as well as general use by the public. Transport and manoeuvring of a new dispenser, during installation, is a potential health and safety risk, which is why all dispensers within the DFS EMEA ranges are designed with embedded lifting holes in the base frame to enable a safe and efficient way to manoeuvre dispensers during installation. We have mitigated the risk of working at height, on ladders or platforms, as our dispenser design allows for all maintenance tasks to be done from ground level. Not only does this significantly reduce HSSE risks while on site, it also delivers lower total cost of ownership (TCO) as no extra equipment is needed to work at height or additional manpower to ensure safe working is required for any maintenance intervention, making maintenance safer and more efficient. Our dispensers are assembled with high quality materials to dramatically reduce the HSSE risk of leakage that can develop, over time, in alternative dispenser models as they utilise lower quality sealing materials. The DFS iMeter™ piston fuel flow metersused within the EMEA dispenser ranges is specified with high quality elastomer seals and our gear pump unit and filter-pot is specified with high quality flour silicone seals and o-rings to enhance durability and provide a strong resistance to ever-evolving fuels and additives to prevent leakages from developing, as well as lowering the QHSE risks and maintenance callouts. Future-Proofing Forecourts With many forecourts looking to future-proof their business, the need for efficient and reliable retail technology is more pressing than ever. The success of any service station is highly dependent on consumers coming back day after day, month after month, year after year. If your service station starts to get a bad reputation for fuel theft or the current dispensers are not “up-to-scratch” when it comes to the safety or security concerns from your consumers, is it likely that they’ll return? It’s time for forecourt owners to ask themselves if they can meet consumer expectations… Engineered with field-proven global components and corrosion resistant materials, the new EMEA DFS dispenser ranges offer exceptional safety and security. Retailers looking to upgrade can rest assured they are investing in a dispenser built to last. ​ Useful Links https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/fuel-dispensers https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/metering Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​

Apr 15, 2021 6 tips to drive profitability and promotions on the forecourt ​ It is no secret convenience stores generate most of their revenue from inside sales. The challenge lies in driving customers inside the store from the forecourt after what is considered a “distressed purchase” and often just a stop between two locations. According to the National Association of Convenience Stores’ (NACS) State of the Industry Report (2019), top convenience store operators “invested five times more into their advertising and promotion, three times more into their communications and five times more into their technology.” Considering the top 25% of store operators promote incremental products and services to achieve their success, it is worth diving deeper into how they do this. With the powers of promotion, communication and technology in mind, let’s look at six ways you can increase customer spend per visit and drive repeat business. Integrate loyalty programs and offer prepared food options Technology has made it easier than ever to tie promotions to purchases and reward customer loyalty. PDI Marketing reported 66% of consumers belong to a loyalty program that rewards them with fuel savings, and Accenture said 57% of consumers spend more on brands to which they are loyal. Now is the time to capitalize on personal trends for your business benefit. The benefits are plenty: reward repeat customers, increase foot traffic with targeted promotions, and learn from the consumer data you will be able to track by frequency, spend, preferences and more. As e-commerce continues to grow, position curbside pickup or delivery options within your loyalty programs to enhance your value offering. NCR reports foodservice accounts for 21% of retail sales but contributes 34% of profits inside the store. If you aren’t offering a foodservice option today, a great place to start is with prepared food options because this subsector accounts for more than 60% of the revenue generated within the category. As 2020 caused consolidation in the restaurant industry, there is no better time than now to branch into foodservice options. Creating the right menu is just one part of this equation. Inform your customers of your new offering with photos of your menu items to promote unique specials throughout the day. In-dispenser advertising is a proven method to drive traffic inside by communicating with a captive audience. Promote Lotto tickets as upsell opportunities and tailor your store to your community For the effort it takes to fill out an online application and submit a small fee, you can expand your offering to your customers. The average fuel retailer nets $2,000/month from adding lottery services (NACS). This low-cost, low-effort portfolio enhancer can generate traffic from the forecourt or upsell routine purchases. The technology of self-service lotto stations guarantees ease-of-use if you have a small footprint available to try it out. You can benefit from national and local promotions about lottery winnings and extend that marketing to your store. Take advantage of digital signage opportunities to make sure your advertising stays up to date. Consider having a competition with your cashiers to see who can sell the most tickets in a month. No one knows your store or your community better than you do. Harness that knowledge to engage your community in new and exciting ways. • Event-based promotions: Food and drink specials for customers with tickets to tonight’s game • Tie best-sellers to high margin products: Promote coffee and pastry specials to drive customers toward your foodservice • Utilize daily specials: Entice customers to return on days when they may not need to re-fuel Invest in a bagged ice machine and extend customer visits with car washes Bagged ice options are low-maintenance value adds for all types of customers in varying regions. The machines do not require valuable space inside your store and provide their own branding space for promotions. While ice may not sell as well in January in North Dakota, consider your location and if your customers could benefit from on-the-go ice solutions: Are you close to parks, sports complexes, lakes, campgrounds or special event centers? Are you right off the highway to conveniently top-off road trip coolers? Remember, regardless of location, holiday gatherings lead to purchasing spikes in urban and rural communities alike. Bagofice.com states the profit margin on one 20-pound bag of ice can be 200-500% based on your pricing. Simply selling 30 bags per day at a reasonable $2.50/unit would generate $25,000 annually. With an initial investment as low as $35,000 and a lifetime of more than 20 years, ice machines can have an impressive ROI for your business. If real estate allows, car washes have proven their value time and time again. According to NACS, the average operating income from car washes for stores of any size averages $6,000/month. For an additional hands-off service to increase spend per site visit, car washes are great opportunities for the right locations. Whether you take the opportunity to promote car washes while people fill their tanks or promote single-serve beverages while people wash their cars, the promotional opportunity is yours for the taking with two captive audiences. Dover Fueling Solutions® and Wayne Fueling Systems have been proud to partner with businesses like yours for more than 125 years. We are committed to being your technology leader and finding new ways to drive new business. For a personalized conversation on ideas how to take your store’s promotions to the next level, contact your Regional Sales Manager today. Useful Links http://doverfuelingsolutions.com/contact-us Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​

Jan 25, 2022 The Future of Clean Fuel ​ At Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS), we have provided clean energy solutions to our global customers for years. Most recently, with Dover’s® acquisition of LIQAL, a turnkey supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen refueling equipment and solutions and micro liquefaction solutions, we are now best positioned to help power the next era of transportation. We sat down with Lise-Lotte Nordholm, DFS’ vice president of dispenser engineering and new product development, based in Sweden, and Jorg Raven, LIQAL’s founder and CEO, located in the Netherlands, to discuss all things clean energy and its future within the fuel and convenience retail industry. ​ 1. Can you tell us a little bit more about the LIQAL/DFS partnership? RAVEN: The partnership came about almost naturally, as the demand for clean fueling solutions has increased considerably over the past few years. LIQAL has found a great partner in DFS, resulting in a relationship that will grow our sales reach and strengthen production capabilities. DFS now has technology for LNG and hydrogen fueling in their product portfolio to complement their end-to-end offering to clients. In the field of digitalization of fueling stations, both LIQAL and DFS have great products that reinforce each other. NORDHOLM: LIQAL is truly a great addition to DFS as we continue to expand our activities in the clean energy segment. 2. What prompted you to move into clean energies, specifically LNG and hydrogen? NORDHOLM: DFS has provided dispensing solutions for the retail fueling industry for 130 years, and clean energy has always played a big part in our product offering. We are committed to supporting our customers regardless of the energy types they work with. This requires us to follow market trends closely to make sure we have the right solutions in place at the right time, which is why we are now extending our portfolio to include LNG and hydrogen. RAVEN: LIQAL was founded on the basic idea that we need to move away from oil-based fuels for mobility to minimize emissions of CO2 and other pollutants. Combining that with our gas technology expertise resulted into our focus on LNG and hydrogen. 3. What role does LNG and hydrogen now play in DFS? NORDHOLM: The introduction of LNG and hydrogen products is a great addition to the DFS product portfolio, and it further strengthens our position in the clean energy segment. RAVEN: These are increasingly important fuels for our clients. We think clean fuels in general (electricity included) will reshape the mobility and fueling landscape globally in a short timeframe. ​ 4. How do you see the demand for clean energy progressing over the next few years, as consumers are becoming more conscious over their carbon footprint? NORDHOLM: There is certainly a move toward a more environmentally-conscious consumer, and we are seeing our customers actively investing in lower-carbon fuels. This trend will undoubtedly continue, but we should also note that the transition of a car fleet takes many years. So, for us at DFS, it’s important to also stay focused on conventional fueling products and solutions at the same time as we work to support the new energy types becoming more in-demand. RAVEN: On a global scale, the demand for clean transport fuels is still small; however, in some local markets, demand for change is strong. Specifically, European legislation and climate awareness driving progress toward zero-emission mobility. 5. What are the key drivers for the adoption of clean energy? NORDHOLM: The key driver is certainly to reduce “our” carbon footprint, and there are several clean energy types, including LNG and hydrogen, available today to support that movement. RAVEN: Alongside reducing our carbon footprint, global warming and changing legislation has resulted in an increased awareness of our impact on the environment. Additionally, there are other factors like costs, accessibility, safety and ease of use when it comes to clean energy technology that determine the speed of adoption. Those factors are the ones that DFS and LIQAL are working on together. ​ 7. How do you think DFS/LIQAL can shape the future of clean energy in the fueling and convenience retail industry? RAVEN: I think we can shape the future by providing excellent technology to our clients that allows them to make the transition from conventional fuels to clean fuels much more easily, not only for single fuel stations, but for their complete fuel retail networks. This means data insights and digitalization will play a large role. Shaping the future means DFS and LIQAL must lead the way on how to get there. NORDHOLM: We can do this by being a one-stop provider of fuel dispensing equipment and offering our customers’ the expertise they require, while ensuring our clean energy equipment can be integrated into our customers’ “normal” site infrastructure with end-to-end solutions. 8. What are your plans for the future? NORDHOLM: DFS will stay committed to catering for all energy demands in the retail fueling industry and will continue to monitor market trends to make sure our product portfolio fully meets what our customers are looking for at the right time. ​ Useful Links https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/brands https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/thoughtleadership/the-future-of-clean-fuel Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​

Apr 6, 2021 How tank calibration affects wetstock management ​ A well-calibrated tank gauge benefits your business by providing you with accurate, on-demand stock readings. If your gauge is poorly calibrated, it may result in fuel losses going unnoticed, which could ultimately impact upon the profitability of your business. Without accurate calibration, gauge readings are often erratic, which can cause any real instances of fuel loss to be disguised in the data. What impacts the calibration of my gauge? There are many factors which can affect the accuracy of your tank gauge. Over time, underground tanks are subjected to large amounts of pressure from the earth under which they are buried, which can cause the tank to become warped or dented, or may result in the tank moving from its original position. Subsidence can also affect calibration, causing data to corrupt. Other factors can also impact on the accuracy of a tank’s calibration, such as offset probes, the length and diameter of the structure, and the shape of the tank end (e.g. domed or flat). It is also possible that your gauge may have been set up incorrectly, or could have been affected by an engineer or contract work carried out on site. How do I know if my gauge needs recalibrating? You may already know if your gauge is performing inaccurately, particularly if you notice highly erratic readings that do not clearly reflect your fuel sales. However, sometimes it is not instantly obvious that a recalibration is required; this is where third-party fuel monitoring services can help. Analysts are able to scrutinise site data on a daily basis and through advanced reconciliation techniques, can identify a poorly calibrated gauge quickly before any loss of profit is incurred. Most modern gauges are fitted with an auto-recalibration function, which can periodically be set to analyse your tank and update any inconsistencies in the data. Whilst these recalibration functions do offer some benefits, they are not able to recognise the presence of any leaks. This means that, when a gauge performs auto-recalibration, it may end up ‘building in’ a leak and accounting for it as normal tank performance, especially if the leak is gradual yet steady over a long period of time. There are many methods of carrying out tank gauge recalibration, all of which will differ slightly depending on your service provider. At Dover Fueling Solutions®, we specialise in remote recalibration, due to the minimal disruption the service causes to the site’s operation. Typically, we calculate twenty volume points that best capture the tank’s fuel movements over time, and measure the height-to-volume ratio in regular increments across the entirety of the tank’s height. The results are then uploaded to the gauge’s memory and a new strapping table is created. The table allows the gauge to accurately process stock levels that reflect the true nature of the tank’s structure and positioning. Although a strapping table created by this method is often the most effective, we are also able to use an increased number of volume points when tanks are especially problematic, dependent upon the make and model of the gauge. Key benefits of a well-calibrated tank gauge on your fuel business There are many benefits to investing in recalibration services, including a reduction in false gauge alarms that can be triggered by erratic data, such as tank overfill or sudden loss alerts. Furthermore, because recalibration significantly improves the accuracy of stock level readings, you are able to opitimise your deliveries, safe in the knowledge that your gauge is truly reflecting the remaining ullage in the tank and reducing the risk of any overfill or spillage occurring. Other benefits include: - Accurate, on-demand fuel stock readings - Improved fuel stock management - More accurate reporting capabilities - Easy verification of fuel deliveries Contact us today to speak to a wetstock specialist or call our UK-based office on +44 (0) 1695 52175. Useful Links http://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/monitoring http://doverfuelingsolutions.com/contact-us Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​

Nov 8, 2021 Jump Start Stores Communicate and Differentiate with DX Promote® ​ Jump Start Stores is a rapidly expanding retail chain based in the Kansas market focused on providing “Simply Better Gasoline.” Jump Start has designed a fuel program to offer their customers choice at the pump, whether they are looking for a more economical choice, a more powerful octane or a more environmentally friendly fuel grade. Having recently expanded from five stores to 18 locations, Jump Start’s strategy is clearly working, with even more growth on the horizon. But how did they do it? A strong commitment to choice, quality, competitive pricing and technology fueled their strategy. Jump Start has installed DFS Anthem UX® Platform on the Wayne Ovation® fuel dispensers at multiple locations, with plans for more, and is leveraging DX Promote® at additional sites on 10.4” screens to help drive their growth Targeted messaging drives action Jump Start’s innovative approach to “Simply Better Gasoline” means they are the only fuel retailer offering Super Premium gasoline in their market. Because this sets their chain apart, it is crucial to promote this opportunity and educate customers on the choices available. Kristin Ghere, Jump Start’s marketing director stated, “providing quality customer service and products is at the heart of our mission. We are able to better do that, with state-of-the-art technology.” DFS’ collaboration with Jump Start has brought innovative advertising opportunities to the forecourt that were previously limited by static pump-topper signage. Digital opportunities and flexible platforms like DX Promote® allow Jump Start to daypart their promotions, rotate their specials and tailor messaging based on what services are available at each unique store. Technology sets them apart Phil Near, president of Jump Start Stores, acknowledged, “In this industry, it is very hard to be different and [Anthem UX®] gives us a huge advantage over our competition.” Jump Start’s commitment to delivering the best products and service to their customers has proven to be their differentiator in a competitive marketplace. The ability to communicate with their clientele at the dispenser allows them to promote more than just fuel, but proprietary coffee programs, fresh food options and community-driven messaging. Ghere says their customers love the new technology and have responded positively to the industry-leading 27” touchscreen displays Anthem UX® provides. Innovation is what fuels us Across 2020, the average convenience store conducted nearly 10,000 fuel-only transactions per month. And in an industry where pennies matter and margin is crucial, leveraging the opportunity to upsell to every customer at the pump is an undeniable opportunity. Jump Start’s upgrade to Anthem UX® platforms, along with a commitment to marketing through DX Promote®, has helped them turn their fuel dispensers into selling machines to achieve fast-paced chain growth. ​ Useful Links https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/dxpromote https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/anthemux Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​

July 4, 2023 Hydrogen vs CNG vs LNG vs EV. Which is the Right Future Fuel For You? ​ Despite the move towards decarbonisation, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are still prevalent in most markets. Up to 2020, nearly 80% of all passenger vehicles sold in the leading European markets were petrol or diesel, with the average lifespan of road vehicles being 10 years. Clearly, the road to carbon-neutrality is a rocky one with barriers to adoption including price, range and refueling/charging anxieties. However, news that UK electric vehicles sales outpaced ICE sales for the first time in December 2022 offers cause for optimism in the race for adoption. As motorists continue to embrace greener transport, many drivers will be considering which clean fuel is best for them. For fleet managers and sustainability directors, many will be wondering which is best for business? At present, market leaders appear to be hydrogen, electric, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) – each with their own advantages. But which is right for you, your business sector or personal driving habits? We drill down into the data and review what your fuel of the future might look like. Hydrogen Hydrogen would appear to be a strong choice for long-haul, heavy-duty vehicles and other commercial transport and we are starting to see the first fuel cell trucks recently appearing on the European market . The Hydrogen truck lends itself naturally to the mass mileage demands of HGV haulage. Hyundai’s current Xcient model, for instance, can travel 400 miles on a single tank, while Volvo is pouring millions into the development of its own hydrogen-powered alternative with a range of 1000 km. Volvo’s simple nozzle-to-pump dispensation will also appeal to motorists, with no need for time-consuming charging which may complicate electric, battery-powered alternatives. To fully flourish, however, greater infrastructure is needed to support future fuel development. Hydrogen investment is growing but not as quickly as that of electric vehicles (EV). Market leaders, Germany provide a neat case study with total German hydrogen refueling stations expected to reach 85 by 2025 and 300 by 2030. Despite this, cumulative hydrogen investment totals €40 billion, which lags behind EV at €51 billion. One other thing to note, when it comes to this future fuel is cost. In Germany, the average price of fuel per 100km is 7.60 euros for Hydrogen, compared with 9.05 euros diesel and 11.74 euros for petrol. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) One lesser known option is CNG which is widely accepted to be the ‘cleanest fossil fuel’. Its chemical properties mean it’s compressed to less than 1% of its volume while it reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 90 to 97 percent. Although it’s a non-renewable source, having been formed millions of years ago from decomposing plants and animals, CNG is non-toxic and has fiscal benefits too. Every 1% increase in natural gas production can create 35,000 jobs. Statistically, CNG is 30% more efficient than petrol with a vehicle able to travel the same distance on 6/7 litres of CNG as 10 litres of petrol. As with any fuel, pricing is subject to global market conditions, but it remains the cheapest non-renewable energy source. Its nozzle-to-pump refuelling method is also a clear user benefit. Despite this, CNG adoption is currently in its infancy. There are currently only 4,159 refilling stations across Europe, which makes it more of an option for fleet owners as opposed to the everyday motorist. This is not to say that CNG doesn’t have mainstream potential, with the fueling option accepted in Europe for passenger vehicles. Almost any petrol vehicle can be retrofitted with a CNG system for around €3000 - €5000, which could make it a shrewd alternative to other clean fuels. This may appeal to businesses or commercial fleets that require its efficiency benefits. In Germany – CNG market leaders – the fuel compares favourably in terms of price too. The average cost of fuel is 6.48 euros per 100km for CNG, compared to 9.05 euros for diesel and 11.74 euros, petrol. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) LNG is another derivative of the abundant natural gas, formed when natural gas is compressed and cooled to -162 degrees Celsius. The International Energy Agency estimates that if consumption remains at present levels, there are enough resources to last 230 years. Again, much like its counterpart CNG, LNG is a cleaner fossil fuel, producing 40% less carbon dioxide than coal and 30% less than oil. It’s clean and quiet burning, while its familiar refilling method should appeal to drivers. LNG infrastructure may be embryonic, but it is fast growing. There are around 635 LNG stations on the continent with the bulk concentrated in Western Europe – Germany with 162, Italy with 130 and Spain with 90, This represents a network that has doubled in size in less than two years. Ultimately, consumers want energy to be affordable, secure and capable of driving down Carbon emissions. LNG ticks all these boxes. Its cost-competitive benefits mean it has strong potential for commercial transport. 𝗔𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 – 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝘃𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀 While the hydrogen propulsion method first gained traction in the early 2000s, this has been supplanted in recent years by the rise of EVs. The European market is currently leading the charge on the global stage with 1,390,000 units sold across the continent per year. By 2030, every second car sold is expected to be powered by electricity. This has serious potential for the general motorist. Massive investments are being made across EMEA as countries pour billions into charging infrastructure. The Netherlands is currently blazing the trail with 90,000 charging points as of 2022, while Europe plans to have 1.3 million public chargers in place by 2025 and 2.9 million by 2030. Price points also offer mainstream charging potential. In the Netherlands, the average cost of electricity per 100km is 5.31 euros compared to 8.66 euros for diesel and 12.32 euros, petrol. Home and workplace charging stations, meanwhile, remain safe and easy to use where drivers can simply ‘plug in’ their vehicle to the charge point. Despite this, charging times, range anxieties and initial cost remain main barriers to adoption. David Mc Guinness, Director of Product Management, Electric Vehicle Charging at Dover Fueling Solutions® expands on reasons for this: “While price and range concerns are being addressed by automotive manufacturers, more needs to be done by authorities to improve access to ‘the plug’. “Dependable, renewable energy infrastructure is required to feed the grid with a need to create a consumer-centric recharging model that serves the practical needs of EV drivers. “As local governments begin to embrace this, companies can deliver high-quality fast chargers to market.” As the world, and the transport industry, move towards Net-Zero, it’s likely all four options will be an integral part of the decarbonisation mix, each with their own distinct benefits. In fact, each offers something unique, so you should take time to explore your options and make a well-informed decision on which of these future fuel alternatives will suit your business goals and lifestyle the best. Useful Link https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/clean-energy Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert https://www.statista.com/study/104032/european-transportation-the-road-to-net-zero/ https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/tesla-electric-car-diesel-b2256112.html https://hydrogen-central.com/first-hydrogen-trucks-rolling-europe/ https://www.volvotrucks.com/en-en/news-stories/press-releases/2022/jun/volvo-trucks-showcases-new-zero-emissions-truck.html https://www.researchgate.net/figure/2-Comparison-of-the-cumulative-investment-of-supply-infrastructures_fig2_322698780 C:\Users\jack.grahamslaw\Downloads\study_id104032_european-transportation-the-road-to-net-zero (1).pdf https://www.acea.auto/?mailpoet_router&endpoint=view_in_browser&action=view&data=WzE2NDI0LCJkY2QxMGUwOWY5ZTAiLDcwMjksIjFlNHV2emc1cmg5Y2drMDRrczAwdzR3Y2dvOHcwNDRnIiwxNjM0NCwwXQ https://www.virta.global/blog/ev-charging-infrastructure-development-statistics https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/ https://group.met.com/en/media/energy-insight/cng-fuel#:~:text=December%2016%2C%202021-,What%20is%20CNG%20fuel%3F,diesel%2C%20petroleum%2C%20coal). https://mydisposal.com/what-is-cng-a-short-guide https://www.fleeteurope.com/fr/connected-safety-environment/europe-europe/analysis/cng-best-short-term-long-distance-solution?a=DQU04&t%5B0%5D=Volkswagen%20Group&t%5B1%5D=PHEVs&t%5B2%5D=TCO&t%5B3%5D=Emissions&t%5B4%5D=Safety&curl=1 https://www.shell.com/energy-and-innovation/natural-gas/natural-gas-and-its-advantages.html#:~:text=Natural%20gas%20is%20abundant.,to%20last%20around%20230%20years. https://lngprime.com/europe/europe-now-has-635-lng-fueling-stations/71712/

Sep 13, 2021 Partner Voices: Dover Fueling Solutions® fuels change with ChargePoint ​ Austin, Texas-based Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS), an operating company within the Dover Corporation, has been providing energy management packages to its global customer base of fueling retailers for more than 130 years. Most recently, the company partnered with ChargePoint to help power the next era of transportation. We caught up with Lise-Lotte Nordholm, DFS’ vice president of dispenser engineering and new product development, based in Sweden, and Scott Negley, the company’s senior director of product management, dispensers and hardware, located in Texas, to find out what it’s been like to be part of the evolution from liquid fuels to electrons. ​ WHAT ROLE DOES EV CHARGING PLAY IN YOUR ORGANZIATION? Nordholm: The expectation is for us to provide solutions to the full range of fueling. We remain committed to that innovation and the delivery of solutions for all entity types. I think EV charging is an exciting evolution to our industry and a really great opportunity for us to deliver solutions through industry-leading partnerships like the one we have with ChargePoint. Negley: We have customers who expect us to have energy management solutions, whether they're liquid hydrocarbons or electrons or kilowatts. We have a natural place in the ecosystem in terms of our positioning and so I think it's a nice fit for us. HOW HAS CHARGEPOINT IMPACTED YOUR BUSINESS AND CUSTOMER BASE? Negley: On one hand, you can think about it as a very disruptive time because we haven’t been in the space. However, given how we are positioned, it’s an exciting time. The potential is there, especially for those who are in those key early markets. We have a customer base asking about this and who want to be able to participate. For us, that's a very exciting opportunity to leverage and support our customers in that endeavor. WHAT ARE COMMON CHALLENGES YOU SEE FACING YOUR INDUSTRY? Nordholm: If you look at all of the different energy types out there, I think that really challenges our customers to stay up to speed, especially when it comes to something like EV charging, which really impacts consumer behavior. One of the key things our customers are facing right now is “how do you change that behavior on-site and how do you accommodate for it?” I think that's a common challenge in the industry, but something that presents a lot of opportunities for our customers. ​ WHAT INITIALLY PROMPTED YOU TO BEGIN SELLING CHARGEPOINT EV CHARGING SOLUTIONS? WHICH CAME FIRST, THE DEMAND FOR EV CHARGING OR AN ANTICIPATION OF THE DEMAND? Negley: We wanted to make sure we were partnering with the market leader, somebody who could provide the full suite of products. Our interest is primarily fast charging, but we have customers who are interested in the full range — not only Level 2 but fleet as well. We wanted a partner who valued our channel. The majority of our business goes through our channel partners — our distributors, business partners who are extensions of our business in the various regions. They’re a key part of our outreach and offer to the marketplace. ChargePoint was a partner who valued that channel and who could take advantage of it. It was a win-win for both companies. Nordholm: To add to that last point, we were looking for someone who was interested in the value software as a service (SaaS) has to offer from a solution standpoint, to be able to combine it with some of the products in terms of media, remote diagnostics, loyalty programs and so forth. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE PAIN POINTS YOU WERE ADDRESSING? Nordholm: I think the pain point is really about changing customer behavior. It is about understanding that this is not something you do in five minutes — it takes longer. Where do they go? What do they interact with in the meantime? What does the media do? A lot of it is educating customers and changing behavior on-site. Negley: With our customers, there's an expectation that the technology we provide on fuel dispensers — whether it's loyalty, media or other types of payment applications — the fuel retailers offer that same type of experience. They want it to be consistent across their entire lines. When their customer comes to their site, whether they're an internal combustion engine (ICE) driver or an EV driver they have that same experience and it's consistent regardless of segment. ​ HOW HAS YOUR INDUSTRY EVOLVED FROM WHERE IT HAS BEEN TO WHERE IT IS TODAY? Nordholm: People just expect so much more. When they go onsite, they expect all of the different energy alternatives to be there, regardless of what they've chosen. They want to be catered to and that also requires them to have the systems in place to support that and really deliver that customer experience on-site. Negley: I would also add that standardization is important — making sure that the protocols, the communication and the means for payment are consistent. I think there is an opportunity for that to evolve and become more streamlined and balanced. IS THERE ANYTHING WE MISSED? Nordholm: An important piece for us is the opportunities that we see linked to EVs. It's so easy to see it as a threat to our industry, but that's not how we view it. There's actually a lot of added value for us to bring these chargers on-site and combine them with everything else that is out there today. There's so much growth left in the segment and it’s going to be really exciting to see it spreading across all countries and all markets as we continue to integrate it with our other products. So, exciting times for us. Negley: I would agree. I think that captures it pretty well. ​ Useful Link https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/evchargers Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​

September 9, 2022 What Possibilities Exist with Prizma – the New Connected Mobility and Convenience Retail Hub from Dover Fueling Solutions® ​ In May 2022, Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS) launched Prizma, a solution that goes beyond the standard point-of-sale (POS) system. Specifically designed to cater to a wide spectrum of fuel and convenience retailer needs, both now and in the future, Prizma is evolving the POS into a connected mobility and convenience retail hub. We sat down with Raf Tormans, DFS Senior Manager, Product Management, to find out how Prizma can help retailers advance their business with a broader spectrum of payment options, fuel types, connections and profits. Q1. What led DFS to design and launch Prizma to the EMEA market? DFS have been preparing for the transition to clean energy and mobility hubs in the fuel retail and convenience industry for quite some time. It’s essential that we continue to support fuel retailers, as they look to diversify their fuel offering on the forecourt. We developed Prizma to give site owners and forecourt operators the tools needed in today’s environment to manage, expand and transition their business model into a connected mobility and convenience retail hub. Q2. Is Prizma just a re-branding of Fuel POS? Prizma goes far beyond a traditional POS system. It has been designed to cater to a wide spectrum of fuel and convenience retailer needs, while meeting increasing consumer demands, both now and in the future. We thought it was time we positioned the product rightfully as a mobility and convenience retail hub, considering over the last several years, Fuel POS hasn’t just focussed on “fuel” and “POS” systems. This is when we launched Prizma and the Prizma eco-system to the market. Q3. How can Prizma help fuel retailers evolve their business? Prizma is ready to support the evolving needs of fuel retailers as they start to re-imagine their standard business model – adapting it to meet new trends and consumer demands, so they can offer new products and services. Among the most visible changes is the rise of clean fuels with a primary focus on electricity for mobility. To make sure this is possible, moving to a customer-centric business model by re-inventing the customer journey is going to be essential. Customers will expect to find high-quality and fresh food services, supported by convenient self-checkout systems and pre-order kiosks. Simultaneously, loyalty systems will enable the retailer to leverage the data from customers to get insights into their preferences. Prizma helps fuel retailers become more customer-centric by facilitating and integrating these new offerings into a familiar site system solution. It keeps everything connected, so the entire process is effortless. Q4. How is Prizma different from other solutions within the market? Prizma is one software for all customers in all countries in the EMEA region, continuously enhanced by new product features, services, and regulatory updates. This presents a unique offering in the market, as all customers can benefit from product enhancements. Prizma also keeps the on-site hardware footprint as low as possible. Q5. What is included in the Prizma eco-system? It’s important fuel retailers can efficiently manage and evolve their business with more payment options, fuel types, connections and profits. The Prizma eco-system is designed to do exactly that. For the merchant, the eco-system focuses on the ability to interface and control any device on the forecourt, whether it is a clean fuel dispenser – Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), Hydrogen etc –, electric Vehicle (EV) charger, coffee machine or checkout system. Prizma seamlessly connects these devices with cloud-services like the Tokheim OASE™ (Online Authorisation and Switching Environment) payment gateway, DX Retail® to remotely manage your site or the DFS DX™ connected solution platform to offer enhanced wetstock analytics, asset & price management, and monitoring capabilities. For the consumer, this eco-system optimizes the overall experience, via a variety of on-site applications, allowing them to efficiently refuel with clear user guidance, independent of the type of fuel dispenser or EV charger. Prizma optimizes the balance between forecourt operations and convenience retail to maximize customer fueling throughput. In the shop, it helps customers by offering extensive food services, loyalty programs and promotional solutions, as well as new checkout and quick payment solutions. Q6. How can fuel retailer’s leverage Prizma to bring new opportunities to their forecourt? One of the main drivers of new equipment on the forecourt is the presence of fast EV chargers. Prizma, in combination with DX Power™, builds the bridge between the existing site system, charge point operator platform and the EV charge point. This solution provides a unified consumer experience on fuel retail sites, while leveraging existing loyalty schemes and the acceptance of bank and fuel cards. For the operator it offers full transparency on what is happening on the forecourt, as the status of EV chargers will be visible on the POS screen, similar as with fuel dispensers. Q7. Do you see Prizma as a next step towards the “Future of Fuel”? This is the main reason why we launched Prizma, this is a huge step towards the “Future Forecourt”. It is our primary objective to assist fuel retailers in the transition to meet the changing requirements of the future. Whether it is on the forecourt, in terms of fuel and electricity, or indoor convenience retail services. ​ Useful Links https://www.prizma-dfs.com/ https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/retailautomationproducts Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​

September 18, 2023 Future-Ready Forecourt Through Connectivity ​ A forecourt equipped with fully functioning fuel dispensers, secure payment terminals and reliable payment solutions sounds like a forecourt that’s built to optimize sales and improve the customer experience to its highest potential in 2023 and beyond, right? Think again. Technological advancements, changes in consumer behavior and new trends within the fuel retail industry are all reasons why today’s forecourt owners need to look beyond investing in products and solutions that only perform well on their own, and instead, create a forecourt equipped with products and solutions that work well with each other. By doing so, the forecourt becomes connected. But what exactly do we mean by connectivity? What Does a Connected Forecourt Look Like? Firstly, it is important to consider the layout of the fuel station. Is it easy for a customer who has just entered the forecourt to refuel their vehicle, and then use additional services such as the car wash or tyre pressure station? If they’re having to go out of their way to access these services, it could have a negative impact on their customer experience, which could result in them choosing another station (i.e., one of your competitors’ forecourts) because it has a much better layout and is optimized for ease. Layout is important. If done poorly, retailers risk losing out on potential revenue and the ability to build loyal, returning customers, as well as leaving motorists with a less than average consumer journey. Secondly, it is worth considering the power of media. Do the fuel dispensers on the forecourt have the capability to target customers with promotional advertisements through the dispensers’ media screen while they refuel their vehicle? Investing in media solutions allows forecourt owners to connect fuel dispensers with the convenience store (i.e., e-store) and drive customers in-store to make the most of advertised promotions; allow for any payment transaction made at the dispenser or c-store to be recorded instantly and transmitted to a secure and safe environment allowing you to understand your customers’ shopping behaviour and needs on a greater scale, as well as monitor your fuel output or any potential fuel loss much quicker. What’s more, through media, retailers have the ability to introduce personalization – something that’s been proven to add additional value for companies - as well as their customers - if done right (McKinsey, 2023). As global sales of EV chargers increase (Statista, 2023), and a growing number of consumers look for charging stations, it’s important to evaluate whether fuel stations are offering appropriate services for customers who have an additional 30 to 60 minutes (depending on the vehicle and charging stations available) to spend on your forecourt while charging their vehicle? According to a study by (Deloitte 2023), EV drivers look out for amenities such as coffee and beverages (64%), bathroom access (56%), Wi-Fi connectivity (55%), snacks and light meals (43%), and lounge or sitting areas (42%). By offering Wi-Fi connectivity, a waiting area or an interactive means of entertainment for these customers is a sign that the forecourt owner has considered the complete customer journey. As likely as it is, customers will visit the forecourt primarily for fuel or electricity, but retailers must also be ready to offer additional products and services to optimize sales and offer a more pleasant customer experience; whether that’s a car wash, cash, vending or coffee machines, or parcel drop-off points. There’s no better time to invest in products and solutions that will allow for 360-degree connectivity than now. 360-Degrees of Forecourt Connection Today’s consumer demands easy-to-use, secure, fast products and solutions, so retailers are not able to successfully run a forecourt with a bad layout or poorly connected products and solutions. At Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS), we consider connectivity to be an important element for a positive forecourt operation, especially throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa (European Commission, 2022), which is why we are helping to connect our customers’ forecourts completely – a whole 360 degrees. Earlier in the year, DFS launched DX Power™ - a solution that integrates EV chargers with Prizma, DFS’s connected mobility and convenience hub, to provide retailers with improved visibility and control, and customers with flexible payment options. A station in Iceland recently installed DX Power™, and has already captured the great improvements this solution has made on their business and customers: the ability to provide a user-friendly EV charging station, while having increased visibility and control across all transactions on site. “The energy mix in the fuel and convenience retail industry is changing,” said David Mc Guinness, Director Product Management, Electric Vehicle Charging, DFS. “DX Power™ will help future-proof businesses by allowing them to easily navigate the energy shift and ensure they’re well prepared to serve a combination of customer needs. This solution further strengthens DFS’s product portfolio around EV charging.” As more and more stations begin to invest in alternative fuels (IEA, 2023), whether that’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), EV or Hydrogen, the need for connectivity has never been so important than now. The good news is, Prizma spans a continuum of options and opportunities including end-to-end secure payment, clean and conventional fuel types, and connected cloud solution – making achieving site-wide connectivity easier than ever. Getting to Know the Customer In addition to the above, retailers should consider how collecting the data their customers leave behind can drive positive changes. Sure, a station might offer contactless payments – both inside and outside – self-checkout kiosks or secure payment terminals that operate with cash, but has the retailer considered integrating cloud-solutions as well? A cloud-enabled solution can help to manage all site data and monitor and analyze information faster and more accurately. Keep in mind, customers will have different preferences on how they want to pay – it is the retailer’s job is to make sure they have the choice they expect, while our job at DFS is to provide them with the products and solutions they need to make these choices possible day in, day out. The right data can help retailers understand what their customer preferences are, such whether their preferred method of payment is cash, card or contactless, as well as the average number of times they visit their forecourt within a week, or if they use the car wash daily or only once a month. Once this information is available, forecourt operators can start to paint a bigger picture and understand their customers on a whole new level, improving the customer journey, increasing sales and profit margins, and becoming the forecourt that motorists will want to visit. Today’s ideal forecourt offers a number of different features, each delivering a unique service to the end customer, but doing it in a way that allows the data and customer experience to be as connected as it possibly can be. The goal as a fuel station owner should not only be to increase sales and bring traffic to the forecourt, but ensure data relating to those sales is captured accurately and used efficiently to improve the entire station offering, so it’s ready to meet the consumer demands of tomorrow. It’s time for retailers to ensure the customer who entered the forecourt yesterday will return tomorrow, the day after that, and the weeks and months to follow. If you’re a retailer, then reach out to us for guidance and assistance to help you improve your forecourt offering, because trust us, your competitors will not wait around to meet this fast-moving connectivity trend. Useful Links https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/fuel-dispensers https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/site-efficiency Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-personalization https://www.statista.com/topics/1010/electric-mobility/#topicOverview https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/technology/articles/2023-global-automotive-consumer-study.html?nc=42 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/connectivity https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-investment-2023/overview-and-key-findings