Gas Stations Are Dying And Mobile Fueling Is Taking Over
May 16, 2025
By Michael D. Farkas
Gas stations are the Blockbuster of energy. They’re clunky, outdated, and headed for extinction sooner than you can imagine. The future is mobile, on-demand fueling, and it is already rolling out in major U.S. cities. Think of it as Doordash for gas.
Think about it: when was the last time you enjoyed going to a gas station? Between rising prices, long lines, rising crime rates, and environmental concerns, the fueling experience has not evolved in decades. Meanwhile, nearly every other industry has undergone a tech-driven transformation — from food delivery to banking to ridesharing. Energy is overdue for its shift.
Mobile fueling, where fuel is delivered directly to vehicles wherever they are parked, is beginning to catch on. This model is especially attractive for commercial fleets, which lose valuable hours and money sending drivers to refuel. But it is also appealing to consumers who value convenience and sustainability, according to McKinsey.
This change is not just about user experience. It is about rethinking the infrastructure. Gas stations take up real estate, contribute to congestion, and are often underutilized. By contrast, mobile fueling scales with demand. It is software-driven, more flexible, and integrates well with clean energy goals. AI and route optimization tools make the entire process more efficient, reducing emissions and cost.
Several startups and established players are already investing in this space. At NextNRG, our EzFill mobile fueling division operates in major metro areas, delivering millions of gallons monthly. EzFill’s rapid growth reflects a broader shift toward distributed energy systems, where access to fuel and power becomes more personalized and less reliant on fixed infrastructure.
We saw the same shift in media and transportation. Netflix made physical rental stores obsolete. Uber eliminated the need for centralized taxi depots. The same logic applies to energy: Why build more gas stations when you can deliver the fuel directly to consumers?
This transformation could also open the door for cleaner fuels and EV support. The technology exists, but it must be deployed at scale.
Local governments and urban planners should start thinking about how mobile fueling fits into their transportation and sustainability plans. Rather than build new stations, we should be implementing legislation that makes energy delivery cleaner, smarter, and more aligned with how people live today by making mobile fueling accessible in all parts of the country.
The gas station, as we know it, is a relic. The future of fueling is flexible, intelligent, and mobile. It is time to embrace that future.