Pay for autogas with... your car!

© pulsenews.co.krSeems like the next step will be paying for everything with a chip implanted under the skin. Should we rejoice or be scared?

Credit card on wheels

The key component of the entire affair is the right application installed on a portable device, usually a smartphone. The thing is, you don't have to pull it out of your pocket, show it to anybody or place anywhere – it's perfectly enough to have it on you or in the car and the entire payment is completely automated. The service is currently tested in South Korea at two autogas stations operated by E1 Corp., local LPG importer and distributor. The company has partnered with BC Card, Lotte Card, KT Corp. and Smartro for payment processing.

Refill and drive away

Thanks to special equipment installed at the smart stations, the only thing drivers need to do is refill with autogas. No special positioning software or manual confirmations of current position are required whatsoever – the car is automatically recognised and everything besides refueling itself happens without engaging the motorist, including adding loyalty points to his or her account. It's all a bit scary (or not a bit, really), but admittedly also very convenient.

This is just the beginning

Once the pilot program is complete, E1 intends to intend the pay-by-car technology at all of its retail points across the country and, mind you, there are currently 380 of those. The company hopes to lead the blossoming smart fuel station market and if it succeeds, other operators will surely catch on quickly. We're already curious how fast this novelty is going to spread.