The UK forecourt sector is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in its history. Rising EV adoption, changing consumer habits and increasing operating costs are forcing retailers to think beyond fuel and reimagine what a forecourt can be. According to Lumina Intelligence, successful forecourts are increasingly evolving into technology-enabled retail destinations, with growth being driven by convenience, foodservice, customer engagement and operational efficiency.
According to Forecourt Trader, innovation will be critical to future growth, particularly in foodservice, digital ordering and customer convenience. Meanwhile, industry analysis from McKinsey suggests artificial intelligence and advanced analytics will play an increasingly important role as operators look to optimise everything from customer loyalty and pricing to convenience retail and EV charging.
One of the clearest examples of this shift is the changing role of the forecourt itself. Historically, sites existed primarily to sell fuel, but today operators are generating more value from convenience retail, food-to-go, parcel services, car washing and EV charging.
Ian King, Business Development and Growth Director at Co-op Wholesale, believes retailers are only beginning to realise the potential.
"I think the biggest change at the moment is the change in purpose of forecourts. What forecourts used to be was - I need some petrol and I might pick up some cigarettes when I'm in there. And now that's far less the case.
The role of the store is now far more around serving the local community. People stopping off to use the store, even if they don't need any fuel so there's a real shift in trend."
The result is that retailers are increasingly focused on creating destinations rather than simply fuel stops.
As Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the PRA, explained:
"The forecourt of the future has got to be a destination. So motorists need and want to go there. It's changing the perception that it's not somewhere you go just to get fuel. There's lots of other goods and services you can buy on the forecourt."
Meeting these changing customer expectations requires investment in technology. Across the sector, retailers are increasingly adopting electronic shelf labels, self-scanning systems, digital media screens and energy management platforms to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance the customer experience.
Janine Albrecht Webb, General Manager Mobility & Convenience at Shell UK, believes technology will be essential in helping businesses prepare for future challenges.
"With all of the regulations coming up, it's all of these services and all of these different providers that can bring solutions for potentially addressing the opportunities and challenges. The systems and tech that is also available will really evolve the forecourt operation.”
Across the industry, operators are increasingly viewing technology investment as a long-term strategy rather than a short-term expense.
Rickesh Rajamenon, Co-Managing Director of Leaf Garages Group, said:
"From my point of view, I think it's the value of longer-term investment in technology. A lot of people are put off, because obviously the indicative costing at the beginning is quite significant. But, in the long term, there is return on investment so you're benefitting both parties."
While retailers are already investing in established technologies, many are also beginning to explore the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. McKinsey predicts AI will help mobility retailers personalise customer offers, optimise pricing, improve labour allocation and enhance convenience retail performance.
That potential is already being recognised by operators.
Adil Kohli, Regional Manager at Rondel Trading Ltd, said:
"Everything has been taken over by AI these days. All the businesses, forecourt businesses, everything is going across. Whoever learns AI has got an edge."
Raphael Rivera, President of Mountain High Energy, also highlighted AI's growing influence.
"The biggest growth I've seen in the forecourt industry is the push towards technology innovation and really engaging with the consumers and tracking and leveraging AI to really supercharge that sort of experience."
While adoption remains varied across the sector, AI is increasingly being viewed as a practical business tool rather than a future concept.
Technology is not just helping businesses operate more efficiently; it is also opening up new commercial opportunities. Alongside digital innovation, the transition to electric vehicles continues to influence investment decisions.
Forecourt operators face the challenge of balancing traditional fuels with EV charging infrastructure, convenience retail and alternative energy solutions. Research suggests many sites are also exploring solar power and energy management systems to reduce operating costs and improve sustainability.
As Janine Albrecht Webb explained:
"One of the biggest changes in retail forecourt is the energy transition. How this is balancing to make sure that fuels, convenience retail and services and alternative fuels like EV or renewable diesel actually come into play. This whole balance is quite critical."
The key takeaway
The story of innovation in the forecourt sector is no longer just about adopting new technology. It is about adapting to a changing role within the communities’ operators serve. As forecourts evolve into destinations offering convenience retail, foodservice, EV charging and a wider range of services, technology is becoming the foundation that enables that transformation.
As Ian King concludes:
"It still feels like we're relatively early in the journey, and I think there's a long way to go."
For forecourt retailers, that journey is already underway. The challenge now is not whether to invest in innovation, but which technologies will deliver the greatest value for customers and businesses in the years ahead.
