Volvo is developing a line of self-filling cars that would seemingly never run out of fuel. The technology would kick in when the tank is close to empty, sending out a smartphone message to a mobile fuel supplier, who would arrive to top it up.
Sounds bizarre right? Yet, Volvo insists it would run smoothly with the supplier being issued a secure one-off code to open to the fuel cap, freeing the owner to park the vehicle and be elsewhere – perhaps at work, or relaxing at home.
The Swedish manufacturer’s head of technology Klas Bendrik told the Daily Mail: “The widespread use of smartphones is unlocking new potential in what you can do connecting a car with a customer.
“The internet of things has hit the automotive industry and the widespread use of smartphones is unlocking new potential in what you can do connecting a car with a customer.”
Mr Bendrik said Volvo had already tested a similar system whereby drivers can choose to have a parcel delivered by a courier firm to their car, rather than their homes – though the idea clearly raises concerns about security, theft and perhaps the efficiency of those delivering.
Like pretty much every other manufacturer at the minute, Volvo is also working on a project to develop self-driving cars.
“It would be a bit like an airplane,” Volvo’s chief executive Hakan Samuelsson, said of the plans: “So for complicated manoeuvres like take-off and landing the driver would be in control.
“But for long, boring passages you could have automation and sit back, relax, read emails, and regain 30 minutes of your life you could use to spend with your family.”