logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2021
18m 12s

The death of the petrol station

Bbc World Service
About this episode

The rise of electric vehicles could see traditional service stations closing across the planet over the next two decades, and replacing pumps with fast chargers is unlikely to save them.

Justin Rowlatt speaks to one entrepreneur hoping to profit from the rollout of EV chargers in every home and parking space, Erik Fairbairn of Pod Point. Meanwhile Isabelle Haigh, head of national control at the UK's National Grid, explains why she is confident they can meet the electricity demand from all these new vehicles.

Across the Atlantic, another entrepreneur - Sanjiv Patel of National Petroleum - says the writing is clearly on the wall for his chain of 25 gas stations in California - but maybe not for a while yet. But could he turn them into restaurants or use them to hold séances? That's the fate of one petrol station in Leeds that is now an arts centre. We hear from its owner, Jack Simpson.

Producer: Laurence Knight

(Picture: Abandoned gas station along old Route 66 in the California desert; Credit: Lynne Rostochil/Getty Images)

Up next
Yesterday
Afterlife: The business of celebrity legacies
We explore the growing industry built around the legacies of celebrities after their deaths. We hear from estate managers, the agents representing the deceased and from those reviving these stars in a market the ethics of which are still being debated.To get in touch with the tea ... Show More
17m 28s
Mar 30
The whistleblower who exposed a massive tax scam
We hear from a man who was once a high-earning, high flyer in the finance industry. But, after he blew the whistle on a major financial scandal, he found himself unemployable and being sued for every cent he owned. Jas Bains tells us his story.If you'd like to get in touch with t ... Show More
17m 28s
Mar 29
After Liberation Day: Who is footing the tariffs bill?
For nearly 12 months, a raft of import duties - tariffs - have made it much more expensive to ship consumer goods into the United States. They have shaken up global trade and according to the Federal Reserve, significantly raised inflation. But who is really footing the bill for ... Show More
17m 48s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2012
Automotive
The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC ... Show More
28m 2s
Sep 2022
Is California Jump-Starting the Electric Vehicle Revolution?
<p>As California watches the impact of rising temperatures devastate its environment with brutal heat waves and raging fires, the state is taking increasingly far-reaching steps to combat climate change.</p><p>One of those measures — banning the sale of new gasoline-powered cars ... Show More
33m 43s
Dec 2023
Has Toyota solved the electric car battery problem?
Toyota has unveiled a revolutionary electric car battery, able to travel 1,200 kilometres in one go and can be charged in just ten minutes.Toyota’s CEO Koji Sato said that “commercialisation of solid state batteries is a thing of the future... now within reach, changing the futur ... Show More
23m 52s
Aug 2023
Powering cars with solar energy with Steve Fambro of Aptera Motors
<p>There’s a new car coming to market that will probably make its owners search out the sunniest spots in the parking lot...</p><p>Aptera Motors is designing and manufacturing this car: a plug-in electric hybrid that can run up to 40 miles on a single, solar-powered charge.&nbsp; ... Show More
39m 55s
Jan 2022
The Electric Car Race! Vroom, Vroom!
Electric cars can help reduce greenhouse gases and companies are taking note — racing to become the next Tesla. Today on the show, guest host Dan Charles talks with business reporter Camila Domonoske about how serious the country is about this big switch from gas to electric cars ... Show More
14m 24s
Dec 2023
Tax Cuts, Housing Costs and Paying at the Pump
We'll take a closer look at what the Autumn Statement means for your personal finances. On Wednesday the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, made announcements about tax, pensions and benefits. With his top takeaways, Paul Lewis talks tax cuts and the unfreezing of the local housing allowan ... Show More
24m 54s
Aug 2023
Leading the Charge. Rory meets Nic Thomas from Nissan.
As we head towards one million electric cars on Britain’s roads, Marketing Director Nic Thomas discusses Nissan’s drive towards a totally electric range in 2030. Nic addresses the ‘charging’ challenge faced by the whole EV industry and why he’s calling for destination charging to ... Show More
59m 36s