To use the pumps, cars must have special spring-loaded gas caps and get coded chips installed on the windshield that tell the robot what kind of car it's filling. According to SmartPump project manager Jerry Buri, who's based in Houston, about 200 customers now have the windshield tags that will allow them to use the pumps. To use the devices, which offer limited surfing in exchange for an access fee, drivers must exit their cars. BP Amoco expects to test its first wired pumps in Japan this year. You finally arrive at your destination and realize you have no change for the parking meter.
Users electronically replenish their devices at special bank kiosks.
When reloading the card, fees are automatically transferred to the accounts of the relevant municipalities. EasyPark is currently in place in Haifa, Israel, and is in pilot tests in several European countries.