Recently infused with more than $15 million in funding and an operating space that has grown from 3 to 16 cities within the past year, Yoshi offers a monthly subscription service that delivers gas for your automobile directly to your residence. In addition to providing the convenience without the “hassle” of a convenience store, the startup is benefitting from a dip in the number of gas stations.
According to the National Association of Convenience Stores, there has been a 25 percent drop in U.S. retail fueling sites over the last 20 years. The company charges a $20 monthly fee on top of the cost of the fuel.
Yoshi’s backers include ExxonMobil, the company from which they source the gas, and General Motors. It also offers services like oil changes and wiper blade replacements, with customers getting gas discounts for selecting add-on services. All of these services can be managed through the company’s app.
The startup asks customers to leave their fuel door ajar, but drivers do not need to be present while Yoshi employees work on the vehicle. Yoshi can also install a magnetic fuel vault that makes it possible to complete a fill-up without leaving the fuel door open.
Despite safety concerns stemming from fire departments, Yoshi has stated that their fuel transportation tanks, which often carry as much as 1,000 gallons of gas, are certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation and adhere to local laws. The company hopes to add nine more cities by the end of 2018. According to its website, Yoshi customers can expect to save up to $240 a year through the use of their service.