The landscape of fueling is shifting as consumers demand more diverse options when they pull up to the pump. Retailers are working to meet those needs, but as energy menus expand, new technical barriers arise. As large pockets of the North American fueling market (we see you in the Midwest) move towards biofuels and other blended fuel types, Encore with 6-Grade Select fueling position has emerged as an advanced solution retailers need.
What Is 6-Grade Select?
6-Grade Select refers to the number of grades available on a fuel dispenser. It lets retailers offer the widest variety of fuels at every fueling position with the most flexibility possible. Whether you want to blend ethanol with gasoline for FlexFuel grades or offer additional variety such as ethanol-free fuel along with diesel and traditional grades, 6-Grade has you covered.
6-Grade is perfect for retailers that already have a diversified fueling strategy and are looking to bring it to the next level.
Let’s say our fictional retailer Gilbert’s wants to offer the 3 “traditional” grades of 87, 89, and 93 Octane, while also providing its customers with 3 more flexible or alternative options such as E85, E15, and Diesel. With 6-Grade Select, Gilbert’s can do just that all in one dispenser.
Retailers are no longer limited to 5-grade offerings, nor do they need to worry about missing out on the fuels their customers are looking for.
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
A key factor in the uptick in demand for more fuel options was the increased use of ethanol. This lower-cost, lower-emissions alternative is rising in popularity among American drivers. According to data from NACS, the Midwest Region saw Ethanol sales increase 33%, the Central Region saw an increase of 32.4%, and the West Region saw an increase of a staggering 73%*. Savvy retailers are noticing this trend, offering flex fuels to gain new customers and increase sales.
To diversify your fuel strategy, you need the most flexible equipment available. That’s where the 6-Grade Select option shifts the equation and changes the game entirely.
"Offering 6-grade dispensers allows retailers to offer more choices at a single fueling position, meaning customers can pull up to any pump on the forecourt, and get access to their desired fuel,” said Dan Riccio, Product Marketing Manager at Gilbarco Veeder-Root. “When limited to 5-grades, retailers would have to strategically plan which fuels would be offered at each position and customers would need to ensure they are pulling up to the right spot."
OFFER 6-GRADE WITH THE ENCORE 700 S DISPENSERS
The Encore 700 S dispensers offer 6-Grade Select and are designed to have the ultimate flexibility and reliability to ensure retailers’ fuel dispensers fit their businesses for decades to come.
These dispensers allow retailers to blend any two of four inlets, with up to four hoses and six fuel grades at the same fueling position – providing enhanced fuel flexibility.
There are currently three dispensers in this line:
- NF6 – Ideal for offering traditional gasoline, Diesel and Flex Fuels.
- NF7 – Ideal for offering a low grade, high grade and two blended mid-grades, plus diesel and either a flex fuel like E85 or E15, or even E0 - Ethanol Free gasoline.
- NL8 – Ideal for offering a low grade, high grade and three different mid-grade blends, plus Diesel.