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Houston-based P97 Networks Inc., a provider of cloud-based mobile-commerce technology, on Tuesday announced it is adding pay-at-the-pump and electric-vehicle charging functionality to Petro-Canada’s and Petro-Canada EV’s mobile apps. Consumers will also be able to use the apps to locate Petro-Canada locations and earn and redeem loyalty points.
P97’s mobile technology integrates with Petro-Canada’s existing point-of-sale system, managed by Bulloch Technologies Inc., as well as with the petroleum chain’s Petro-Points loyalty platform, which allows customers to earn rewards with purchases.
“Petro-Canada recognizes the importance of enhancing every step of the customer journey,” Donald Frieden, founder and chief executive of P97, said in a prepared statement.
Petro-Canada’s EV fast-charging stations for electric cars are located every 250 kilometers or less, in close proximity to the TransCanada Highway. Each station is connected to the Petro-Canada EV App, which allows users to pay for and monitor their charge. The chargers provide an 80% charge or more to most electric vehicles in less than 30 minutes.
Petro-Canada parent corporation Suncor Energy Inc. announced plans in February 2019 to install a national electric-vehicle charging network under its brand at more than 50 locations across Canada. Suncor received partial funding for the project from the Canadian government.
Looking ahead, Petro-Canada plans to expand its relationship with P97 to develop new user applications, such as connected car, as well as marketing initiatives through the app. Connected car, which is part of the Internet of Things, links a vehicle to the internet through its own connection, usually via a wireless local area network, to allow the vehicle to share Internet access and data with other devices inside and outside the car.
