This is a rolling lawsuit waiting to happen. Those that invested must really be hungry for something unique.
Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
61–70 of 281 posts
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#62"... allows Yoshi to access any car’s tank, even if the gas flap is locked." Very curious how this works.
Good question. We created a device (that we call a "Fuel Vault") that we can install in your car's "gas flap." We'll require that you leave your car's gas flap popped open for your first fill-up so that we can install it. After that, we'll be able to get into your gas flap anytime. It doesn't require any permanent modifications to your car, and can be removed anytime.
Does your device have the same security properties as the typical fuel door?
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#63I've never owned a car in a city as dense as SF or New York so maybe it's different in places like that, but this strikes me as yet another example of the "Uber-For-X" SV startup that doesn't solve any real problem. Stopping by the gas station once a week on my way home is simply not a big enough annoyance for me to subscribe to yet another service. I'm also skeptical of the long-term prospects of this business model…
Furthermore, Uber solved a problem in a market with inefficiencies and use regulation arbitrage to do it. This is just an on demand service betting on the fact that people are lazy enough to not want to put gas into their car. IMO, there are bigger (or actual) problems to solve. Honestly, I wonder why they didn't launch in Chicago or Boston in the winter when weather would make people not want to bother going outside…
Because you cant't be a Ycombinatorbro in Boston bro.
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#64I'm curious about how the customer knows they are getting the grade of gasoline that they paid for. The stuff that comes directly out of the pump is periodically measured by regulators. What assurance does the Yoshi customer get that they are not getting 87 after paying for 91?
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#65I've never owned a car in a city as dense as SF or New York so maybe it's different in places like that, but this strikes me as yet another example of the "Uber-For-X" SV startup that doesn't solve any real problem. Stopping by the gas station once a week on my way home is simply not a big enough annoyance for me to subscribe to yet another service. I'm also skeptical of the long-term prospects of this business model…
Agreed. What would be better is if they were full service and actually had good coffee that they'd bring to your window.
Now this is a business. Coffee delivery on a motor cycle, they deliver it to you when you are sitting in traffic. #trafficoffeebro
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#66Earlier quoted context omitted.
> fluids and perhaps oil changes for me You're wanting a full service mechanic to come out to you. That's not what this service is (nor do I think you can commercially change oil and other fluids in random parking lots).
Here you are, on HN, saying why things aren't possible. Yet these guys are out there making them work. Food for thought.
> Here you are, on HN, saying why things aren't possible. Yet these guys are out there making them work. Food for thought
Just because someone has an idea doesn't make it a sound idea, nor legal. Changing vehicle fluids commercially in random parking lots is not allowed in a lot of places, for fairly obvious reasons.
And frankly, the company this thread is about even acknowledges the legality of what they are doing may be shaky. Driving around town with hundreds of gallons of fuel is likely to make certain regulatory bodies unhappy.
In another article, the San Franciso fire department stated fuel delivery services were not permitted[1].
[1] http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-02/gas-delive...
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#67Hi, I'm one of the founders. Happy to answer any questions!
Is there a back story to the name Yoshi?
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#68The safety issues of this seem far too high to ignore. What happens the first time something catches on fire? Will they fill up inside of a parking garage? What about a home garage? How do leaks get handled, small and large?
Safety is our #1 priority. Our trucks and all of our components have been inspected and approved by several industry experts and authorities.
There are a lot of details here, but the "tldr" is that transporting gasoline and refueling cars requires caution, but it's a solved problem.
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#69I am seeing a bigger picture here, on-demand services for your car, mechanical repairs, washing etc the gas is only to get the ball rolling.
Yoshi is a really cool name :)
Re: Yoshi (YC S16) launches “set it and forget it” vehicle re-fueling service in SF
#70Another startup for things your parents used to do for you.
Wow. I'm going to remember that.
What a good way of summing up the fashion of the times.