The Problem with Current Fuel Tank Designs

Most vehicles place fuel tank openings on the side, creating three noticeable issues: it interrupts the car's smooth design lines, exposes fuel doors to potential tampering, and forces drivers to remember which side has the fuel cap. While not major problems, these are areas where vehicle design could be improved without requiring major changes.

A Hidden Solution Behind License Plates

One approach could involve moving the fuel opening behind the rear license plate. The plate would act as a cover, either hinged or sliding, revealing the fuel cap when opened electronically (by key fob) or manually (via interior release). This would maintain clean vehicle lines while adding theft deterrence. The mechanism would need weatherproofing and durability testing, but could use existing technologies like those found in trunk release systems.

Potential Benefits and Implementation

• Designers gain uninterrupted exterior surfaces
• Drivers no longer need to remember fuel cap location
• Reduced vulnerability to fuel theft
• Simplified car wash cleaning

A good starting point might be aftermarket kits for popular models to gauge consumer interest before working with automakers. The concept has similarities to high-end designs like Tesla's hidden fuel doors, but improves upon them by offering a standardized rear location that solves multiple small frustrations at once.