In response to the dramatic rise in fuel prices across the United Kingdom, which have seen petrol costs increase by over 40% since 2020, British drivers now have a new tool to help manage their fuel expenses. The innovative app, ‘Roadtrip’, originally launched in New Zealand by founders Ben Robertson and Emory Fierlinger, has gained significant traction, quickly reaching the #1 spot on the NZ App Store. After success in New Zealand, where it was downloaded by one in every fifty people, the app’s unique feature that calculates fuel costs based on car registration numbers has led to its launch in the UK.
Emory Fierlinger highlighted the app’s reception, stating, “After our app featured in a viral TikTok video, a comment saying ‘we need this in the UK’ received over 3000 likes. That was a clear signal of the strong demand for our app in the UK.”
He continued, “Based on the huge demand we saw, we immediately began work on the UK version, and after months of dedication, we’re thrilled to finally release it today. We’re so excited to bring Roadtrip to such a large audience in the UK, especially at a time when the cost of living is a challenge for so many.”
Roadtrip simplifies the process of calculating travel costs by allowing users to enter their destination and car registration plate. It then provides an immediate estimation of the petrol cost for the journey, factoring in the vehicle’s specific miles per gallon (MPG) and current local fuel prices.
The app not only suggests the cheapest petrol stations along your planned route but also advises on the most cost-effective routes to take. Additionally, it identifies the most affordable nearby petrol and diesel options, updated in real-time through the UK’s new Pumpwatch scheme, sourced from over 4000 stations.
Roadtrip is ideal for splitting fuel costs among friends, comparing travel costs for holiday trips, or selecting the most economical vehicle for a journey. The app’s services are also available internationally, making it a versatile tool for global travellers.
Emory Fierlinger emphasized the app’s broader mission: “For us it’s about providing a tool that can make a real difference in how people can save money on petrol day to day. Our mission is to help drivers make informed decisions about their travel costs, ultimately leading to massive savings over time”.
The app is available for download on both iPhone and Android platforms. For more details on Roadtrip and to download the app, please visit the Roadtrip website.