It Will Soon Be Time To Say So Long–And Thank You–To the Internal Combustion Engine
Here’s an article in The Economist that pays the homage that is due to the internal combustion engine, which, since it came on the scene 124 years ago, has systematically changed virtually every aspect of human life on this planet. To find an innovation that has had more profound impact, I suppose you’d have to go to germ theory, which, coincidentally, was also developed in the late 19th Century.
As the author points out, electric transportation is rapidly phasing out liquid hydrocarbon fuels in our cars and light trucks, and it appears that the more difficult replacements may not be too far behind. The other question plaguing investors in gasoline and diesel companies is the dubious longevity of the transportation paradigm itself: How much longer are we going to want to own our own cars?
In any case, thanks. It’s been a good ride, so to speak.
Craig,
I notice you have used a picture from an advertisement for the HFCV Toyota to highlight the demise of the internal combustion engine.
Does this signify a change in your thinking on H2 technology :)?
The process of evolution to alternate fueled transport will not be as rapid as articles like this predict.
Extrapolating the most optimistic expectations to reach a preconceived conclusion, is always bound to fail the test of reality.
Still, it’s an interesting article revealing insights into the possibilities of the future of emerging technologies.
No, that was just an accident on my part.