“Uncover the Surprising Legacy of Gasoline: 13 Fascinating Facts That Will Change How You See Fuel Forever!”
4. Ethanol Powered Early Cars
Before gasoline took over the world of automobiles, ethanol was the original fuel for cars. Henry Ford’s first Model T was designed to run on ethanol, not gasoline.
But when gasoline became cheaper and more widely available, the automotive industry shifted its focus. Gasoline won out, and ethanol was pushed to the sidelines, at least for a while.
5. The First Gasoline Pump Was Invented in 1885
In 1885, Sylvanus Bowser created the first gasoline pump in Indiana, though it was originally designed for kerosene. Little did he know that his invention would become a staple at gas stations worldwide.
As more cars hit the roads, Bowser’s gasoline pump evolved, becoming a central part of the growing car culture in the early 20th century.
6. Early Gasoline Wasn’t Exactly Efficient
Gasoline in the early 20th century wasn’t quite the refined product we use today. It was lower in quality and caused issues like engine knocking and reduced efficiency.
It wasn’t until the 1920s that scientists improved gasoline by adding compounds like tetraethyl lead, which significantly boosted engine performance. Of course, this led to new problems later on (hello, pollution).
7. Tetraethyl Lead Revolutionized Gasoline—But at a Cost
In the 1920s, researchers discovered that adding tetraethyl lead to gasoline could reduce engine knocking, making engines run smoother. This leaded gasoline quickly became the standard.
