Amount Quote by Bill Gates
“In the same way that when the car got going, people thought it would be an electric car, people thought it would be a steam car. Actually, the dark horse in that race was internal combustion, but because of the energy density of gasoline and discovery of oil in large amounts at that point in first Pennsylvania and then Texas, it won out over those other two, to the point that those other two are actually viewed as obscure footnotes in history.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Technology Evolution Discussion, 2023
Early expectations of electric and steam cars were overtaken by internal combustion due to gasoline’s energy density and abundant oil.
In simple terms: Energy availability shaped automotive dominance.
Key Takeaway
Consider resource impact on tech adoption.
Themes
technology
energy
history
Mood
analytical
forwardlooking
Type
historical
strategic
When to use this quote
- automotive design
- energy policy
- innovation strategy
Key Concepts
energy density
market forces
Questions to Reflect On
- How might future energy shifts change transport?
- What lessons apply to emerging tech?
A Different Perspective
Alternative technologies may resurface with new constraints.
