Plausability Check: Cellulosic ethanol

[danwild6]

Is their anyway that Henry Ford's dream of ethanol fueling every car in America coming true by say the mid 20th century? That is, is it just a matter of dedicating resources to research or is it a matter of developing advanced technology that can only come about as developed naturaly?

[Dathi THorfinnsson]

Originally Posted by danwild6

Is their anyway that Henry Ford's dream of ethanol fueling every car in America coming true by say the mid 20th century? That is, is it just a matter of dedicating resources to research or is it a matter of developing advanced technology that can only come about as developed naturaly?

1) he also looked at soybeans for diesel

2) sure - if there are far fewer cars, which should be possible in a slightly poorer country.

I'm pretty sure Grandad didn't own a car or a tractor until after WWII. Before the war, he didn't have enough money (good grief, sending DAUGHTERS to college, what WAS he thinking of?). During the war, almost all IC engine production capacity was dedicated to the war effort.

I could easily imagine a post-war bust keeping the car numbers down to levels powerable by biodiesel, and some ethanol.