Hey there! This is Alex from MinuteEarth. Let me take you back to the summer of 1888 when a woman named Bertha Benz made history. She was the first person to take a car on a long road trip. But guess what? She also became the first person to run out of fuel on the road! If she had been riding a horse, she could have just stopped at a stable for some feed. But cars need fuel, and back then, there were no gas stations.
Luckily, pharmacies sold a product called ligroin, which was used to remove stains and could also power Bertha’s car. She stopped at a pharmacy, got some ligroin, and continued her journey. As cars became more popular, thanks to Bertha and her husband Karl Benz, more stores started selling ligroin and other fuels. By the early 1900s, the first real gas stations were built.
Today, gas stations are everywhere, making it easy for over a billion people to drive long distances without worrying about running out of fuel. While horse stables still exist, they are mostly for fun activities or specific jobs where horses are useful. In general, cars have taken over as the main way to travel.
But cars don’t have to run on gasoline. They can also use electric batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, or even compressed air. Right now, electric cars are the most common alternative, and charging stations are popping up all over the place. It’s possible that in the future, electric cars or other types of vehicles might become more popular, which could mean fewer gas stations.
However, it’s too soon to say gas stations will disappear. Currently, only 1 out of every 200 cars on the road is electric, and 1 out of every 40 new cars sold is electric. Although this number is growing, it might take about 20 years before a quarter of all cars are electric.
Even if we switch to non-gasoline fuels, gas stations might still be important. A hundred years ago, many stables turned into car dealerships and repair shops. Similarly, gas stations could change to support new types of fuel. So, the future of gas stations might be more secure than we think.
This video was made with the help of Bill Gates, who is working to increase clean energy investments and support innovations to help the world reach net-zero carbon emissions. If you want to learn more, check out GatesNotes.com or click the link in the description.
Research the story of Bertha Benz and her historic road trip. Create a short presentation to share with the class, highlighting her journey, the challenges she faced, and how she contributed to the development of gas stations.
Develop a timeline that shows the evolution of car fuels from ligroin to modern alternatives like electric batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. Include key milestones and technological advancements in the timeline.
Participate in a class debate on the future of gas stations. Divide into two groups: one arguing that gas stations will remain essential, and the other arguing that they will become obsolete. Use evidence from the article and additional research to support your arguments.
Imagine what a gas station might look like in 50 years. Draw or create a digital model of your design, considering new types of fuels and services that might be offered. Present your design to the class and explain your choices.
Investigate current innovations in clean energy, such as those supported by Bill Gates. Write a short report on one innovation that interests you, explaining how it could impact the future of transportation and gas stations.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
—
Hi, this is Alex from MinuteEarth. In the summer of 1888, Bertha Benz became the first person to take an automobile on a long-distance road trip. She also became the first person to experience a car running out of fuel. If her vehicle had been a horse, she could have stopped at any stable along the way for feed. However, she needed fuel for her car, and gas stations had not yet been established.
Fortunately, pharmacies at that time sold a petroleum product called ligroin, which was a common stain remover and also served as fuel for Bertha’s car. She visited a pharmacy and was able to complete her journey. As automobiles became more popular, partly due to the efforts of Bertha and her husband Karl Benz, pharmacies and other stores began selling ligroin and other petroleum-based fuels to drivers in increasing quantities. By the early 1900s, the world’s first dedicated gasoline stations were built.
Today, gas stations are widespread, enabling over a billion people to drive long distances with minimal concern about running out of fuel. While horse stables still exist, they primarily support recreational riding and specific professions where horses are still beneficial; in general, traditional horsepower has been replaced by automotive horsepower.
However, there are alternatives to gasoline-powered vehicles. Automobiles can also be powered by electric batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, and compressed air. Among these alternatives, electric cars are the most prevalent, with charging stations emerging everywhere. It’s conceivable that in the near future, electric cars or vehicles powered by other fuels may dominate, leading to a decline in gas stations, which could become more associated with recreational use.
But it’s too early to dismiss gas stations entirely. Currently, only 1 in every 200 cars on the road is electric, and 1 in every 40 new cars purchased is electric, although this rate is on the rise. Given the infrequency of car purchases, projections suggest it may take 20 years before even a quarter of the cars on the road are electric.
When, or if, a complete transition to non-petroleum fuels occurs, gas stations might still play a central role. A century ago, many stables were converted into dealerships and repair shops for the new type of vehicle. Similarly, gas stations may evolve to accommodate new types of fuel. In other words, the future of gas stations may be quite stable.
This video was made in partnership with Bill Gates, who, through Breakthrough Energy, is working to expand clean energy investment and support innovations that will lead the world to net-zero carbon emissions. To learn more, visit GatesNotes.com or click the link in the description.
—
Let me know if you need any further modifications!
Gas – A state of matter that has no fixed shape and can expand to fill any space available. – In science class, we learned that oxygen is a type of gas that is essential for human life.
Stations – Places where specific activities or services are provided, such as refueling vehicles. – The city plans to build more charging stations for electric cars to promote sustainable transportation.
Fuel – A substance that is burned to produce energy, such as coal, oil, or gas. – Scientists are researching new types of fuel that are less harmful to the environment.
Electric – Relating to or powered by electricity. – Electric cars are becoming more popular because they produce fewer emissions than traditional vehicles.
Cars – Vehicles with four wheels that are used for transporting people. – Many car manufacturers are now focusing on producing more eco-friendly cars.
Alternatives – Different options or choices available as substitutes. – Solar and wind energy are alternatives to fossil fuels that can help reduce pollution.
Batteries – Devices that store and provide electrical energy for various uses. – The new batteries in electric cars can last longer and charge faster than older models.
Hydrogen – A light, colorless gas that can be used as a clean fuel source. – Hydrogen fuel cells are being developed as a way to power vehicles without producing harmful emissions.
Future – The time yet to come, often referring to advancements or changes expected to occur. – In the future, scientists hope to develop technologies that will completely eliminate vehicle emissions.
Emissions – Gases or particles released into the air, often from vehicles or industrial processes. – Reducing emissions from factories is crucial for improving air quality and combating climate change.
