“Just a Minute” Educational Series Presents Episode 4, Biofuels: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow — A Look into the Historical and Common Uses of Biofuels
by Hannah DelSordo* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The fourth episode of “Just A Minute or So about Renewable Fuels” focuses on how biofuels have been used throughout history, and their uses as technology progresses. This video is a great tool for teachers, students, and anyone interested in renewables to get a better understanding of the multitude of functions biofuels have in the world today.
Did you know that the original Ford Model T ran on ethanol and the first diesel engines used peanut oil? Or that later Model Ts were the first “flex-fuel” vehicles?
As time passes and technology advances we have begun to use biofuels for a range of items such as trucking fleets, ships, racing, common car transport, and even heating and cooking.
Innovation keeps biofuels in the public eye, as research is conducted to improve efficiency. In the future, we hope to see more fuel cell powered cars and trucks and the optimization of E30. For more information, click the link to the “Just a Minute” video segment.
Three questions you will be able to answer after watching Episode 4:
- What are the origins of “flex-fuel” vehicles?
- What are the common ethanol percentages used commercially?
- Name at least 4 ways biofuels are used today.
WATCH VIDEO Script for Yesterday Today and Tomorrow Just a Minute Episode 4
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*Hannah DelSordo, a junior at Dickinson College majoring in International Studies and French, volunteers at Advanced Biofuels USA in preparation for a career working on environmental issues and policy.