A Critique of “Why the Gasoline Engine Isn’t Going Away Any Time Soon” by Joseph B. White
In this article “Why the Gasoline Engine Isn’t Going Away Any Time Soon,” Joseph B. White states that alternative energy cars could be the start of a revolution in the automaker world, however, complications interfere with the outcome. Although the author suggests different ideas on alternative vehicles, he contradicts himself numerous times while also lacking credibility of any sources.
White’s main points relate to the automotive revolution. Environmentalists want car companies to determine how to make alternatives to the regular petroleum-fueled engine. White explains alternative methods that could persuade the automotive industry to go green, such as using ethanol or other biofuels to power one’s car (332). However, while explaining these particular processes, he gives his own opinion on how well these changes will really affect the industry in the long run. The author adds that “technological change is best done incrementally” (332).
This article focuses on how the gasoline engine is unlikely to be replaced by ethanol, hydrogen or electric powered engines anytime soon, contrary to what the media has everyone believing (333). For example, car companies are redesigning the electric car model to be more aerodynamic so the cars can fit smaller batteries in them but are still able to last a whole day’s driving. Refueling electric cars would simply involve plugging it into any electric outlet (334). White indicates pros and cons of alternative powered vehicles to inform the reader that the cons outweigh the pros even though they are possible ideas.
White claims that “an automotive revolution is coming-but it’s traveling in the slow lane” (332). The author implies that there is some hope; however, it may not be in close proximity. White starts by blaming the media for trying to make people believe that most vehicles are converting to engines that are better for the environment. White is pessimistically pointing out that something like this is not as
White’s main points relate to the automotive revolution. Environmentalists want car companies to determine how to make alternatives to the regular petroleum-fueled engine. White explains alternative methods that could persuade the automotive industry to go green, such as using ethanol or other biofuels to power one’s car (332). However, while explaining these particular processes, he gives his own opinion on how well these changes will really affect the industry in the long run. The author adds that “technological change is best done incrementally” (332).
This article focuses on how the gasoline engine is unlikely to be replaced by ethanol, hydrogen or electric powered engines anytime soon, contrary to what the media has everyone believing (333). For example, car companies are redesigning the electric car model to be more aerodynamic so the cars can fit smaller batteries in them but are still able to last a whole day’s driving. Refueling electric cars would simply involve plugging it into any electric outlet (334). White indicates pros and cons of alternative powered vehicles to inform the reader that the cons outweigh the pros even though they are possible ideas.
White claims that “an automotive revolution is coming-but it’s traveling in the slow lane” (332). The author implies that there is some hope; however, it may not be in close proximity. White starts by blaming the media for trying to make people believe that most vehicles are converting to engines that are better for the environment. White is pessimistically pointing out that something like this is not as
Cited: White, Joseph B. “Why the Gasoline Engine Isn’t Going Away Any Time Soon.” Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum. Laurence Behrens and Leonard J. Rosen. Boston: Longman, 2011. Print.