An Engineer wrote:
The energy density of compressed air is very crappy.
Shame on you. Engineers should ALWAYS analysis the big picture, not analyze something with blinders on. You forgot something important. Air is everywhere, it takes no effort to find it. If you can breath it, it's there. Gasoline takes effort to find, and a lot of energy to turn into a useful fuel. The gasoline engine is not as wonderful as you believe. Do your own overall efficiency analysis, I won't do your homework four you.
Of course, you assume that it's a conspiracy. It could be the fact that it doesn't work very well.
Provide proof of your claim "the fact it doesn't work very well." The burden is on you, not me.
Can you please show evidence of this conspiracy theory (I see a theme here), proving that oil interests forced internal combustion technology over 100 years ago?
Provide evidence proving the oil industries have NO interest in gasoline engines. Every heard of service stations? Who do you think owns them, and supplies the gasoline?
Is it possible that gasoline-powered combustion was chosen because gasoline has the best energy density of commonly available liquid fuels (similar to diesel), combined with relative large supplies? Just a "crazy" idea that they would pick the fuel based on the fact that it's actually a really good fuel.
Study automotive history. Go see an automobile museum. You'll be amazed at the supposedly revolutionary technologies that were available before the gasoline engine; external combustion, rotary, electric, steam, etc. Amazing stuff.
Gasoline is not a good fuel. Take into account the environmental issues that must be dealt with. Oil leaks, air pollution, the list is a long one.
Inefficient gasoline engines? Gasoline engines are pretty good, they convert roughly 30-40% of the stored energy of gasoline into motive power. Stationary power plants are better, but by the time you get the energy to your location, store it, then use it and convert it to motion, you're not doing any better.
Yes, inefficient. Consider the entire fuel energy chain.
For your obvious trolling, I'll give you a 5/10.
Remember to always provide your own proofs when demanding a proof from someone else. It's hard for engineers to learn to see the big picture. Engineering schools fail at that, shame on them.