The Economic Times

In 1893, a German inventor and mechanical engineer invented a high-efficiency compression-ignition engine originally intended to run on alternative fuels but his invention turned popular years after his demise due to financial troubles: How did Rudolf Diesel changed the world?

In 1893, Rudolf Diesel published his design for a compression-ignition engine that aimed to improve engine efficiency and reduce dependence on existing steam and gasoline systems. His work later became the basis of diesel engines used in ships, trains, trucks, generators and industrial machines. Diesel also explored vegetable oils as fuel. His career later faced financial problems before his disappearance at sea in 1913.