Whether you’re a commuter on your way to work or going out for a fun night with friends, you want to be able to get where you’re going quickly. With a car, you can save time compared to public transportation and avoid the stress of having to make a last-minute schedule change. But owning a vehicle can also have its drawbacks. Automobiles leave a big footprint, from the production of steel and rubber to emissions from tailpipes and roadside infrastructure.
The scientific and technical building blocks of the automobile date back hundreds of years, starting with a type of internal combustion engine sparked by gunpowder invented by Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens in the late 1600s. But it wasn’t until the late 1800s that modern automobiles became commonplace and affordable to the masses. The first steam-powered cars were called phaetons or steam rollers, while early gasoline-powered vehicles were known as motor cars, horseless carriages or autocars.
Gasoline is the most popular fuel for automobiles today, with 5 – 59 million various types produced every year. Most of these cars use a transmission to transfer the power from the engine to the wheels. The engines can be powered by gasoline (carburetor internal combustion), diesel, or electric.
There are many different kinds of body styles, with each suited for specific passenger capacity or utility function. For example, sedans/saloons and hatchbacks can seat four or five passengers, while sport-utility vehicles and pickup trucks have more space for seating or cargo. The availability of so many options reflects consumer demand for both performance and appearance.