The History of Automobiles

Automobiles are vehicles that have four wheels and an engine to power them. They are popular ways of getting from place to place, especially in urban areas where public transport is scarce or expensive.

OPENS UP THE WORLD

People with automobiles can live in different parts of the country or even the world and work in places that are far from home, making life easier and more productive. In addition, the automobile opens up new leisure activities and services like hotels, restaurants, and amusement parks.

INDUSTRY

In 1806 a Swiss called Francois Isaac de Rivaz designed the first internal combustion engine, which used a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen to generate energy to turn the wheels. It was a very clumsy design that was not much better than the first steam cars, but the engine made it possible to produce more modern, more efficient cars.

INNOVATIONS

The next major innovation was in 1870, when Siegfried Marcus built and patented the world’s first vehicle with a gas-fueled engine. He also patented the world’s first car with seats, brakes, and steering.

A gasoline-fueled engine was the key to a better and faster car, but it was not easy to make. It was not until the late 1860s that this engine became common.

EVOLVING TECHNOLOGY

Today’s modern automobile uses an internal combustion engine that burns fuel, such as gasoline or diesel. It uses a piston to push the fuel into the cylinder, and the cylinder sends the fuel to the wheels. It can also use electricity to move the vehicle, in which case it is called an electric motor.