Engines power cars and consist of four essential components: the body, powertrain (engine and transmission), chassis, and electronic/electrical equipment.
They are vehicles with four or more wheels that are not bound to tracks for transport.
As a modern means of transportation, cars have gradually replaced animals and become an indispensable part of contemporary life. Throughout its long development history, the ultimate achievements of each era are reflected in vehicles, from the initial steam engines to internal combustion engines and now to the promotion of pure electric intelligent vehicles. Every step of the car's development is closely intertwined with humanity.
Origin of Cars
In 1478, Italian scientist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci first proposed a design for a self-propelled vehicle. 1769 French engineer Nicolas Cugnot manufactured the world's first steam-powered tricycle in Paris. This revolutionary design and creation propelled cars onto the world stage.
Mass Production of Cars
In 1885, German inventor Karl Benz designed and manufactured the world's first practical application of an internal combustion engine-driven tricycle.
The following year, in 1886, Karl Benz's invention of the world's first three-wheeled car obtained the "automobile manufacturing patent," earning him the title of "father of the automobile." The world's first four-wheeled car was officially sold in the same year. German engineer Daimler invented the first four-wheeled car.
In 1908, the Ford Model T was launched, with a total of 15 million units sold before production ceased, making a considerable contribution to the development of the automotive and manufacturing industries. Five years later, the Ford Motor Company developed the world's first assembly line, marking the commercialization of automobiles.
Energy Crisis, Breakthroughs in Power Technology
Since cars entered the stage of humanity, energy has always been a topic surrounding cars, from mass production to household necessities.
In the context of global warming, the pollution generated by internal combustion engines has become a technological breakthrough that developed countries such as Europe, the United States, and Japan must face. New power technologies include electric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles, with representatives such as Toyota and BYD.
Introducing new automotive technologies cannot wholly avoid environmental pollution during car use. Therefore, green energy will gradually become the preferred choice for cars, and new energy vehicles and electric vehicle technologies will be a significant development direction. Among them, electric vehicles are gradually being widely accepted by consumers worldwide.
Japan is one of the few countries with the fastest development of electric vehicle technology globally, especially in developing hybrid vehicle products, where Japan holds a leading position in the world.
After more than 100 years of continuous improvement and innovation, cars have embodied human wisdom and craftsmanship. Supported by various industries such as petroleum, steel, aluminum, chemicals, plastics, machinery, electricity, road networks, electronic technology, and finance, cars have become transportation tools with various forms and specifications widely used in multiple fields of socio-economic life.
Today, electric (smart) cars have become an emerging hotspot, and we eagerly anticipate their future!
