Automotive engine

Internal combustion engines, like this 1.6 litre (98 cubic inch) Renault petrol engine from 2008 seen here, have been the dominant propulsion system for most of the history of automobiles

There are a wide variety of propulsion systems available or potentially available for automobiles and other vehicles. Options included internal combustion engines fueled by petrol, diesel, propane, or natural gas; hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids, fuel cell vehicles fueled by hydrogen and all electric cars. Fueled vehicles seem to have the advantage due to the limited range and high cost of batteries. Some options required construction of a network of fueling or charging stations.[1] With no compelling advantage for any particular option, car makers pursued parallel development tracks using a variety of options. Reducing the weight of vehicles was one strategy being employed.

  1. ^ Cardwell, Diane; Krauss, Clifford (April 22, 2013). "Trucking Industry Is Set to Expand Its Use of Natural Gas". The New York Times. Retrieved April 23, 2013.