History of Cars: The Automobile Evolution
Submitted by Andy_B on Saturday, 22 August 2020 Page Views: 350
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What do you think the first car looks like? Does it have metal wheels? A makeshift tree steering wheel, perhaps? Whatever it is, it pays to know the real history of cars. After all, it’s hard to imagine a life without automobiles. The Very First Automobile
Contrary to popular belief, the world’s very first automobile was powered by steam. According to the Library of Congress, the first road vehicle was invented by a French military engineer named Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot in 1769. (pictured left)The first automobile was a self-propelled military tractor for the French army. It had three wheels and ran at a speed of 2.5 mph. Its front wheel served both steering and driving functions.
The world's first land vehicle was enormous and heavy. Despite its size, it proved that steam-powered traction could work. It also served as hue inspiration for future automobile inventors.
From Steam to Electricity
About six decades after the invention of the first vehicle, Hungarian engineer Ányos Jedlik invented a small car powered by an electric motor in 1828. The car was just a model, however.It was between 1832 to 1939 when Robert Anderson, an inventor of Scottish descent, made a crude electric-powered carriage. Anderson gained fame for doing this, as he was considered as the inventor of the worlds first road-worthy electric vehicle.
From Electricity to Gasoline
In 1885, Karl Friedrich Benz, a German automotive engineer (pictured right) made the first automobile run by an internal combustion engine. Benz’s motor car had three wheels and four cycles. In 1886, Benz received a patent for his invention.It was in that same year when Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, both German inventors, made the world’s first four-wheeled automobile powered by gasoline. With its four-stroke engine, the car was powerful enough to go on long drives.
The Modern Car
Modern cars are so much more advanced that its' hard to name every car feature there is (and will be). From advanced safety systems to self-driving capabilities, new cars seem in some ways too good to be true. We’re definitely reaping the products of years of innovation work by many automobile designers and engineers.In addition, buying a car nowadays can be really easy. From vintage cars to used luxury vehicles, getting a great deal is possible as long as you do a quick revs check first.
The Role of Innovation
When the word “car” is mentioned, you definitely think of a four-wheeled vehicle with comfortable seats and a charming exterior. Well, that wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for innovation.So the next time you see or ride in a car to ancient cities, have a think about everyone who made it all possible.
From a three-wheeled, self-propelled military tractor to the electric, (almost) self-driving Tesla, cars have certainly come a long way. Thanks to modern technology, we can now all enjoy comfortable drives with people dear to us (or not, if you allow hitchhiking).
With many thanks to Paille and Lincoln Blues for their kind help and support of this article, including Creative Commons photos.
