Internal Combustion Engines (ICE):
* Fuel: Most cars use gasoline or diesel fuel. These fuels contain chemical energy stored in the bonds between their molecules.
* Combustion: The fuel is ignited inside the engine cylinders, causing a rapid expansion of hot gases. This expansion pushes a piston, converting chemical energy into mechanical energy.
* Transmission: The mechanical energy is then transferred through a transmission, which alters the speed and torque, allowing the car to move at different speeds and under different loads.
* Wheels: Finally, the mechanical energy is transferred to the wheels, causing them to rotate and move the car.
Electric Vehicles (EVs):
* Battery: EVs use batteries that store electrical energy.
* Electric Motor: The battery's electrical energy powers an electric motor, which converts it into mechanical energy.
* Transmission: The electric motor is directly connected to the wheels, eliminating the need for a complex transmission system.
Other Sources:
* Hybrid Vehicles (HEVs): Combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery, offering fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
* Fuel Cells: Use hydrogen fuel to generate electricity, providing a clean alternative to traditional gasoline engines.
Ultimately, the energy that moves a car originates from the sun, which is the source of the chemical energy in fossil fuels and the energy used to generate electricity.
