* Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Cars: These cars use gasoline, diesel, or other fuels. The fuel is burned inside the engine, creating an explosion that pushes a piston. This movement is converted into rotational motion by the crankshaft, which then powers the wheels.
* Electric Cars: These cars use electricity stored in a battery. The battery provides energy to an electric motor, which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to turn the wheels.
* Hybrid Cars: These cars combine both internal combustion engines and electric motors. They can use either fuel or electricity to power the vehicle, or they can use both systems together for increased efficiency.
The energy source for the fuel itself:
* Fossil Fuels: Gasoline and diesel are derived from oil, a fossil fuel formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient organisms.
* Electricity: Electricity in electric cars can be generated from various sources like coal, natural gas, nuclear power, hydroelectric dams, solar energy, and wind energy.
Ultimately, all the energy used to power a car comes from the sun. Even fossil fuels originally derived their energy from the sun through ancient photosynthesis.
