* Steam power: Early steam-powered vehicles laid the groundwork for self-propelled transportation. People like Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot are often mentioned for creating early steam-powered road vehicles.
* Internal combustion engines: The development of practical internal combustion engines was crucial. Several inventors contributed to this, making it impossible to pinpoint one person.
* Electric motors: Electric vehicles also have a long history, though early versions were limited by battery technology.
Therefore, instead of a single inventor, it's more accurate to say that the idea of a car developed through a long process of innovation and collaboration across many individuals and over a considerable period.