subject: A Quick History Of Man's Ingenuity [print this page] Ever since the beginning of time the human race has always been persistent in its quest to experience new places and delve into new horizons. It results in the innovation and development of almost all of the things that you take a look at around you. From carriages to steam driven automobiles up to the internal combustion machines that we currently experience, the human race tends to discover possibilities on improving these metal horses. The auto is probably one of the things that mankind has created which revolutionized the environment as you know it. They made travelling a lot quicker and much easier which resulted to the speedy advancement of the society.
The predecessor of the modern-day cars was run by steam, having its cue from the engines. This was developed by Nicolas Joseph Cugnot in the year 1769. It was designed for the military and served as a hauler for the French army's weaponry. It has a top speed of 2 mph. On the other hand, the usage of steam in automobiles did not become very successful as a result of some factors, specifically, steam powered vehicles are very heavy and continuity in long distance travel was a bit of a task because these forms of automobiles should stop at least every 10 to 15 min to create steam.
The initial smoke of steam-powered vehicles gradually dissipated and it was soon enough replaced by creation of electric-powered vehicles. The first electric carriage was created by Robert Anderson of Scotland between the years 1832 and 1839. This started the development of better electric cars therefore, began the quest to boost battery storage to propel these machines. The chase for the absolute vehicle nonetheless, did not end here as even electric-powered vehicles still contend with some advantages weighing in against its disadvantages. As an edge, they are noiseless, they have low vibration, they are super easy to start mainly because it does not take manual effort, and they do not need changing of gears contrary to its rival which are the gasoline cars. The downside of these electrical vehicles was its cost. The very first batch of electronic vehicles utilized expensive materials since they were meant for the high end market. The price of one car alone could increase for as much as US $3,000! Knowing that was in the 1800s. With that amount of money, you can perhaps take two of your cars to Las Vegas Auto Repair and have their mechanics fix both of the vehicle's suspension and still have enough bucks to play poker at the Casino.
Good thing that Henry Ford came into the picture and he championed the system of mass producing internal combustion engines that made automobiles affordable to the open public with a price of only US $500 to US $1,000. Considering Ford cars were more affordable by more than 50%, electronic vehicles literally faded out of circulation and a new era in vehicle history was developed. During a short period of time internal combustion engines started to be a signature when the word vehicles or cars are being spoken of.
Back in the present day in which global warming and sky rocketing prices of gasoline are serious bywords, cost effectiveness and saving nature has become the important determining criteria in car production. Therefore, firms have centered its analysis and enhancement in designing the absolute vehicle that is fuel efficient and environment friendly. A new type of vehicles has now become the center of attention amongst buyers because of its enhanced fuel consumption and apparently 0 % carbon emission. Called hybrid cars, they have made a new frenzy in the twenty first century. Their reputation emanates from the technology of seamlessly integrating gasoline and electricity to propel cars. In the United States alone, the Toyota Prius has been acknowledged by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the most fuel efficient vehicle. It also aced the smog and toxic emission test to be reported as the cleanest vehicle out in the market nowadays.
Together with its dynamic advancement and the outrageous speed of innovation, who knows what the near future may hold for these steeds of steel? The answer can be found in man's imagination and technological innovation. You never know, maybe some time, it can make flavored coffee, too.
