subject: Mankind's Endless Search In Developing The Absolute Car [print this page] Since the beginning of time man has always been constant in its quest to uncover new places and discover new horizons. It probably began with the invention of the wheel. Cars are the creation of man's imagination as a result from his desire of making life light and convenient for all mankind. Surely the toys for the big boys, the car or automobile's purpose was not restricted to it being a way of transportation but was also elevated to a collector's status symbol. Although this hints on man's voracious nature, it also serves as a signal post for his creative imagination and ingenuity.
The predecessor of the modern-day vehicles was powered by steam, taking its cue from the locomotives. This was pioneered by Nicolas Joseph Cugnot in the year 1769. It was assembled for the military and served as a hauler for the French army's weaponry. It offers a top speed of 2 mph. Nonetheless, the utilization of steam in automobiles did not end up being very successful as a result of some issues, particularly, steam powered vehicles are quite heavy and continuity in long distance travel was a bit of a task mainly because these types of automobiles must stop at least every 10 to 15 min to build up steam.
The initial smoke of steam-powered vehicles gradually dissipated and it was soon replaced by development of electric-powered vehicles. The first electric carriage was designed by Robert Anderson of Scotland around the years 1832 and 1839. This provided the way for more research in prolonging the battery storage useful to support the engines. Electric driven automobiles have their own advantages and disadvantages. In comparison with present-day vehicles fueled by gasoline, electric cars are very quiet, have minimal vibration, are simple to start and do not need gear maintenance. However, they are costly. The initial batch of electronic cars utilized costly materials since they were designed for the high end market. These automobiles cost anywhere approximately $ 3,000. And that was in the 19th century. With that amount of money, you can probably take two of your vehicles to Las Vegas Auto Repair and have their mechanics repair both of the car's suspension and still have enough bucks to play the game poker at the Casino.
Along came Henry Ford who grabbed the opportunity to start the mass production of internal combustion engine automobiles making it available to the public in almost all areas with price tags from $500 to $1,000. Considering Ford vehicles were less expensive by more than 50%, electronic automobiles virtually faded out of circulation and a new age in vehicle history was developed. From a short amount of time internal combustion engines became a signature when the word cars or cars are being spoken of.
Since most people can simply get himself a car, the next step is the way to come up with one that is cost efficient, and environmentally-friendly. Fuel efficiency and eco-friendly have become the baseline of the growth of the auto industry. A new type of vehicles has now become the target of attention amongst customers due to its enhanced fuel consumption and nearly zero carbon emission. Hybrid automobiles have become the center stage of the twenty first century line of automobiles. Their attractiveness originates from the technology of seamlessly merging gasoline and electricity to run cars. The Toyota Prius is considered one of these hybrid cars that have been rated by the United States EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as the most fuel efficient car purchased from the United States. It also aced the smog and toxic emission test to be reported as the cleanest automobile out in the market today.
What is going to happen then for these kings of the roads? The solution lies in man's creativity and technological know-how. Do not be shocked if you wake up in the future and your car can make coffee, too.
