automobilului

Automobilului, commonly known as the automobile or car, is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transportation. Most definitions of automobile specify that they are designed to run primarily on roads, seat one or more people, have four wheels, and be constructed principally for the transport of people rather than goods.

The first true automobiles were invented in the late 19th century. Karl Benz is widely credited with inventing the first practical automobile in 1886, powered by an internal combustion engine. His Benz Patent-Motorwagen is considered the first true automobile. Simultaneously, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach were developing their own gasoline-powered engines and vehicles.

Early automobiles were expensive and unreliable, accessible only to the wealthy. However, advancements in technology and mass production, notably pioneered by Henry Ford with the Model T, made cars increasingly affordable and practical for the general public. This led to a revolution in personal mobility and fundamentally reshaped urban landscapes and lifestyles.

Automobiles are powered by various types of engines, with internal combustion engines (ICE) being the most prevalent for over a century. These engines typically burn gasoline or diesel fuel. In recent decades, there has been a significant shift towards alternative powertrains, including electric vehicles (EVs) powered by batteries and hybrid vehicles that combine an ICE with an electric motor. The development of autonomous or self-driving cars is another ongoing area of innovation, aiming to further transform transportation.