automotor

Automotor is a term used in several languages to denote the propulsion unit of a road vehicle. It can refer to the engine or motor that provides motive power, and in some contexts to the vehicle as a whole. An automotor typically includes the energy conversion device plus related systems such as the energy supply, ignition or power electronics, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, and control systems.

The automotor’s main function is to convert stored energy into mechanical work to drive the wheels. In internal combustion engines, chemical energy in fuels is transformed into heat and motion through combustion in cylinders. In electric vehicles, the electric motor converts electrical energy from energy storage to rotational motion, often with power electronics and regenerative braking. Hybrid propulsion combines both types.

History: The modern automotor emerged from early steam power and the development of practical internal combustion engines in the late 19th century by inventors such as Nikolaus Otto, Gottlieb Daimler, and Karl Benz. Through the 20th century, advances in materials, ignition systems, fuel delivery, and electronic controls increased efficiency, performance, and emissions standards, shaping the evolution of the automobile.

Modern use and considerations: Today automotors are designed for efficiency, emissions control, and reliability. Regulations often govern fuel economy and pollution limits, and maintenance focuses on the fuel or energy system, lubrication, cooling, and exhaust aftertreatment. The term is also used in some languages to differentiate the propulsion unit from the vehicle body and chassis.