
Until the turn of the century, a car was driven by an internal combustion engine, fueled by either gas or diesel. Those were the only two options available, but now we have ICE cars, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery-powered electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles. Join us as we take a closer look at each of these powertrains.
The Different Power Sources
The best way to start is with the oldest powertrain of them all: the internal combustion engine. Not only is it still in use, but it also forms the basis of hybrids and plug-in hybrid models.
- Internal combustion engine (ICE): The oldest form of propulsion. It uses a combustible fluid (gasoline or diesel) to create a controlled explosion that moves the pistons up and down, rotating the crankshaft. The crankshaft is connected to a driveshaft, which drives the wheels. This is a straightforward explanation for a complex system, but you get the idea.
Read more - The Difference Between ICE, Hybrid, PHEV, EV, And Hydrogen Engines