<P> The early history of the automobile can be divided into a number of eras, based on the prevalent means of propulsion . Later periods were defined by trends in exterior styling, size, and utility preferences . </P> <P> In 1808 François Isaac de Rivaz designed the first car powered by an internal combustion engine fueled by hydrogen . </P> <P> In 1870 Siegfried Marcus built the first gasoline powered combustion engine, which he placed on a pushcart, building four progressively sophisticated combustion - engine cars over a 10 - to - 15 - year span that influenced later cars . Marcus created the two - cycle combustion engine . The car's second incarnation in 1880 introduced a four - cycle, gasoline - powered engine, an ingenious carburetor design and magneto ignition . He created an additional two models further refining his design with steering, a clutch and brakes . </P> <P> The four - stroke petrol (gasoline) internal combustion engine that still constitutes the most prevalent form of modern automotive propulsion was patented by Nikolaus Otto . The similar four - stroke diesel engine was invented by Rudolf Diesel . The hydrogen fuel cell, one of the technologies hailed as a replacement for gasoline as an energy source for cars, was discovered in principle by Christian Friedrich Schönbein in 1838 . The battery electric car owes its beginnings to Ányos Jedlik, one of the inventors of the electric motor, and Gaston Planté, who invented the lead - acid battery in 1859 . </P>

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