Which energy source powered the first automobile?

The first automobile was powered by steam, marking a significant milestone in transportation history. Early in the development of motor vehicles, inventors utilized steam engines because they were the most advanced technology available at the time. The steam engine operates by boiling water to create steam, which then drives pistons, generating power to propel the vehicle forward.

Steam-powered vehicles became prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries, with notable examples like Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot's steam tricycle in 1769 and later steam cars that were developed in the early 20th century. This era laid the groundwork for the evolution of automotive technology, as it showcased the concept of mechanized transport.

Gasoline and diesel engines became more popular after the initial development of steam-powered vehicles, as advances in internal combustion engine technology took precedence in the following decades. Electric vehicles also emerged later but were not the first to be created; therefore, while other options became dominant later on, they were not the source of power in the very first automobile.