It may seem absurd to you, but years ago steam cars were a daily reality. Imagine having to strike a match to start the car: instead of keys, a pilot light.
And yet they were there: before internal combustion engines took to the seas. And they polluted less, too. What happened then?
Steam cars, the glory years
Steam cars worked by external combustion: fuel was burned outside the engine. It heated the water and generated steam which moved the pistons of the engine, transmitting the power to the wheels. In the last decade of the XIX century they had their exploit: and it was an announced success (given the steam engines already used on ships and trains).
As you can imagine, though, steam cars had flaws. First, drivers had to pay close attention to vapor pressure and other indicators, risking distraction while driving. Starting was laborious and the use of boilers made the cars heavy.
Advances in the internal combustion engine and electric ignition sent steam vehicles into the attic. All those on four wheels, without exception. The manufacturers of the time adapted, or closed. That's the way the world is. But was it really the word "The End"?
What if they come back today?
Over the years, interest in steam cars has periodically resurfaced, mostly in response to environmental problems or energy crises. In the 50s and 60s a few companies offered steam-powered conversions for stock cars, and in 1969 the California Highway Patrol (the "ChiPs," so to speak) looked into using steam-powered vehicles to patrol the roads.
And yet, no manufacturer has ever brought out steam cars (excluding those who "wouldn't say").
Their return might seem like a glamorous idea, but there are many challenges to overcome for them to find their place in the modern automotive landscape. These include energy efficiency, safety and convenience.
Practical reasons
While potentially cleaner than their internal combustion counterparts, steam engines they are less efficient from an energy point of view. This means that even if it were possible to produce a steam-powered car (which would have lower emissions), it could be difficult to convince consumers to choose it over an electric or hybrid car, which offer advantages in terms of energy efficiency and range.
Furthermore, the safety of steam cars is a concern. Steam engines require high temperatures and pressures to operate, which can pose risks in the event of an accident or breakdown. Modern safety technologies could reduce these risks, but large sums of money would have to be invested in developing solutions suitable for these vehicles.
Finally, the convenience it is a key factor in choosing a car. As we have seen in the history of steam cars, starting and maintaining these vehicles can be complicated and time consuming. To compete with modern cars, steam cars would have to offer a simple and trouble-free user experience, which would require significant technological advances.
Steam cars: at a glance
While their return may seem like a romantic and suggestive idea, it's hard to imagine that steam cars could compete with modern automotive technologies in terms of efficiency, safety and convenience.
However, they remain a fascinating piece of automotive history and, who knows, maybe one day they could find a niche in an increasingly environmentally and sustainability-conscious world. After all, it is always adventurous to dream that there is such a "unicorn" around, perhaps hidden in the attic by some "strong power".
