It may seem absurd to you, but years ago steam cars were an everyday reality. Imagine having to light a match to start the car: instead of keys, a pilot light.
Yet they were there: before internal combustion engines took off. And they polluted less, too. What happened then?
Steam cars, the glory years
Steam cars worked thanks to external combustion: the fuel was burned outside the engine. It heated water and generated steam that moved the engine's pistons, transmitting power to the wheels. In the last decade of the 19th 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, however, steam cars had flaws. First of all, drivers had to pay close attention to vapor pressure and other indicators, risking distracted driving. Ignition was laborious and the use of boilers also made the cars heavy.
The progress of the internal combustion engine and electric ignition sent steam vehicles into oblivion. All those on four wheels, without exception. The manufacturing companies of the time adapted, or closed. This is how the world works. But was it really the word “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 some companies offered steam-powered conversions for production cars, and in 1969 the California Highway Patrol (the “ChiPs”, so to speak) examined the possibility of using steam-powered vehicles to patrol the streets.
Yet, no manufacturer has ever brought out steam-powered cars again (except for those who "wouldn't say so").
Their return might seem like a fascinating idea, but there are many challenges to overcome for them to find a 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 is a key factor when 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 hassle-free user experience, which would require significant technological advances.
Steam cars: at a glance
Although their return may seem like a romantic and suggestive idea, it is difficult to imagine that steam cars can compete with modern automotive technologies in terms of efficiency, safety and convenience.
However, they remain a fascinating piece of automotive history and, who knows, perhaps one day they could find a niche in a world increasingly attentive to the environment and sustainability. After all, it is always adventurous to dream that there is a "unicorn" like that around, perhaps hidden in the attic by some "strong power".
