99 Some researchers are working on keeping the ICE, which is efficient, though with the use of green fuels. Unlike electric cars that can take hours to charge, hydrogen cars can be refilled in about 3-5 minutes, similarly to a petrol car. ONLINE RESOURCES The car of the future breakthrough: innovazione byproduct: prodotto di scarto housing: alloggiamento to rely on: fare affidamento su INNOVATIVE ENGINES Innovative engines explore new ways to improve performance, efficiency, and sustainability in vehicles. From rotary to hydrogen-powered designs, these breakthroughs are transforming traditional internal combustion technology without relying exclusively on electric systems. Hydrogen cars Hydrogen cars have electric engines, but their electricity comes from a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen that takes place in the fuel cell, an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy into electricity. Fuel cells can produce electricity continuously as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied. There are many types of fuel cells, but they all consist of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte that allows ions to move between the two poles of the fuel cell. The rotary engine The rotary engine, also called the Wankel engine, is an innovative type of internal combustion engine. Instead of pistons moving up and down, it uses a triangular rotor that spins inside an oval-like housing. This design makes the engine compact, lightweight, and Solar car smooth, producing high power for its size. Having no pistons, connecting rods, or valves like conventional engines, rotary engines have fewer moving parts, reducing mechanical losses and vibrations. Mazda is the most famous manufacturer to use this engine, especially in its RX sports car series. Solar cars Solar cars are vehicles powered primarily by solar energy collected from solar panels mounted on their surfaces. These panels convert sunlight into electricity, which either drives an electric motor directly or charges a battery for later use. Solar cars are lightweight and highly energy-efficient, and produce zero emissions, making them environmentally friendly. However, their speed and range are limited by the amount of sunlight available, so they are mainly used in races, experimental projects, and ecofriendly demonstrations. How a Wankel rotary engine works A B inlet exhaust fuel-air mixture water inlet 232 MECHANICS charge ignited spark plug C