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.

In 1768, the first steam powered automobile capable of human transportation was built by Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot.^[1]:14

In 1807, François Isaac de Rivaz designed the first car powered by an internal combustion engine fueled by hydrogen.

In 1886 the first petrol or gasoline powered automobile the Benz Patent-Motorwagen was invented by Karl Benz.^[2] This is also considered to be the first "production" vehicle as Benz made several identical copies.

At the turn of the 20th century electrically powered automobiles appeared but only occupied a niche market until the turn of the 21st century.