The steam generator produces a powerful 40 horsepower.
In the early days of automobiles, there were many competing propulsion options -electric vehicles and internal combustion engines – all vying to be viable. Today, we have two of these cars. Steam power has fallen out of favor 100 years ago. The steam-powered cars were complex, unique, and innovative. A new video from Jay Leno’s Garage showcases their engineering and complexity.
Leno explains the complex start-up process for a 1909 White Model M. It takes the car from storage to the open roads. Although this would not be the daily start up process, it is still necessary to drive the car every day. Although the White uses a steam generator to generate 40 horsepower (30 kilowatts), there are also less powerful versions. To operate, it requires regular fuel, pilot fuel, and water.
The White Model M features gauges for fuel, water, and fire. The right-most peddle operates the vehicle’s shaky brakes. There are three pedals. The throttle is controlled by the small wheel located inside the steering wheel. This allows the car to travel 60-65 mph (96-104 km/h). However, Leno claims that the car’s top speed is around 40 mph.
Once the steam generator reaches its operating temperature, it is quite quiet. It can run at 25 rpm which is very impressive and fascinating to watch. The idle speed of internal combustion engines is just below 1,000 rpm.
In the early 1900s, gas-powered cars were not much easier. They required hand cranks, chokes and general fiddling to start. Today’s cars have push-button starts and starter technology has advanced a lot in the past century. Automakers are integrating smartphone apps and better connectivity into cars, a move that will see the end of the traditional key. These advancements are all things we take for granted today.