Vehicle propulsion

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Vehicle propulsion refers to the act of moving an artificial carrier of people or goods over a distance. The power plant used to drive the vehicles can vary widely. Originally, humans or animals would have provided the means of propulsion, later being supplemented by wind power (eg sailing ship). Since the Industrial Revolution, mechanical propulsion has been possible, initially using steam engines. More recently, most vehicles use some form of internal-combustion engine, with electric motors supplementing them.