Internal combustion engine
An engine is a machine that generates kinetic energy from thermal, chemical or another type of energy. In hybrid vehicles, the internal combustion engine is combined with one or more electric motor(s).
Environment
The combustion process produces exhaust gases. These gases contain substances that may be harmful to the environment. For this reason, internal combustion engines must convert the chemical energy in the fuel into kinetic energy with optimum efficiency whilst minimising pollutant emissions. The catalytic converter is where the pollutants produced during the combustion process are wholly or partially converted into harmless substances after they leave the combustion chamber. Moreover, the gas exchange in four-stroke engines has a particular and significant effect on engine power development as well as fuel consumption and pollutant characteristics. A fully functioning engine control system together with timings (assignment of crankshaft positions to camshaft positions) set in accordance with manufacturer specifications therefore play an important role where the protection of the environment is concerned.