KIT celebrates 200 years of innovation: from the first engine to electromobility!

KIT celebrates 200 years of innovation: from the first engine to electromobility!

On April 17, 2025, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) will celebrate an important anniversary: ​​200 years of pioneering spirit and innovation in the field of mobility. This anniversary marks not only the history of the institution, but also the development of crucial technologies that have shaped the modern automotive industry. A central chapter in this history is the development of the four-stroke engine.

The roots of the four-stroke engine go back to the 19th century, when Eugen Langen, together with Nikolaus Otto, founded the world's first engine factory, the Deutz gas engine factory, in 1864. The four-stroke engine, which is often referred to as a gasoline engine, can also be a diesel engine or a rotary engine. Its operating principle based on four cycles – suction, compression, combustion and exhaust – has changed little since its invention, but benefits from continuous technical improvements and material innovations. This has led to higher load capacity and a better displacement-to-mass-performance ratio, with current developments increasingly aimed at efficiency and emissions reduction.

The pioneers of mobility

One of the best-known pioneers of automobile development is Carl Benz, who presented the first practical motor car, the Patent Motor Car, in 1886. With a single-cylinder four-stroke engine, this vehicle reached a top speed of 16 km/h, laying the foundation for modern mobility. Benz, who began his studies at the Polytechnic, a predecessor of KIT, in 1860, was not only a technologist, but also a visionary whose invention triggered many other developments.

The progress of automotive technology continued in the following decades. The 1920s saw the emergence of multi-cylinder engines that offered greater power and efficiency. Engineers increased their focus on improving efficiency and reducing emissions in the 1960s, leading to the introduction of technologies such as fuel injection and catalytic converters. Vehicle safety equipment was revolutionized by Volvo's introduction of the three-point seat belt in 1959 and later by the standardization of airbags in the 1980s.

The future of automotive technology

In the 21st century, the electrification of automobiles plays a central role. Electric vehicles, which made a comeback in the 2010s led by companies like Tesla, are benefiting from advances in battery technology and charging infrastructure. The development of autonomous vehicles is also being pushed forward. Manufacturers such as Google (Waymo), Mercedes-Benz and BMW are working on autonomous driving supported by technologies such as IoT and 5G networks.

The evolution of automotive technology is characterized by innovations aimed at striving for efficient, safe and environmentally friendly mobility. Future technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells, are seen as promising alternatives to traditional propulsion systems. In this way, KIT not only represents a look back at 200 years of innovation, but also an outlook on the coming challenges and opportunities in mobility.

The foundation and the achievements of the KIT show once again how developments in engine technology, such as the four-stroke engine and its varieties, form the basis for the modern automotive industry and revolutionize our mobility. KIT reports that... So the importance of this technology remains undisputed as we prepare for the future of advanced mobility.

Further information about the technical background of the four-stroke engine can be found at Car glass clear and the comprehensive development of automotive technology can be found in an overview Fascination with cars read up.