What Is the Engine of Your Car Called?
In most gasoline or diesel cars, it’s called an internal combustion engine (ICE); in electric vehicles, it’s an electric motor; hybrids use both. The precise designation—often a code like “B58,” “2.0 TSI,” or “K20A”—is the engine’s model name, which you can find in your owner’s manual, on the emissions label under the hood, or via the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Contents
The Basics: What “Engine” Means Today
As vehicles diversify, “engine” can mean different prime movers depending on the powertrain. Traditional cars use engines that combust fuel, while newer models may rely on electric motors, fuel cells, or a mix of systems.
The most common types you’ll encounter are listed below, highlighting how the term applies across modern powertrains.
- Internal combustion engine (ICE): Burns gasoline or diesel; may be turbocharged or naturally aspirated.
- Electric motor (EV): Uses battery-stored electricity; no pistons or combustion.
- Hybrid systems (HEV/PHEV): Combine an ICE with one or more electric motors; some can drive on electricity alone.
- Range-extender setups: Small ICE used only to generate electricity, not to directly drive the wheels (e.g., certain BMW i3 variants, Mazda MX-30 R-EV).
- Fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV): A hydrogen fuel cell powers an electric motor; there’s no conventional ICE.
Together, these categories explain why your vehicle’s “engine” might be a traditional ICE, an electric motor, or part of a hybrid power unit, depending on the model.
How to Find Your Car’s Specific Engine Name or Code
If you need the exact engine identification for parts, service, or insurance, use these steps to locate the official engine name or code.
- Check the owner’s manual: Look for “Specifications,” “Engine,” or “Powertrain.”
- Read the under-hood emissions label: Often on the underside of the hood or near the radiator support; it typically lists engine family or displacement.
- Decode the VIN: Use a manufacturer-approved VIN decoder or dealer; some digits identify engine type. Avoid posting your VIN publicly.
- Inspect under-hood tags or stamps: Some engines have a code plate on the block, valve cover, or timing cover.
- Use the infotainment/service menu or app: Newer vehicles and OEM apps (e.g., FordPass, myChevrolet) may show engine details tied to your VIN.
- Contact a dealership parts department: Provide the VIN for an authoritative lookup.
Taken together, these sources will confirm your engine’s exact designation, ensuring you get the right parts and specifications.
Engine vs. Motor: What’s the Difference?
In everyday speech, “engine” and “motor” are often used interchangeably, but they traditionally refer to different things. Technical usage helps clarify what’s in your vehicle.
Here’s how the terms typically differ in engineering and industry contexts.
- Engine: Converts chemical energy (fuel) into mechanical work through combustion—typical of gasoline and diesel cars.
- Motor: Converts electrical energy into mechanical work—typical of EVs and found alongside engines in hybrids.
- Powertrain/Power unit: The complete system that delivers propulsion, including engine/motor(s), transmission, and related components.
While language varies, this distinction helps when reading technical documents, ordering parts, or discussing EVs versus traditional vehicles.
Examples of Engine Naming Conventions
Automakers use internal codes to identify engine families and variants. Knowing common patterns helps you recognize what you have.
- BMW: B58 (3.0L turbo inline-6), N20 (2.0L turbo inline-4)
- Toyota: 2AR-FE (2.5L inline-4), 2GR-FKS (3.5L V6), A25A-FKS (2.5L inline-4)
- Honda: K20A/K20C (2.0L inline-4), L15B (1.5L turbo inline-4)
- Volkswagen/Audi: EA888 (2.0L turbo inline-4 family), EA113 (older turbo inline-4)
- Ford: EcoBoost families like 2.3L I4, 3.5L V6; Coyote 5.0L V8
- GM/Chevrolet: LS/LT V8 families (e.g., LT1, LT2); LNF/LHU 2.0T inline-4
- Mercedes-Benz: M256 (3.0L inline-6), M139 (2.0L turbo inline-4)
- Hyundai/Kia: Theta II (2.0/2.4L), Smartstream G1.6T/G2.5T
- EV motors: Often referred to by inverter/motor package or drive unit (e.g., Tesla “Drive Unit,” GM Ultium drive units), rather than a traditional “engine” code.
These codes appear in service literature and parts catalogs, making them the most reliable identifiers for maintenance and upgrades.
Why It Matters
Knowing whether your car uses an ICE, an electric motor, or a hybrid system—and learning its specific engine or drive-unit code—helps you get correct parts, follow proper maintenance schedules, and understand performance and emissions details. It’s also essential for accurate insurance and resale information.
Summary
Your car’s “engine” is typically an internal combustion engine in gasoline or diesel models, an electric motor in EVs, or both in hybrids. The exact name is the manufacturer’s engine or drive-unit code, which you can confirm via the owner’s manual, emissions label, VIN decoding, under-hood tags, or a dealer lookup.
What is the engine in your car called?
Most late-model vehicles use internal combustion engines, which ignite fuel to convert energy into torque. The combustion cycle in an internal combustion engine consists of intake, compression, combustion and exhaust strokes.
What are the 4 types of engines?
Four types of engine, categorized by fuel and energy conversion, include Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) like petrol and diesel, External Combustion Engines such as steam engines, Electric Motors, and Hybrid Engines which combine ICE and electric power. These engine types can be further classified by their cylinder arrangement (e.g., Inline, V, Flat) or operating principles (e.g., gasoline vs. diesel).
Here are some common types of engines:
1. Internal Combustion Engines (ICE)
- How they work: Fuel combustion occurs inside the engine, generating heat that drives mechanical energy.
- Examples: Petrol engines, diesel engines, gas turbines, and most car engines.
- Subtypes:
- Spark Ignition: Uses a spark plug to ignite the fuel-air mixture, like most gasoline engines.
- Compression Ignition: Compresses air to a high temperature, causing the fuel to ignite without a spark, characteristic of diesel engines.
2. External Combustion Engines
- How they work: Fuel combustion takes place outside the engine, heating a working fluid (like water or air) that then performs work.
- Examples: Steam engines and Stirling engines.
3. Electric Motors
- How they work: Convert electrical energy into mechanical energy.
- Characteristics: Clean operation with no combustion, making them environmentally friendly.
4. Hybrid Engines
- How they work: Combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
- Benefits: Offer flexibility with different modes of operation, such as electric-only or combined power.
Other Classifications
Engines can also be categorized by other factors:
- Cylinder Arrangement:
- Inline (or Straight): Cylinders are arranged in a single line.
- V-Type: Cylinders are arranged in a V-shape.
- Flat (or Boxer): Cylinders are arranged horizontally opposite each other.
- Fuel Type: Gasoline, diesel, and renewable fuels like bioethanol.
- Operating Cycle: Two-stroke and four-stroke engines, differentiated by their operational cycles.
What is my engine called?
How to find your engine type by VIN. The most common way to find out what type of engine your vehicle has is to check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It will likely be located on a stamp on the bottom of your passenger side windscreen and it is a 17 character code including numbers and letters.
What is a vehicle with an engine called?
A motor vehicle, also known as a motorized vehicle, automotive vehicle, automobile, or road vehicle, is a self-propelled land vehicle, commonly wheeled, that can operate on rails (such as trains or trams), does not fly (such as airplanes or helicopters), does not float on water (such as boats or ships), and is used for …
