Final answer:
Burning fuel in cars leads to combustion, releasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to air pollution. To combat this, electric and hybrid automobiles are developed to reduce emissions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Every time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, a chemical reaction occurs known as combustion. Combustion releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, as vehicles burn carbon-based fuels like gasoline, diesel, or coal. This process is a significant contributor to air pollution, and efforts to reduce such emissions include the development of electric and hybrid automobiles. Electric vehicles do not combust fossil fuels, instead using electricity stored in batteries, which leads to fewer emissions during operation. Hybrid automobiles combine a small internal combustion engine with electric propulsion, often resulting in better fuel economy and reduced emissions compared to conventional vehicles.