Translation—English into Chinese It takes energy to make a car, and it takes energy to run it. Energy is expensive, and in short supply. Using energy causes pollution and contributes to global warming. The energy needed by the car’s engine comes from burning its fuel. Car engines are not very efficient. Only about 20% of the energy from the fuel is used to keep the car moving. The rest escapes as waste heat, or is used for the car’s lights, heater, etc.