The automobile engine is a device that converts the chemical energy of fuel into mechanical energy. In all parts of the car, the engine, as an important component, has an important impact on the working performance and life of the car. In recent years, it has caused many scholars to research the automobile engine. Since James Watt first modified the steam engine, the development of the engine has involved major issues. It is of great significance and value to carry out the research and analysis of automobile engines. This paper will introduce three different engines, namely internal combustion engine, hybrid engine and hydrogen fuel cell. It will compare the performance, service life, working principle and their advantages and disadvantages respectively, and give a detailed overview of the current development status of automotive engines at home and abroad and predict their future development trend. It is worth noting that electricity plays an increasingly important role in modern engines. As a clean energy, the introduction of electricity can not only reduce the emission of harmful gases, but also improve the performance of the engine. Therefore, the electrification of automobile engine will be an inevitable trend. The research in this paper will provide reference for the development of automotive engines.