In 1912, Cadillac became the first car maker to offer an electric self-starter as standard equipment, using a system developed by inventor Charles F. Kettering and his company Delco. Before that, drivers had to start engines by turning a hand crank at the front of the car — hard work that could break a wrist or jaw if the engine kicked back. The self-starter, combined with electric lighting, made cars far easier and safer to use, opened driving to many more people, and helped end the early market for electric cars.

At a glance
Introduced 1912 Cadillac
Inventor Charles F. Kettering (Delco, Dayton, Ohio)
System Starter motor, generator, ignition and electric lights
Award 1913 Dewar Trophy, Cadillac’s second

The problem with the crank

Early gasoline engines had to be turned over by hand until they fired. If the ignition timing was wrong, the engine could “kick back”, spinning the crank violently in reverse. Injuries were common. According to a well-known account, Cadillac’s chief Henry Leland was moved to act after a friend was fatally injured by a crank kickback while helping a stranded motorist.

Kettering’s insight

Engineers thought an electric motor powerful enough to turn a car engine would be too heavy to carry. Charles Kettering realized the motor only needed to work for a few seconds at a time, so it could be small and heavily overloaded briefly. His Delco system combined a starter-generator, battery, ignition and lights into one electrical system.

What changed

  • Anyone could start a car with the push of a button or pedal — including people without the strength to crank an engine.
  • Electric headlights replaced gas lamps, making night driving safer.
  • Electric cars lost their big advantage. Early electrics were popular partly because they didn’t need cranking. Once gasoline cars had starters, their range and fast refueling won out. Read the history of electric cars.

Recognition

Cadillac received its second Dewar Trophy in 1913 for the electrical system — the first was in 1908 for interchangeable parts. Kettering went on to lead research at General Motors, contributing to leaded gasoline, improved paint and many other innovations.

Legacy

Every car’s starter motor — and today’s smooth stop-start systems — descends from Kettering’s idea. Read how modern mild hybrids restart engines in 48-volt mild hybrids explained, and more about Cadillac’s history.