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electric starter

automotive technology

Quick Summary

The electric starter, introduced by General Motors in the 1912 Cadillac, revolutionized the automobile by eliminating the need for a hand crank. This innovation made cars more accessible and easier to operate, particularly for women. The starter motor, powered by the car's storage battery, engages with the engine's flywheel to initiate combustion. This system is a crucial part of a car's electrical system, which also includes the generator, battery, lighting, and ignition. While an inertia starter uses a spinning flywheel, it can be set in motion by an electric motor or hand crank.1234

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