WHO REALLY KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR ? Ironically, the invention of a small electric motor did... Charles Kettering invents the first practical electric automobile starter. Kettering's invention allows most people to start gasoline-powered motors by eliminating unwieldy hand crank starters. Ironically, this invention is the sinlge most significant reason people began to choose electric cars over gas burning vehicles. ABOUT.com The first electrical ignition system or electric starter motor for cars was invented by GM engineers Clyde Coleman and Charles Kettering. The self starting ignition was first installed in a Cadillac on February 17, 1911. The invention of the electric starter motor by Charles Kettering eliminated the need for hand cranking. United States Patent #1,150,523, was issued to Charles Kettering of Dayton, Ohio in 1915. Charles Kettering became the founder of Delco (Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company). He also went on to invent: other automotive lighting and ignition systems, lacquer finishes for cars, antilock fuels, leaded gasoline, and an electric cash register. Freon In 1928, Thomas Midgley, Jr. and Charles Kettering invented a "Miracle Compound" called Freon. Freon is now infamous for greatly adding to the depletion of the earth's ozone shield.