The rise of the electric starter battery was one of the most exciting moments in battery history. Although at the same time, it closed the door on electric cars for a century.
The Early Automobile Had a Serious Problem
The early automobile had a serious problem. Cranking the engine to start it was hard work. Drivers usually had to turn a hand crank to start the petrol engine. The crank could be heavy, and dangerous if the engine kicked back. Electric starting offered a much easier solution.
The Breakthrough Came In The Early 20th Century
The breakthrough came in the early twentieth century. American inventor Charles Kettering and his team at Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company, developed a practical electric starter.
General Motors adopted Kettering’s system for the 1912 Cadillac. The driver could now start the engine by pressing a button.
The rise of the electric starter and battery created a huge new requirement. Cars needed a rechargeable battery capable of delivering a powerful burst of current. Lead batteries were well suited to the job.
Lead-Acid Technology Already Had Several Advantages
Lead-acid technology already had several advantages. It could deliver high current for short periods, and could be recharged repeatedly. It also used relatively inexpensive and widely available materials. Manufacturers therefore adapted the battery to the needs of the growing automobile industry.
The Starter Battery Did More Than Start The Engine
The starter battery did more than start the engine. It supplied electricity for lights, horns and other electrical equipment. Once the engine started, a generator or alternator recharged the battery.
This Changed Lead-Acid Battery Manufacturing Forever
The automobile became one of the most important forces behind the development of the modern lead-acid battery. What began as a laboratory invention had become an essential part of everyday transport.
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