Ford introduced a battery-driven electric starter for the Model T in 1919. Before then, Model T drivers normally started the engine by turning a hand crank, although a battery could sometimes be fitted for ignition assistance.
The early Model T relied on a flywheel-mounted magneto to generate electrical current for its trembler-coil ignition. This eliminated the need for a starting battery in ordinary operation, but hand-cranking could be difficult in cold weather and carried a risk of kickback if the spark was not properly retarded.
The 1919 starter system added a battery and a generator, making starting much easier. It was offered as an option rather than immediately being universal equipment. The starter also powered the car’s electrical accessories through the battery system, while the traditional magneto ignition remained part of the Model T’s design.
Another common mix-up is confusing the introduction date with the date when electric starting became standard. Starter availability began in 1919, but it was not standard on every Model T immediately; by the mid-1920s, it was much more widely fitted, and 1926 is often associated with broader standardization.