In a vehicle with a conventional electric starter motor, which component supplies the electrical energy to turn it?

Correct answer

The battery, through the connection closed by the starter relay or solenoid.

The battery supplies the energy. When starting is commanded, the relay or solenoid closes the high-current connection to the starter motor; it does not meter an “exact amount” of energy. The key or button commands starting and is not the energy source. The generator produces electricity during operation and recharges the battery, but is not the starter motor’s source in this conventional system.