Tesla

With internal combustion engines being only 60% efficienct, Nicholas Tesla developed alternative engines including the jet (60% efficiency).

He was s true visionary but not much of a business man. He recognized the advantages of electrical power and developed generators and motors and was subsequently ripped of by Edison. (At least Edison introduced DC power used for battery storage.)
Next year Tesla motors are introducing a moderately priced SUV which will blow the doors off a HSV@! BMW have already planned most of there models to be electric shortly.