Chronology of Motor and Engine Technology
| 1698 | Thomas Savery builds a steam-powered water pump for pumping water out of mines. |
| 1712 | Thomas Newcomen builds a piston-and-cylinder steam-powered water pump for pumping water out of mines. |
| 1769 | James Watt patents his first improved steam engine. |
| 1821 | Michael Faraday builds an electricity-powered motor. |
| 1876 | Nikolaus Otto designs a four-stroke internal-combustion engine. |
| 1888 | Nikola Tesla patents the induction motor. |