Along the way, Stempel (left in photo) helped develop the catalytic converter, green -lighted GM’s first electric car , the ill-fated EV1 – which was killed after he departed – headed one of the largest nickel-metal hydride battery companies in the country, has worked for more … “EVs and hybrids are the talk of the big auto shows,” replacing hype about horsepower; “we’re just not looking at these kinds of cars as gimmicks anymore, they’re real.” National Policy Needed …