I believe that the government can have an important role in fostering innovation through investment, but not sure this government investment makes sense (announced yesterday). Isn’t it putting the cart before the horse? It seems to me the bigger problem is not having cheap, renewable energy.  If we can figure that out (and we’re getting closer every day), and consumers have the capability to power their cars with an energy source that’s cheaper than gas, the consumers are going to demand electric cars (or maybe hydrogen fuel cell cars are better…), and no tax payer money would be needed for their development.