[ck67goat]

Original post brings up some very good points but missed some of the most obvious which is that as with all new technologies or ideas, they are rarely implemented without someone figuring out how to make a buck off of you. There will also be hidden costs to everything and even "free" solar energy will be taxed in many ways - grid connection or if you plan storing in batteries, the cost and recycling of batteries, panels and other components will wind up costing well above actual cost due to regulation and an imperfect human world we live in.
As far as electric cars, they are here. The IC engine may not disappear entirely, however for the automobile, they are making more and more sense - the motor is quite simple technology and Tesla has demonstrated to doubters out there who thought electric power could not meet or exceed the performance of an IC engine. Battery weight and efficiency continues to evolve as will infrastructure and support. Where Tesla will eventually fall short is support for repairs on their fleet after warranties expire. I hear stories of over $1k just to replace a window regulator and standard parts from the Tesla factory that sells are over 10x the amount us car guys would ever expect to pay.
As for other car companies, though Tesla seems to have a head start in technology, they are still a new company that does not quite have the economy of scale as other established car companies. GM and Ford focusing on trucks and SUVs for now is what will keep these companies afloat for the near term since both are far behind in trying to compete in the electric car market. The European auto-makers have been quicker to embrace the changes, not only to compete with Toyota's hybrids, but also out of necessity due to coming regulation. I'm surprised Toyota has been a bit slower to bring out their EV but that is Toyota's way of doing things - in all probability when either they or a European auto maker puts a car out for the masses, they likely will take a little bit of market away from Tesla. Once a truly affordable and workable EV comes out, IC engines will eventually be limited for use in trucks and specialty vehicles for a while. Unless Tesla gets a car for the masses out soon, the price of the current model 3's available will keep the Tesla a boutique car maker - I would not be surprised in the least bit if they either merge or are bought out if they plan to truly compete with the traditional large automakers.