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It sounds obvious, but it is always appropriate to remember, that public policy can have a strong role in nudging the market towards technological solutions, especially during transitions times between paradigms. The case of electric vehicles is interesting, since you can find both issues related to regulation (e.g. emission-based standards, and traffic rules), taxation (e.g. fuel tax, tax incentives) and infrastructure (e.g. recharging stations )

"Green" energy is a trickly field for innovation. Energy is a pure commodity, and the market will never choose green over carbon-based energy unless it is cheaper. But green technology will not get to that point of maturity unless government introduces subsidies and/or carbon taxes. True, this is a cost for today, but also a potential driver of economic growth for the near future and for even greater benefits further on. The problem - of course - is in balancing benefits and cost.