[AnthonyMouse]

That implies they can avoid competitors doing something different. The hardest part about building an economical electric car has been cost-effectively producing the battery. Within a few years that will be a commodity.

Then what stops a new car company from forming that will sell you a car that lasts for 20+ years and you own it? Only the inability to get customers because the incumbents are offering a better deal. So to stop it they'd have to be offering a better deal.