If the development of electric cars was being offered as just another car you can buy, I don't see it as a bad idea.
If it is for all of us to put big oil under, give us few selections of what we can drive, I think it's a bad idea.
Where I see the problem is the unintended consequences. The power grids, more demand for electricity, which means more power from the power plant, more pollution, battery disposal, what happens to those batteries if they leak, or catch fire?
A few years back, we replaced our furnace. We did all our homework, and got a big ole electric furnace to replace our inefficient propane furnace.
The electric co. Had all the stats that at their rates how much cheaper it was to go this route. Well it was cheaper, for a little while, then the rates climbed, no more kw usage scales, etc. Now it is not unusual to sometimes see a 600 or 700 dollar electric bill for one month.
We here in Indiana, along with many other states, DEPEND on coal. It's about all we have! So in our case, to create more electricity means burning more coal. Another drawback, for a commuter, a little Civic, prius, etc gets you to work and back fine. Should I be taxed more for having to drive a big heavy gas truck to haul tools, lumber, etc?