Politics are largely the problem when it comes to the future potential of vehicle designs and the replacement for the need of automobiles. When I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area the majority of voters approved building 70 miles of Rail Transit and bicycle paths.
The project revives the long-dormant but publicly owned railroad right of way.
4 years later and the first phase of the project was just approved. Phase 1 covers 38.5-miles of the 70 miles planed. A projected 4-5 years before anythings functional.
Stop the political BS and get things done thats why China and other countries are surpassing us.