http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent_encumbrance_of_large_automotive_NiMH_batteries
Oil lobbying groups have been fighting for decades to protect the combustion engine. If your interested checkout the history of Western States Petroleum Association.
It would be pointless to disagree about the amount of power and influence oil companies have over our day to day activities and as you rightly point out. That doesn't mean i agree with it or that its the only way we can power our lives. On top of that some of their agendas and practises in less...