Better Place: game changer or energy monopoly 2.0?

Monopolies tend to disempower and disenfranchise customers. I think there is a problem with choosing one dominant IP-based solution to solve any problem. Monopolies discourage innovation. They reward mindless (customer) behavior, foster disengagement from consequences and reduce personal freedom and accountability. I submit that commercial and political monopolies created our current global problems related to energy, the economy and climate change. (absolute power corrupts absolutely) Don't get me wrong. I don't advocate anarchy! That's not the opposite of concentration of power.

Our road vehicle fleet needs an overhaul. We need to get our vehicles off oil. Some business pundits think we should just replace gas stations with battery packs stations (a la Project Better Place). I don't. This just plugs the new energy currency into the old dysfunctional distribution model. We need to rethink the role played by energy producers and users and allow them to collaborate in a new form of "symbiotic commerce". We need a culture of participation not salvation. I don't think Mr. Agassi believes Better Place alone will power the transition to EVs, and I hope he has some innovative ideas about how to prevent his idea from becoming the next automotive energy monopoly.