I honestly cant see electric car technology being viable by 2040.
Then you seriously underestimate the pace of technology and necessity being the mother of invention.
In the 2000's energy crisis the development of electric and hybrid cars went through the roof.
Yes, the first battery powered cars could not go much further than 40 miles and needed a good charge (please do ignore Top Gear's test a few years ago, they admitted they made it look worse than it was for the purposes of entertainment TV). But neither could the first petrol powered cars!
In the last 10 years sales have rocketed. This shows there is demand and manufacturers will make better, faster, stronger, longer (range) cars. Already electric cars can go further than my Scooby (though I accept that's not saying much
) and recharge (at the fast, high powered outlets) in a short space of time (the time it takes to walk into the services, visit the small room, order a coffee and drink it).
Take a look at this
table and you'll see progression. It will get better. I wouldn't be surprised if we are all (90%+) using electric as our daily drives by 2030 let alone 2040.
10 years is a
very long time in R&D.