"Yes, I think the big automotive players got into the game to create the perception of slow, gradual progress in the new technologies. They do this for economic reasons: 1) because it allows them to milk innovations longer in investment markets and 2) it allows them to maintain the status quo of regular car sales and other consumer spending associated with consistent driving behaviors."
When millions upon millions of dollars are on the line, and the technology must work every time it is used, the going will be slow. After a couple of fatalities due to flaws in the tech, a company could be sued out of existence. Rush to market and you get the Chevy Vega.