The Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) showed that the U.S. is currently the global leader in this new technology with over 400,000 such vehicles on the road. Oddly enough, while known for myriad solar energy power plants, Germany is trailing the rest of the world in electric cars with only 55,250. Still, overall almost every developed country is investing more into sustainable living.

By the mid-2020s, the cost of electric vehicles is expected to be cheaper than gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles, despite the fact that internal combustion engines are improving MPGs at a rate of 3.5% per year. Within a year and a half, the launch of long range electric vehicles, those that can travel 200 miles or more, are expected to hit the market.

The Berkshire Focus Fund (BFOCX) invests primarily in electronic technologies and counts companies like Tesla and Palo Alto Networks among its top 10 holdings. Another pick in the innovation area is the aptly named Guinness Atkinson Global Innovators Fund (IWIRX). This fund specifically targets companies that are expected to grow due to advancement in technology, communications, globalism or innovative management. It also has global reach, making it a diversified pick for investors seeking worldwide innovative companies.

The development of new technology leads to increased cybersecurity measures and the need for more advanced microchips and supportable infrastructure. The field of technology is just getting more and more expansive. Musk and Branson may be on the forefront of untested technologies, but with ideas of commercial spaceflight and things like Musk’s hyperloop program, it may not be that farfetched to imagine publicly traded companies engaged in space technologies in the next decade or so.