is there a genuine fear among the oil company executives about the potential for electric vehicles?

Wasn't there an electric car a decade or so back in America that they said put the fear of god in to the industry? Wasn't it rumoured to have been put out of business as it would cause so much disruption to the industry? 

alternative energy still relies heavily of fossil fuels.The reality is that wind and solar are dependent on fossil fuels. They cannot exist without oil and natural gas.

https://www.spiritspells.com/remove-toxic-person-s...

You will find they move into alternative energy production, either to halt its progress or be in a position to move over to it in the future - they are already pumping billions into alternatives. Oil firms are essentially attempting to figure out how the best presently available cash cow in the world can be replaced for the benefit of their own sustainable future. 

Probably not so long as most of our electricity is still generated via the burning of fossil fuels. Energy companies are already investing heavily in wind and solar so they know that the technology simply isn't there yet to provide the amount of power we need. They know they have years to get their fingers into hydrogen and every other idea that comes down the pike. 

probably not.

Several big oil-corporations are investing millions of dollars in research into alternative fuels. They don't care whether they sell you gasoline or hydrogen, or some type of alcohol

Of course. Oil companies are known for buying up any rival technology. They have been doing it for decades, setting themselves up for the future now also by investing in renewables.

The oil companies fear comes form losing their cash cow and not being completely ready for the change.

You just described exactly what the Republican's party focus is.. Oil is 100%  E144 all cons .

Like you say - they are done by bigger gun .