1. It is extremely dangerous. Anything in the beam path is dead or seriously injured. So it’s only applicable in fringe applications, such as microwave communications links that are already in use.
2. The technology is a solution chasing a problem. Electric grids exist in the most densely populated areas. So it would be applicable in rural areas; but only where the cost and maintenance is acceptable.
3. Both microwave and lasers are affected (attenuated) by free space loss and additional loss due to atmospheric effects.
Potential opportunities:
1. Ideal for satellite or balloon power recharging.
2. Ideal for satellite and/or UAS disruption weapon.
3. Ideal for electric aircraft in-flight recharging.
They probably would appreciate a boost in sales if advertising can attract new customers (non truck & non Ford people). Ford might be trying to copy Tesla's strategy with marketing. However, the two companies target different populations and I feel Ford would benefit from advertising.
In regards to the batteries, I haven't found information on what type of batteries the ship uses. However, new Sodium-ion batteries could be a good option for the ship's requirements.
Sodium-ion is heavier than lithium counterparts but should be cheaper (uses sodium instead of lithium, cobalt, etc) and potentially offer greater charge, lifecycle, and safety performance.
Goldberg is talking about a longer term view and I think in general, after working for more time your job becomes more about interactions than the "knowledge" you have.
Problems? Opportunities?