I think the future of the helicopter is definitely electric, but it will take time. All of the drive and control technology exists and has done for decades in some instances. The obvious missing ingredient is electricity storage. Until we can store electricity in a much more energy-dense fashion electric helicopter will not be truly viable technically or more importantly commercially for operators.
Hybrid gas turbine generators might be an intermediate step, but it would take a smaller manufacturer or startup to do this cost effectively, the big boys would bring all their friends to the party and make it too expensive.
Dont fear the coming of electric drive, it will make helicopters better for all of us. Similarly, don't fear the eVTOLs, a modern electric helicopter would out perform them all.
I shall miss the startup sound of a Rolls Royce engine though.
cran