“Electric cars have their uses, but mandating them for everything is like using a square peg in a round hole.”
True, however they are going to force them on the public indirectly, not through a direct mandate. Here’s the plan
1). Drive up the price of fossil fuel through taxation, elimination of exploration in the US, heavy regulation of the fossil fuel producers.
2). Increase the auto maker CAFE standards to impossible to meet level but allow the manufacturers “credits” agains the CAFE standard for every electric vehicle sold. Essentially the manufacturers will have to limit the number of fossil fueled vehicles produced and replace them with electric vehicles which will require significant rebates and incentives to move. They will fund the rebates and incentives for the electric vehicles with price increases on fossil fuel vehicles.
3). Government subsides and tax credits for electric car purchase.
4). Encourage states and localities to increase registration fees and taxes on fossil fuel vehicles.
5). Encourage states and local governments to limit the use of fossil fuel vehicles to specific roads and times. For example during rush hours in urban areas prohibit fossil fuel vehicles from using streets and roads. Only electric vehicles, public transportation and bicycles allowed on the roads.
That is exactly the Chinese plan that has been in effect. Price of gas & oil up, increased smog regulations and fees, massive subsidies for EVs and tax credits for EV purchases, massive registration costs on ICE vehicles, and road limits on ICE vehicles including bans in cities and on toll roads. That Chinese plan is being adopted here and elsewhere.