The primary benefit that I can see of electric cars is that it will reduce the American demand for Saudi oil. Let’s burn American coal dug by American workers to supply the electricity needed for these cars!
Don't foget nuclear.
And gasify coal! That's what the Seffricans did when the rest of the world was trying to tell THEM what to do.
South Africa: If the rest of the world is unhappy with you, employ a shitload of engineers, compete with technological innovation, and tell everyone to mind their own damn business.
USA: If [you imagine] the rest of the world is unhappy with you, elect Barack Obama, flip over on your back, and bow to every tin pot dictator you can find.