[rigelkentaurus]

I was always under the impression that technological advances gained market share in a free economy because said technology offered advantages.

Cost - electric higher
Range - electric less
Re-fuel time - electric much more

I still cannot identify an advantage over a gasoline or diesel powered vehicle.

[NorthMountain]

Depending on when you charge your electric energy storage device, your cost per kWh of electric energy delivered to your garage (at night, for example) may be less than your cost per kWh of chemical energy delivered to your chemical energy storage device (at a "gas station", for example).

A significant portion of the electrical energy delivered to your garage is generated by burning coal or natural gas to turn a turbine.

[Myrddin]

Between June 2009 and Sept 2014, I made regular trips between San Diego and Pocatello. I have the fuel and stops refined. Best door to door was 13 hours, 50 minutes. Worst was 21 hours due to a snow storm blocking I-15 south from Barstow to just south of the Cajon Pass summit. The path was 925 miles. An electric can't do that. It would be stopped for two or 3 charges. The wall clock time extension would demand a rest break with sleeping accommodations. The "fuel" cost saved with electric over gasoline is overshadowed by the loss of time and additional food/lodging expenses imposed by the extended travel time.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

I still cannot identify an advantage over a gasoline or diesel powered vehicle.

Routine maintenance. IMHO.

Otherwise, I wholeheartedly agree.

[BeauBo]

“I still cannot identify an advantage (of electric vehicles) over a gasoline or diesel powered vehicle.”

There are some significant advantages.

Silent.

No engine vibration.

Much faster pickup - instant acceleration. The Tesla Model S P100D hit 60mph in 2.28 seconds.

Dramatically fewer moving parts to wear out - only about a dozen. No pistons, rings, valves, pumps, filters, transmission, etc..

No wear on electric brakes - magnetic. No mechanical locking of brakes, or brake fires.

Much lower maintenance cost (about 1/3).

Dramatically less unscheduled maintenance. Batteries degrade gradually, predictably, and can be constantly monitored, to schedule their eventual replacement.

Each wheel has its own motor, so a motor failure won’t leave you stranded.

Safer. The lower center of gravity from having battery pack along the floorboard makes them much less likely to flip, and the absence of gasoline makes them less likely to burn or explode in impacts.

No emissions. People still die accidentally every year from auto exhaust in enclosed spaces, or running the engine for heat while snowed in.

You can have your own personal “gas stations” - just recharge at home or work. For a commuter vehicle, you won’t have to make fueling stops - just plug in at your destination. No waiting, no going out of your way, no sketchy strangers to encounter.

Lower fuel cost. If electricity is 12 cents per kWh — the national average — it would cost $3.48 to go 100 miles. You could also charge from solar panels.

The big disadvantages are high initial price, limited range, time required to recharge, availability of recharging stations while travelling, and a big back-end expense to replace batteries (Nissan and others warranty EV batteries 8 years/100,000 miles). All of those have been getting better over time.