I'm just using Mercedes as an example. A lot of car companies are switching their engines to hybrids with auto start/stop and all that to save gas.

Emissions standards from Europe but also from institutions like C.A.R.B. are driving them in that direction.

It's necessary for the public good. We can complain about the prohibitive cost of EVs forever or we can legislate a timeline to get rid of gas powered cars.

We should also tell people they have 25 years left to drive their cars until they have to switch to an EV. If they really treasure their cars, they can get a special license plate to allow them to drive to car shows and special events something like that. They would still be allowed to track their cars whenever they want.

If everyone can only buy an EV, car companies will have to find a way to make them cheaper. Companies like Mercedes know this is going to happen eventually and they're already planning for it.