The argument that electric cars wouldn’t need government subsidies and mandates if they were truly "the future" overlooks key aspects of how new technologies develop.

Many transformative innovations, including the internet, aerospace industry, and renewable energy, have required government support in their early stages to overcome barriers such as high initial costs, infrastructure challenges, and entrenched competitors.

Electric cars face similar obstacles, including the need for a widespread charging network and economies of scale to reduce costs.

Government subsidies help accelerate adoption, allowing the industry to reach a tipping point where market forces can take over.

This doesn’t mean electric cars aren’t viable; rather, it reflects the normal progression of technological shifts, where strategic investments can help society transition to more sustainable, long-term solutions.