Salespeople may pitch electric cars as the future but most drivers see them as an expensive option to regular cars and trucks.

Today’s government policies offer federal write-offs of $7,500 per vehicle and 30% for EV refueling stations. Dealers use EV credits to average down regular SUVs to meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards.

Range is poor, recharging time-consuming and refueling stations scarce. EVs are emission vehicles since nearly 2/3 of electricity is generated from natural gas and coal.

Throwing good money after bad, states are handing out subsidies to EV buyers. New Jersey gives rebates up to $5,000 and California offers up to $7,000 an EV.

New Jersey officials believe this will increase EVs to 330,000 in 5 years.

That’s fantasy. EVs were only 2% of new vehicle sales last year and have stagnated.

Why should be no mystery. Gas-powered cars travel up to 500 miles on a single tank. EVs get up to 300 miles per battery charge. And heating and cooling drain batteries.

Battery costs are unsettling. The Nissan Leaf requires a new battery every 10 years for as much as $8,500. This is why the average new EV loses up to 70% of its value in 3 years while the average 3-year depreciation for all vehicles is just 38%.

Inexpensive gasoline and diesel have made cars and trucks more desirable. Covid-19 dropped gas below $2 a gallon.

Environmentally conscious regulators and prudent lawmakers can let Americans buy regular cars. Taxpayers will thank them. Robert Bradley, Jr. is the founder and CEO of the Institute for Energy Research.