The first that I recall was from slide rules to calculators. The first calculators were very expensive and had limited functions. An experienced slide rule user could calculate faster. But calculators added more functions and prices fell. It’s been over 40 years since I saw someone use a slide rule.

Then there was the transition from typewriters, “adding machines”, and ledger books to computers. Most people resisted at first, but as computers improved and prices dropped people rapidly switched. Seen a typewriter store lately?

And film to digital. Around 2000 we got ‘not cheap’ two meg digital cameras. Some of us, mostly those who weren’t interested in printing large, switched but the real movement happened a few years later when megs rose and prices dropped. Kodak just announced that they will no longer manufacture slide/transparency film.

I look at today’s EVs like those multi-hundred dollar calculators, personal computers that ran at 8megs and cost a couple thou, and the first 6 meg digital SLRs that cost thousands of dollars.

It’s the opening round. A few people do the math and find that it’s cheaper for them to drive a limited range Leaf. A bit later we’ll have the option of an EV with a bit more range and for a few thousand less. My guess is that in a few years almost everyone will find an EV/PHEV that works for them and saves them money.

People don’t want to buy gasoline. As time goes by, people will realize that they don’t have to anymore and buy EV’s.