They are infinitely more fun
I think this is very subjective. If you're into data, maybe the electric is impressive. If you're into feel, probably not so much.
Yeah, maybe, but I don't do that. Not much for city anything and that feeling grows stronger with every passing year. I have lived in cities and could still survive in one if necessary, but as it's not...
they are a wonderful driving experience for commuting
Opinions vary and I suspect ours would not necessarily align on this subject (and possibly others given your geographic location, but I digress...). That said, I am very fortunate in that I work from home and therefore don't need to commute anymore...and I sincerely hope that never changes until I'm dead or retired.
I currently own two vehicles, an '04 BMW MINI Cooper S and '05 Jeep TJ Unlimited (both with manual gearboxes), which I can't necessarily defend with any logic given the aforementioned work situation. But I like them both quite a bit and hate the thought of parting with either. I've owned the MCS for 16 years, put many thousands of miles on her and have done all of the mechanical work myself in that time. I dumped an '07 328xi for the TJ just last May for the fun, simplicity and lack of electronic annoyances inherent in the Bimmer. As a side note, I drive the LJ 99% of the time now and I'm just hitting 3k and my 2nd oil change since buying it. Both put a smile on my face every time I drive them and I doubt either experience could ever be trumped by any electric vehicle...it's an apples and oranges situation.
Speaking of, it's sunny out and the MINI needs a good leg stretch. I'll take the handling, sound of her supercharger and engine overrun, really the entire driving experience, over anything electric any day of the week. To me there is just no comparison. I'm not hating on electric vehicles but to me they're soulless modes of transportation. It's not just about getting somewhere, it's enjoying the trip and the vehicle as well.
In theory, I can understand compact vehicles, potentially with some form of alternate power source, for city use. But as stated above, that's not in my wheelhouse and I hope it never is.
Do they replace gas - no and they shouldn't be marketed as that replacement.
I agree, but that is how they're being pushed on the general population, with many buying the story line. I say pushed, but it amounts to "forced" if you look to the not-so-distant future.
I also think there are some other issues not being discussed enough when it comes to EV's...
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/ev-thread.64571/page-96#post-1495231