Because the batteries sucked. They take too long to recharge, don't hold enough charge, are heavy, are bulky, and cost too much.

As ugly as a gas engine is it does offer quick refueling, long range, and low cost. It's just more practical, especially with turn of the century technology.

>. It's just more practical, especially with turn of the century technology.

Both 19th/20th and 20th/21st according to the sales numbers

Yep. Fast charging is still an unsolved problem for electric cars (15 minutes for a 85 miles is not fast enough IMHO) although some electric scooters have swappable battery packs which do fit the bill.

I do fully expect we will have these problems licked before the next turn of the century.

Although Tesla abandoned the idea because of lack of interest (which I do find strange), a swapping station solves this problem. A depleted battery can be swapped for a fresh one in less time than a gasoline fillup requires.

Tesla uses the battery as a structural part of the chassis. A swappable battery simply would not be possible.

Not with the current design, but it's not hard to imagine a design that makes it possible.