The thing is: Tesla made essentially the first successful electric car, that is, an electric car people want to buy because they like it as a car, not just because it is electric.

In addition to being electric, Tesla also brought a lot of ideas that have nothing to do with the drivetrain, like big touchscreens, connectivity and "smart" features. Other manufacturers, seeing Tesla success, got the message: if you want to make a successful electric car, copy Tesla.

I think that's why we tend to associate touchscreens with electric cars: because it worked for Tesla. Also I think it gave manufacturers an excuse. It is a new market, they don't have to worry as much about making breaking changes.