Exactly. It’s just simple laws of aerodynamics unfortunately. People might demand non-droplet shaped cars, and some might even buy some. But the majority will look at the significant drop in mileage, or regulators might look at pedestrian safety or range and penalize it in general. Then some of those same people would say something like “beautiful car, love the looks, but not willing to take the range difference. Fix that and we can talk” as if it’s a menu you can pick and choose from.

Also pedestrian and cyclist safety on top of crash saftey requirements.

There still are some designs that are different. They just don't sell as well as the mainstream stuff.

Are the aerodynamics of a Model 3 that much better than something like a Toyota Camry?

Modern cars are universally the opposite of the optimum subsonic shape, which is a hemispherical leading section tapering into a cone.

The 1914 Alfa Aerodinamica by Castagna was closer to the optimum than anything from 2023.

Even engineless EVs persist with a long bonnet.

I'm actually waiting for the bonnet to be reduced to the minimum length for the crumple zone. It would make driving and parking much easier.