You are right, in theory one can go electric and keep a dealer network. Although, the maintenance is supposed to be dramatically less (less moving parts in EV

You are right, in theory one can go electric and keep a dealer network. Although, the maintenance is supposed to be dramatically less (less moving parts in EV vs. ICE, no complex engine). So, even if you want to keep the dealer network, they would make far less money than they use to. The dealer network might just die slowly. Tesla decided to rip the band-aid. Legacy car manufacturers might have to deal with this issue, and repurpose their expensive network. You still repair an electric car yourself (esp. body). But those electric cars are getting more and more sophisticated, it would be more like repairing an iPhone.