I'd say they are making a comeback because of climate/air pollution reasons, but also because the energy competition between batteries and oil is starting to ba

I'd say they are making a comeback because of climate/air pollution reasons, but also because the energy competition between batteries and oil is starting to balance out. The energy density stored in oil is far greater than the primitive batteries used 100 years ago, which allowed for much larger ranges. However, as batteries have gotten far better, now batteries are starting to rival oil as an energy source on its parameters and economics. City driving is indeed the best environment for EVs simply for the air pollution reasons, never mind the added benefits of lower speeds and lower ranges.