It happened because Ford T cost 4x cheaper per mile than a horse-drawn carriage, in a city (less difference in the countryside). It was a no-brainer to switch.

It happened because Ford T cost 4x cheaper per mile than a horse-drawn carriage, in a city (less difference in the countryside). It was a no-brainer to switch. When your horse died, it would be stupid to buy another when you had an option to buy a Model T. Same can't be said about electric cars. So far, it's almost at the contrary.