These intermediate steps are required to setup the logistics and economies of scale for a future when our primary energy source is a cleaner alternative.
This economy isn't new. Public transport, much of it electrified already, is the very definition of economy of scale. It will trade some comfort and convenience for increased efficiency and lower cost (not to mention some hefty side benefits like less congestion and reclaiming some land in cities). It could also free up city traffic and allow reclaiming some of the land. It's also not very popular with people who can afford an EV today which leads me to believe this is only about comfort and convenience at the budget you can afford. For some people this leads to an EV, for others to an ICE.