> We have a very short collective memory. While fuel prices have been quite low over the last ~3-5 years, most people forgot the period between 2008-2014 where fuel was (relatively) expensive and went on right back to buying fuel inefficient SUVs and large trucks.

Which is perfectly rational. Why drive a car you don't want out of fear that gas prices may someday go up?

The real solution is crank gas taxes up so high that the little people are forced to buy little cars or take the bus, like we think they ought to be doing.