This article and some of the comments had me laughing. First, CA lawmakers get taught (note that I didn't say "learn") that legislating carmakers to make vehicles that apparently aren't making money for them doesn't work. Then, in the comments, I read that Nissan Leaf dealers are marking them up from MSRP. Way to soften that electric price premuim for consumers. Jeez.
I'm like you, Gavin. I was able to walk into a dealership and buy an electric bike off the showroom floor. I paid a premium over an equivalent ICE bike, but not an unreasonable one (and I didn't need subsidies to convince me). And it's actually fun to ride. No wonder Zero's doing well this year. I suspect Brammo will too with the new Empulse.