Ive noticed this trend of people romanticizing petro cars. Doesn't help that evs have not matured so they don't have competitive tech at lower prices. Cars also appeal to certain people the most, with cars being inherently destructive and a symbol of status and post-colonial road infrastructure.

Part of it is I think includes people thinking it's cool to pollute and destroy the environment with their gas car as thet see nature as something to destroy awesomly instead of coexist with while still being able to produce energy. It's an old world mindset of "personal agency" that needs to "do something" and see a direct effect while destruction gives them a sense of both.

Of course there is also anti-progressive reactionarism like always.