isn’t the whole point of EVs clean and affordable short distance urban/city transport?

No. It's just a different type of engine. People didn't start buying EVs just because they're green and cheaper to drive. They buy them because it's superior technology. A bit like how in RC hobby nitro buggies used to be the shit back when batteries still sucked but nowdays electric ones are much faster and more powerful. There's no reason to buy one with a combustion engine unless you specifically like the mechanics and tinkering with it.