We do have electric kettles, it's just that most people don't buy them. When I was in college* twenty years ago they were very popular among students, but I think more and more dorms have mini-kitchens now. My husband has one in his office to make tea with in the afternoons. At home, though, we use a kettle on the stove.

*at a university. You know, I never stopped and thought about that before!