It is undeniablethat nickel, cobalt, and lithium extraction has a negative impact on the environment. Two striking instances of ecological destruction are the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Norilsk. But surely there's no harm in pushing the boundaries, giving the situation a closer look, and delving further into the long-term consequences?
Renewables are seeing a fast transformation in the field of energy production, signaling a change. It is important to weigh the potential for cleaner, sustainable energy against the short-term environmental costs associated with EV production. Although it is a transitory problem, EVs emit more pollution than gasoline-powered cars. The environmental equation will probably shift in favor of EVs as clean energy sources are gradually deployed.
How do you suggest making the EVs more environmentally friendly? For the last 2 decades or so, I haven't noticed any significant improvement in the battery technology. The same type of batteries (Lithium-Nickel-Cobalt) are being used even now. Unless someone come up with a better technology, which uses metals and minerals that are more readily available in the earth's crust, this issue will persist. But given the huge amount of investment currently being poured into Lithium and Cobalt mining, I am not sure whether any of the major EV manufacturers are even considering a need for a different type of EV battery.