although i agree with the criticism the titel insinuates that they are just as bad as are combustion engines.. which isnt true. especially since electric cars are not the only reason why rare metals are mined. They only increase demand. It is relatively better than normal cars in co2 emissions for sure maybe even every other aspect.,(reply>), @Lord Cameron It's more of a time-scale issue. I'll agree that might be the future (Though to be fair, I think the actual future will jump over EVs as we currently know them entirely, so there's another wrinkle.), but the time when that future gets here is the contention. Flat out, gas'll be here when I die, and I'm 26 currently. That's my stance. People underestimate how much crude exists and how non-viable the current electrics are. That's the real meat and potatoes of the debate.,(reply>), Yeah I really wish people on both sides would just admit "Electric is probably the future, but it's better to keep the car you have than buy a brand new one.",(reply>), Also modern ICE vehicles use catalytic converts to reduce toxic emissions and require precious metals (with similarly grim mining practices) to produce.  Some designs even use nickel.