Thought it was the mining for elements to make the batteries. And then the disposal of said batteries. The fact rare earth metals and lots of parts get shipped all over the world during the manufacturing process.

Tires are a major pollutant. EV’s are heavier so this problem is compounded. We are nowhere near to developing an alternative to tires so this problem will likely continue for decades.

Producing the batteries emits a lot of greenhouse gases, and seems to be responsible for localized pollution as well, but those effects are not quantified as easily as something like CO2 emissions. So yes, in conclusion EV’s seem to be slightly better for the environment than fossil fuel cars, especially the longer they are on the road.

I welcome EV’s because of this and also because (this is a selfish reason) the pollution happens somewhere else, so every EV means less exhaust I’m breathing. But make no mistake, EV’s are not a solution to pollution (They might save the auto industry though ;) ).