It’s easy to see why electric vehicles (EVs) have become so popular; they seem like the eco-friendly answer we’ve all been looking for. But the truth is, the reality of EVs is more complicated than it first appears. Although they offer some clear advantages over gas-powered cars, there are also real environmental costs associated with them that many people may not be aware of.

For one thing, EVs require a lot of energy to produce—especially the batteries, which depend on mining materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. In fact, manufacturing an EV can sometimes create a larger carbon footprint than producing a gas-powered car. Then, as these batteries reach the end of their lifespan, we face the issue of disposal and recycling, which, as of now, is far from an environmentally-friendly process. The recycling infrastructure for these batteries isn’t fully in place, meaning that expired batteries can end up in landfills, adding to pollution.

I’m not saying EVs are the worst or that we should reject them entirely. They’re a useful option and have a role to play, but we need to understand the whole picture. If you’re someone who cares deeply about the environment—and I certainly am—we owe it to ourselves to look at all sides of the story. Only by being honest about the complexities can we work towards real solutions that genuinely benefit the environment.