I see what you're saying, but theoretical. And as is the case with oil, regulations will impact what we're able to obtain and by what method. Human rights implications as Telsa has found (Cobalt). Mining isn't necessarily "clean" either as a general matter. It's just not black and white. It may be a base hit and not a home run depending on your motives to produce EVs.
Interesting read:
https://www.mining.com/all-the-mines...n-cars-a-year/