**Breaking News: Dark Truths Behind Electric Cars Unveiled**

In a shocking revelation, the clean energy revolution touted by electric vehicle (EV) advocates is marred by a grim reality: the cobalt used in EV batteries is often sourced from child labor and inhumane conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As the world races toward a greener future, the hidden costs of this transition raise urgent ethical questions.

The DRC holds a staggering 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves, with an estimated 200,000 miners, including over 40,000 children, toiling in dangerous, unregulated mines. These children, some as young as six, work in perilous conditions, risking their lives for meager wages—often less than a dollar a day. Reports indicate that thousands die annually in mining accidents, while many suffer from severe health issues due to toxic exposure.

As demand for electric vehicles skyrockets, expected to reach 66 million by 2035, the need for cobalt will surge by an alarming 585%. This escalation threatens to exacerbate the already dire situation for child miners. Major automakers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz, are under scrutiny for their reliance on cobalt sourced from these exploitative practices, raising the specter of “blood cobalt” akin to the notorious blood diamonds.

The Chinese government dominates cobalt production, controlling 50% of global output and 80% of refining, often turning a blind eye to the exploitation occurring in the mines. As the world clamors for greener technologies, the sacrifices of vulnerable populations in the DRC are starkly overlooked.

This crisis prompts a critical question: Is the pursuit of clean energy worth the human cost? As consumers, we must confront the dark underbelly of electric vehicle production and demand accountability from corporations. The future of electric cars must not come at the expense of human lives.