why not unlike??

Battery electric vehicles were among the earliest automobiles introduced on the market, yet have only recently been popularized for their dominance over internal combustion vehicles in energy efficiency. Originally sold primarily to women drivers for their clean, quiet, and easy operation, these electrically motorized cars produce no exhaust fumes and emit minimal pollution compared with traditional gas or diesel-powered engines. Battery electric vehicles utilize chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs. Consequently, they greatly reduce dependence on petroleum, on of the most notorious non-renewable resources for generating power around the world. ______ the many benefits of electric cars, battery technology has not yet reached its potential for being economically attractive to the financial and transportation needs of the population majority.

a,unlike
b.without
c.despite
d.except

answer says c, but I wonder why not unlike?
someone's answer would give me great help