IELTS Reading Practice: Electric Vehicles
IELTS · ReadingA passage on electric cars, charging and emissions, with True / False / Not Given questions.
1Read the text
Electric cars were once a curiosity, driven mainly by enthusiasts and by city governments that wanted to reduce local air pollution. Over the past decade they have moved into the mainstream. Several car makers now sell models with a range long enough for most daily journeys, and a growing number of countries have announced dates after which new petrol and diesel cars may not be sold.
An electric car produces no exhaust gases from the vehicle itself, which improves air quality in crowded streets. However, the overall effect on emissions depends on how the electricity is generated. A car charged from a grid that relies heavily on coal can cause more emissions than expected, while one charged from wind or solar power causes far fewer. Making the battery also requires energy and raw materials, so the environmental advantage builds up gradually over the life of the car.
Buyers cite two main worries. The first is range: drivers fear that the battery will run out before they reach a charger. The second is the availability of public charging points, which varies widely between regions. Home charging solves the problem for people with a private garage, but it is harder for those who live in apartments and park on the street.
Governments have responded with subsidies for buyers and investment in charging networks. Some economists argue that these subsidies mainly benefit wealthier households who can afford a new car, and they suggest that the money would reduce emissions more effectively if it were spent on public transport. Supporters reply that early support helps lower prices for everyone as production grows.
2True, false or not given Tap an answer. You see why straight away.
1. Electric cars have become much more common over the past decade.
2. An electric car has the same effect on emissions wherever it is charged.
3. People who live in apartments find home charging harder than people with a private garage.
4. Public charging points are equally available in every region.
5. Electric cars cost less to maintain than petrol cars.
6. Subsidies for electric cars are paid only in Europe.
Done. Your first lesson is on its way.
Answer key — IELTS Reading Practice: Electric Vehicles
- TRUE — The passage says that over the past decade electric cars "moved into the mainstream."
- FALSE — The passage says the overall effect "depends on how the electricity is generated."
- TRUE — The passage says home charging is "harder for those who live in apartments and park on the street."
- FALSE — The passage says availability "varies widely between regions."
- NOT GIVEN — The passage does not mention maintenance costs.
- NOT GIVEN — The passage says governments have given subsidies, but it does not say in which countries.