Environmentally Friendly Vehicles Ielts Reading Answers 90%

Match the following statements (6–9) with the correct vehicle type (A–D).

Vehicle types:

Statements: Do the following statements agree with the information in the text?

The discovery of Texas oil fields helped lower the price of petrol. environmentally friendly vehicles ielts reading answers

Henry Ford’s Model T was originally designed to run on electricity.

Electric vehicles are currently more popular than petrol vehicles in Europe.

Environmentally Friendly Vehicles

A. The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions globally. In response, automakers and governments have accelerated the development of environmentally friendly vehicles (EFVs). These include battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), and vehicles using advanced biofuels. Each technology offers distinct advantages and faces unique challenges regarding cost, infrastructure, and consumer acceptance.

B. Battery electric vehicles have gained significant market traction over the past decade. Unlike conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, BEVs produce zero tailpipe emissions. They are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which have seen dramatic cost reductions—from over $1,000 per kilowatt-hour in 2010 to around $130 in 2022. However, range anxiety and charging infrastructure remain barriers. Furthermore, the environmental footprint of battery production, particularly mining for lithium, cobalt, and nickel, has raised concerns about resource depletion and ethical sourcing.

C. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles offer a transitional solution. PHEVs combine a smaller battery pack with a conventional gasoline or diesel engine. They can operate on electricity for short distances—typically 30 to 50 kilometers—after which the internal combustion engine takes over. This dual drivetrain reduces range anxiety but adds mechanical complexity. Critics argue that many PHEV owners rarely charge their vehicles, leading to higher real-world emissions than laboratory tests suggest. Match the following statements (6–9) with the correct

D. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles represent a more radical departure from fossil fuels. FCVs convert hydrogen gas into electricity through an electrochemical reaction, emitting only water vapor. Refueling takes under five minutes, similar to gasoline vehicles. However, hydrogen production is currently energy-intensive, with over 95% derived from natural gas in a process that releases carbon dioxide unless carbon capture is employed. Moreover, the lack of hydrogen refueling stations—fewer than 1,000 globally—limits their practicality.

E. Biofuels, derived from organic matter such as corn, sugarcane, or agricultural waste, offer another alternative. First-generation biofuels (e.g., ethanol from corn) are already blended with gasoline in many countries. Second-generation biofuels from non-food crops or algae avoid competition with food production. While biofuels can be carbon-neutral in theory, their cultivation may drive deforestation, water overuse, and fertilizer runoff.

F. Governments worldwide have adopted policies to encourage EFV adoption. These include purchase subsidies, tax exemptions, low-emission zones in cities, and proposed bans on new ICE vehicle sales by dates ranging from 2030 to 2040. Norway, a leader in EFV adoption, achieved 80% of new car sales as electric in 2022 through a combination of tax incentives, toll exemptions, and charging infrastructure investment. The discovery of Texas oil fields helped lower

G. Looking ahead, the environmental benefits of EFVs depend heavily on the energy mix used to produce electricity or hydrogen. In regions reliant on coal-fired power, BEVs may produce comparable lifecycle emissions to modern hybrids. Consequently, decarbonizing the electricity grid and developing sustainable battery recycling systems are essential complements to vehicle technology.

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| Question | Answer | |----------|--------| | Mentions zero tailpipe emissions | A | | Discusses infrastructure problems | C | | Refers to possible land-use issues | D | | Talks about combining two power sources | B |

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