Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #127

A. The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) represents one of the most significant shifts in the history of personal transportation, driven by growing concerns over climate change and air pollution. Unlike conventional internal combustion engine vehicles that burn fossil fuels, EVs are propelled by one or more electric motors, powered by a rechargeable battery pack. This fundamental difference allows them to produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a crucial tool in the effort to decarbonise the transport sector and improve urban air quality.

B. The performance and viability of EVs have improved dramatically in recent years, thanks to rapid advancements in battery technology. Modern lithium-ion batteries offer greater energy density, longer lifespans, and faster charging times than their predecessors. This has led to an increase in the driving range of EVs, alleviating one of the primary concerns for potential buyers, often termed "range anxiety." Simultaneously, the expansion of public charging infrastructure is making long-distance travel in an EV increasingly practical.

C. Beyond the environmental benefits, EVs offer a different driving experience. They provide instant torque, resulting in quick and silent acceleration. With fewer moving parts than a combustion engine, they also typically require less maintenance, leading to lower running costs over the vehicle''s lifetime. Many governments are accelerating this transition by offering financial incentives, such as tax credits and subsidies, to encourage consumers and businesses to adopt electric mobility.

D. However, the widespread adoption of EVs is not without challenges. The environmental and ethical implications of battery production, particularly the mining of raw materials like lithium and cobalt, are a significant concern. The electricity used to charge EVs must also be generated from renewable sources to maximise their climate benefit. Furthermore, upgrading national power grids to handle the increased demand from mass EV charging presents a substantial infrastructural hurdle that must be addressed for the electric revolution to be truly sustainable.