©REUTERS/Edgar Su – RC2K33AHS2R8
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you know about electric cars and their increasing popularity in the automobile market?
- Can you name any countries that are actively promoting the use of electric vehicles or developing infrastructure to support their adoption?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- shift /shift/
- focus /FOH-kuhs/
- aspect /AS-pekt/
- significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/
- vital /VAHYT-l/
[noun] – a change or transition
The company’s restructuring led to a significant shift in its business strategy.
[noun] – the main or primary point of attention or emphasis
In the meeting, the team’s focus was on developing a new marketing strategy.
[noun] – one part of a situation, problem, subject, etc.
In our discussion, we need to consider every aspect of the project to ensure its success.
[adjective] – important or noticeable
The company’s expansion into new markets had a significant impact on its revenue growth.
[adjective] – necessary for the success or continued existence of something; extremely important
Clear communication is vital for effective teamwork and project completion.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Tesla, a long-standing leader in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, faced a sales challenge from China’s BYD in late 2023. This shift in sales supremacy is not the central focus. The noteworthy aspect is BYD’s success, largely attributed to its stronghold in China, now the world’s largest market for new cars and significant in the electric vehicle sector.
In late 2023, BYD sold 526,409 electric vehicles, a bit more than Tesla’s 484,507. But for the whole year, Tesla sold 1.8 million, compared to BYD’s 1.6 million. Electric car sales are rising, but they are still a small part of all new car sales. Both Tesla and BYD are setting up more places to make cars in different countries like Germany, Mexico, Hungary, Brazil, and Thailand. Tesla faces challenges in China and might lack enough parts for making cars, but the main worry for both Tesla and BYD is being ahead in technology. China’s electric car industry, with companies like CATL and Nio, is improving with new technology. Tesla’s trouble with a new way to coat batteries for its Cybertruck shows how vital it is to lead in the technology race. This competition between Tesla and BYD indicates the growth of the electric car industry and the need for new ideas in this fast-expanding market.
In late 2023, BYD sold 526,409 electric vehicles, a bit more than Tesla’s 484,507. But for the whole year, Tesla sold 1.8 million, compared to BYD’s 1.6 million. Electric car sales are rising, but they are still a small part of all new car sales. Both Tesla and BYD are setting up more places to make cars in different countries like Germany, Mexico, Hungary, Brazil, and Thailand. Tesla faces challenges in China and might lack enough parts for making cars, but the main worry for both Tesla and BYD is being ahead in technology. China’s electric car industry, with companies like CATL and Nio, is improving with new technology. Tesla’s trouble with a new way to coat batteries for its Cybertruck shows how vital it is to lead in the technology race. This competition between Tesla and BYD indicates the growth of the electric car industry and the need for new ideas in this fast-expanding market.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- In late 2023, which electric vehicle company posed a sales challenge to Tesla?
- What was significant about BYD’s success in the electric vehicle sector?
- How did BYD’s electric vehicle sales compare to Tesla’s in late 2023?
- What is the total sales figure for Tesla and BYD in electric vehicles for the entire year?
- How does the electric vehicle market fare in relation to overall new car sales?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever thought about buying an electric car, or do you know someone who has one? If so, what made them choose an electric car instead of a regular one? If not, what things do you think might make someone choose an electric car instead of a normal car?
- If you were in charge of a car company, what plans would you use to stay ahead in the electric car industry’s technology race?
- Do you believe that the success of electric car companies, especially in big markets like China, depends more on continuous technological improvements than just sales numbers?
- Do you think technological advancements are really important for companies like Tesla and BYD in the electric car market? How could this competition benefit people who buy cars?
- Considering the rapid growth of electric vehicles globally, what long-term impacts might the competition between Tesla and BYD have on the broader automobile industry and the adoption of electric vehicles worldwide?