Greetings, students. Now that you’re in Year 3 of your American English studies, you will be able to read, and listen to one of VOA’s “Science and Technology” articles, which explore new developments in science, space exploration, environment and technology in the United States of America as well as in countries all over the world. You are encouraged to carefully read the article and the vocabulary words, as well as listen to the article. Finally, you are invited to share what you learned by discussing why this article is important and meaningful in the comments section below.
Directions: Read the article and study the vocabulary below.
Directions: Listen to the audio recording of the article.
Directions: Share your insights about why this article is meaningful and important by writing in the comments section below.
About the Author
Lesson 3.46.4: Year 3
Science & Technolgy
” Electric Car Makers Seek Substitutes for Rare Earth Metals.”
Electric vehicles use special magnets. Most are made from rare earth metals. Unsurprisingly Ghina has the highest reserves of rare earth mineral, but western electric vehicles (EV) makers are trying to reduce their dependence on rare earth metal from China. Some automobile companies have been looking to replace rare earth Matels for years. They are worried about huge price increases and environmental damage that happens during production.
Rare earth magnets are mostly made of neodymium. Japan’s car maker, Nissan, Germany’s BMW and the world’s two biggest automakers, Toyota and Volkswagen told Reuters that they are decreasing use of minerals. Electric cars with permanent need less battery power and can drive farther than those with usual magnets. The electric motors without rare earth metals are expected to jump by almost eight times by 2030, says, Gladson Vittore, he is an expert from Americans British information provider IHS market. Further he said, Permanant magnet motors will still rule, mainly because of their power and efficiency, those production can affect the rare earth metals market is not certain.
The U.S electric car company, Tesla will be using kind of motors.