Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

prominent / ˈprɒm ə nənt / (adj) – important and known by many
Example:
Several prominent companies came together during the convention.
go green / goʊ grin / (idiom) – to do things that are good for the environment
Example:
Companies are starting to go green by using energy-efficient appliances.
altogether / ˌɔl təˈgɛð ər / (adv) – completely or entirely
Example:
When its sales dramatically decreased, the company stopped its production altogether.
keep up with (someone or something) / kip ʌp wɪð / (idiom) – to match the pace or progress of something
Example:
The company is releasing new high-tech models to keep up with its competitors.
disseminate / dɪˈsɛm əˌneɪt / (v) – to make something known
Example:
Reporters disseminated the information about the installation of charging stations.

Article

Read the text below.

Shell has launched a new electric car charging service in the United Kingdom in response to the continuous increase in the number of electric vehicles.

Several car companies, including prominent names like Ford, Chevrolet, and General Motors, are going green by creating more electric car models. Some companies even plan to stop producing gasoline-powered cars altogether in the future.

Before Shell, other organizations have already been offering car charging services. These include Tesla, which runs Supercharger stations for Tesla electric vehicles, and ChargePoint, which has partnered with several car makers.

To keep up with this trend, Shell has recently opened its first fast-charging stations in London and Northern England. The new service is called Shell Recharge. With its fast chargers, the oil company promises to recharge a drained electric car battery to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Before launching its new service, Shell had acquired NewMotion, the largest provider of electric vehicle charging services in Europe. Shell also partnered with the local government of London to disseminate information about the charging stations’ locations.

According to the city’s Deputy Mayor of Environment and Energy, the partnership is in line with London’s aim to become a more eco-friendly city because it encourages people to switch to cleaner cars. London Mayor Sadiq Khan hopes that by 2050, the city’s transport system would be free from carbon dioxide emissions.

In addition to current locations, Shell is also planning to extend its car charging services to other parts of the United Kingdom. The company will also offer the service in the Netherlands and the Philippines, as it expects more electric cars on the road by 2040.

Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think that Shell’s new service will be successful? Why or why not?
• How do you think the new service will affect Shell’s other services? Discuss.

Discussion B

• Do you believe that the demand for electric vehicles will increase in the future? Why or why not?
• What do you think oil companies can do to cope with the changing trend?