We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.
Transcript/ScriptVehicles-Washington Auto Show HEAD: Innovative Electric Vehicles on Display at Washington DC Auto Show TEASER: Gas prices, carbon emission concerns make electric vehicles a popular draw at an event in the US capital
DATE: PUBLISHED AT: 1/28/2022 at 445p BYLINE: Saqib Ul Islam DATELINE: Washington CAMERA: Saqib Ul Islam VIDEO EDITOR: Saqib Ul Islam
PROUCER: Saqib Ul Islam
SCRIPT EDITORS: Jepsen, Reifenrath
VIDEO FROM: COURTESIES NEEDED: TYPE: VPKGN TRT: 2:42 VIDEO APPROVER'S INITIALS: Jepsen UPDATE: ))
((INTRO))
[[Electric vehicles are in high demand as gas prices and concerns about carbon emissions and global warming climb. From the 2022 Washington Auto Show, VOA’s Saqib Ul Islam examines where consumers and car manufacturers think all-electric vehicles are heading in the future.]]
((NARRATOR))
Exotic and luxury cars show off their futuristic features, but the main attraction at the 2022 Washington Auto Show is the EV Pavilion, where the new battery-powered vehicles have been stealing the show.
((Jim Easterly, Auto Show Attendee)) “One of the reasons I came here for this auto show is to find out what the automobile makers, individually and collectively, are planning for the future of the electric cars or hybrids on the way.”
((NARRATOR)) Electric vehicle sales increased by 41% globally in 2020. Major automobile manufacturers, like Toyota and Ford, are now working to produce more electric models, which are not only fuel efficient but also climate friendly.
((Maggie Clark, Toyota Product Specialist)) “There certainly is a higher demand in recent years for these types of alternative fuel vehicles than there have been in the past. It seems that consumers are really wanting to lower their carbon footprint.”
((NARRATOR)) Looking to upgrade his car, Mark Spencer drove three hours with his son and father to check out the electric vehicles. He is looking for one with better mileage and price, but he has other concerns, too.
((Mark Spencer, Auto Show Attendee))
“They need to get the price down so everyone can afford it, and really need the infrastructure to support them. You can’t just afford to wait at the gas station for 30 minutes for a charge."
((NARRATOR)) (( STANDUP Saqib Ul Islam, VOA News))
The Washington Auto Show is back after a year’s gap, and this year’s highlights are electric vehicles and their infrastructure.
((NARRATOR)) The EV Pavilion at the auto show is sponsored by Electrify America, a Washington-based fast-charging station network that extends across the United States. With the theme “The Future Is Electric,” Electrify America's aim is to make it easy for consumers to adopt electric vehicles.
((John O’Donnell, Washington Auto Show President))
"Tesla has been selling EVs for a long time. The problem with that is they are largely for wealthy people. So, if you take Tesla out of the equation and put in somebody like Nissan, or General Motors, or a Toyota, or a Hyundai that does have mass market capability, you can have the nation adopt it quicker, at a more affordable rate.”
((NARRATOR))
O’Donnell says American consumers are now more open minded about adopting electric vehicles since the government is providing tax credits and more incentives are coming in President Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan.
((Saqib Ul Islam. VOA News. Washington))
NewsML Media TopicsEnvironment, Economy, Business and Finance
Topic TagsElectric Vehicles
NetworkVOA
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
