Read the following passage about electric vehicles and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained popularity over the past decade due to growing environmental concerns and technological advancements. Tesla, a prominent EV manufacturer, (18) _______. The company’s innovative approach to electric transportation has attracted significant interest from both the public and industry experts alike, creating a shift in how people view sustainable transportation. Tesla has played a key role in the EV revolution by introducing sleek designs, long-range batteries, and advanced self-driving technology.

In 2020, EVs represented nearly 3% of global vehicle sales, and this number is expected to increase as more countries adopt strict emission regulations to combat climate change. Tesla, along with other companies (19) _______, has been working on improving battery efficiency and reducing production costs, thus making EVs more accessible to the average consumer. Despite the high initial cost, EVs can provide significant savings in fuel and maintenance over time, which makes them a practical choice for many consumers around the world.

The increasing availability of charging stations also supports the growth of the EV market. Charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly in urban areas and along highways, (20) _______. This development is aimed at alleviating the so-called “range anxiety,” which refers to drivers’ concerns about running out of battery power before reaching a charging station, a worry that has historically deterred some potential buyers.

Additionally, governments around the world are offering incentives such as tax credits and rebates to encourage EV adoption, making the transition to electric vehicles even more appealing. With these advantages, EVs are expected to play a critical role in achieving carbon neutrality, an essential goal for addressing climate change. (21) _______ is no longer just a distant ideal but an achievable reality, thanks to the combined efforts of governments, corporations, and individual consumers alike.

As EV technology continues to evolve, some predict that traditional gasoline vehicles may eventually become obsolete in the near future. The journey to a fully electric future may still have its challenges, yet the progress made so far (22) _______.