Ford is widening the reach of its “hands-off” driving tech, showing just how quickly features once kept for top-tier models are filtering into everyday vehicles. BlueCruise now targets the brand’s most accessible SUVs in Europe, giving buyers a taste of advanced driver assistance without having to climb the price ladder.

Besides the Puma and the fully electric Puma Gen-E, the system will soon be offered on the Kuga compact SUV and the Ranger PHEV midsize pickup as part of an optional Driver Assistance Pack.

The BlueCruise made its European debut with the Mustang Mach-E in 2023, before gradually expanding from the UK to 16 countries across the continent.

More: Ford Racing Is Readying A Secret ‘Road Car’ For January

Starting from spring 2026, Ford’s small and compact SUVs and its midsize pickup will also be offered with the hands-free system. That leaves only the VW-based Capri and Explorer EVs, the Transit/Tourneo range, and the ICE Mustang without access to the technology.

The BlueCruise, which is based on the Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel while keeping their eyes on the road. It manages acceleration, braking, and steering, with cameras and sensors monitoring traffic, lane markings, and even the driver’s gaze and head position to ensure attentiveness.

More: Ford’s Ranger Street Truck Just Got Louder And Greener With New PHEV Punch

In Europe, the BlueCruise can be activated on over 135,000 km (84,000 miles) of highways, which are marked as “Blue Zones”. For example, one could use it to travel from Stockholm to Rome, covering 2,000 km (1,500 miles) across six countries and totaling around 25 hours of hands-free driving.

Globally, Ford and Lincoln owners have logged over 888 million km (552 million miles) using BlueCruise-equipped vehicles. However, the majority of those were most likely covered in North America.

The company says that the tech will be available in “selected new model year vehicles” of the Puma, Puma Gen-E, Kuga, and Ranger PHEV starting in spring 2026. Subscription options and pricing for the Driver Assistance Pack will be announced closer to that date.

The BlueCruise is currently available in select European markets, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

A new British company with bluechip supercar connections reckons it’s cracked one of the biggest bottlenecks in electric car tech: how to keep batteries cool enough to charge at full speed.

Hydrohertz, a UK startup led by an engineer whose resumé includes work for McLaren, Singer Design and Land Rover, has created hardware that could make long charging stops a thing of the past.

Smarter Thermal Control

It’s called the Dectravalve, and it’s a smart, compact control unit that precisely manages the temperature of each section of an EV battery, instead of treating the whole pack as one big lump. That means every cell stays at the same optimum temperature – no hot spots, no wasted cooling, and no thermal throttling.

Also: Chinese Brand Reveals Game-Changing 808-Mile Solid-State Battery

The result? A 10–80 percent charge, which typically takes around 30 minutes on a 400-volt EV even when hooked up to the fastest available DC charger, could drop to just 10 minutes.

That’s still a bit longer than it takes to fill up a petrol car, but it’s not far off. And faster fills aren’t the only promised benefit. Because the Dectravalve keeps the whole pack at its sweet spot all the time, and not just during charging, Hydrohertz says it can boost real-world range by up to 10 percent, which could be worth 30 or even 40 miles (48-64 km).

Other bonuses include extended battery life, a reduced risk of thermal runaway, and probably more consistent maximum-attack acceleration for performance EVs used in anger.

What The Data Shows

Hydrohertz tested its setup using a 100 kWh LFP battery, and the results are impressive. The hottest cell stayed under 44.5°C (112 F), with just a 2.6°C (37 F) variation across the entire pack. Most current systems see swings of 12°C (54 F) or more, forcing chargers to slow down once things heat up past 50°C (122 F).

Keep the temperature perfectly balanced, though, and the battery can safely accept maximum power right to the end.

A Shortcut To Better EVs

The system is also “chemistry agnostic,” meaning it’ll work with any current or future battery tech. That means it’s far cheaper than developing an all-new pack from scratch, which could make it a tempting upgrade for carmakers looking to squeeze more performance out of existing designs rather then spend big on solid-state packs.

“The automotive industry has been waiting for battery technology to catch up with consumer expectations, but progress has been slow and expensive,” says Hydrohertz CEO Paul Arkesden.

“A new chemistry can take a decade to develop and require billions in investment. What we’ve done is take a different approach. For OEMs, this means better, more useable EVs now, without waiting for the next generation of battery technology.”

BMW is deep into one of the most ambitious product overhauls in its history. Over the next few years, dozens of new or comprehensively reworked models are set to arrive, and among them may be something rather special: a two-door i4 Coupe.

Also: Designers Are Doing What Honda Won’t With The S2000

Believed to carry the internal codename NA2, this sleek coupe is expected to serve as the all-electric successor to today’s 4-Series Coupe, provided it receives final approval for production. It could even pave the way for an i4 Convertible, reportedly called the NA3.

The renderings shown here offer a glimpse of how that future might look in coupe form.

Created by Sugar Design, these illustrations envision the two-door i4 adopting the styling cues of BMW’s recent Neue Klasse concept cars, albeit made to look even classier.

The front end stretches long and low, framed by sharp headlights and slender kidney grilles. Though the new model will be offered solely as an EV, it’s hard not to imagine what sort of combustion engine BMW might have tucked beneath that hood in another era.

There’s a lot to like about the sides, too. As a two-door, it instantly looks better than the four-door Vision Neue Klasse that was unveiled two years ago. The rear also looks pretty neat, sporting thin horizontal LED taillights.

What Do We Know About The i4 Coupe?

Talk of a two-door i4 first surfaced last year, with reports suggesting the car had already been given the go-ahead for production starting in the latter half of 2028, likely sharing most of its parts with the upcoming i3 Sedan. That timeline, however, may not be set in stone.

With the global auto market shifting rapidly, BMW could easily adjust its schedule, or even its entire strategy, before the car reaches showrooms.

More: Audi A4 Returns As EV With Concept TT Styling To Give BMW Something To Worry About

There’s also a broader question of timing. The market for new EVs has cooled from early expectations in the States, BMW’s most crucial market, and two-door models typically attract smaller crowds even when there’s a combustion engine under the hood.

For BMW, launching an electric coupe right now would be less about market logic and more about image. It’s the kind of car built to make a point rather than a profit. Whether that’s enough to make the NA2 a reality will depend on how the next few years play out.

Sugar Design

The Genesis GV90 is taking an eternity to develop, but work continues on the coach door variant. However, the long gestation period is apparently wearing on employees as a couple of them decided to ignore a warning saying “Do not open doors!”

Thanks to their mistake, spy photographers were able to get a glimpse of the doors in action. As you’d expect, the doors open and close automatically to ensure entry and egress is effortless.

More: Genesis’ Flagship SUV Is Hiding A Secret Worthy Of Rolls-Royce

More notably, the luxury crossover eschews a B-pillar as there’s an uninterrupted side opening. While our view is partially blocked, this is an interesting development as even Rolls-Royces have a thick pillar separating the front and rear passenger compartments.

The feature was previewed on the Neolun concept and Genesis previously said B-pillarless coach doors provide “much more open interior space” while also maximizing “convenient passenger access.” At the time, they hinted development had reached a point where using the design on road-going models was “now feasible.”

SHproshots

That’s certainly the case and it appears Genesis will be moving the traditional B-pillar support to the doors. As part of the change, we can see pronounced locking mechanisms on the door sill and ceiling. The front section of the rear door also appears notably thicker than the rest of the panel.

Besides giving us a glimpse of the doors in action, the latest pictures reveal the crossover will have power front and rear seats with a bewildering number of adjustments. We can also see blue and purple leather as well as metallic accents and contrast piping.

Previous spy photos have shown an elegant second-row with captain’s chairs that are separated by a large center console. The latter appears to house a wireless smartphone charger as well as an integrated tablet.

Platform and Powertrain

The company hasn’t said much about the model lately, but the GV90 is expected to ride on the new eM platform. The architecture is expected to be an evolution of the existing E-GMP platform, but incorporate the latest advancements in electric vehicle technology.

Although full details remain unclear, the GV90 should be more advanced than the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. The latter features a 110.3 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing up to 422 hp (315 kW / 429 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. With that powertrain, the model has a range of 311 miles (501 km).

SHproshots

Toyota has announced plans to invest an additional $10 billion in the United States over the next five years. The company didn’t say where the money is going or what it will fund, but it will bring their total U.S. investment to nearly $60 billion.

While the automaker was coy on specifics, the move comes amid tariffs and pressure from the Trump administration to build more vehicles in the United States.

Just last month, the White House said “Toyota plans to export its U.S.-made vehicles to Japan and open its distribution platform in Japan to U.S. automakers.”

The country also decided to allow sales of American-made vehicles and “U.S. safety-certified vehicles” without additional testing.

An American Battery Plant

Putting politics aside, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina has officially opened and begun production. Located in Liberty, the $13.9 billion plant is the company’s eleventh manufacturing facility in America and Toyota’s only battery plant outside of Japan.

It’s expected to generate up to 5,100 jobs and be capable of producing 30 GWh of battery capacity annually. While the opening comes shortly after the clean vehicle tax credit was eliminated, Toyota noted the plant has 14 battery production lines that support not only electric vehicles, but also hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

Speaking of which, batteries made at the plant will be used in the Camry Hybrid, Corolla Cross Hybrid, and RAV4 Hybrid. It will also make batteries for the company’s upcoming three-row EV.

While production is just getting started, Toyota plans to open additional assembly lines by 2030. The company also noted that once construction is complete, the facility won’t just be a workplace as it will also house a pharmacy, a medical clinic, a fitness center, and on-site childcare.

Toyota Motor North America CEO Tetsuo Ogawa remarked, “Today’s launch of Toyota’s first U.S. battery plant and additional U.S. investment up to $10 billion marks a pivotal moment in our company’s history. Toyota is a pioneer in electrified vehicles, and the company’s significant manufacturing investment in the U.S. and North Carolina further solidifies our commitment to team members, customers, dealers, communities, and suppliers.”

Kia’s EV sales in the US took a beating last month after the government pulled the $7,500 EV federal tax credit. But the brand isn’t sitting still. In a bid to get more of its battery-powered models into driveways, Kia is rolling out hefty discounts across its full EV range, hoping to rekindle demand in a market that’s proving tougher than expected.

The company revealed that the 2025 Niro EV now comes with $10,000 in customer cash, up from $8,500 previously. That bump translates to a 24 percent discount on the base model, trimming its price to a more approachable $31,045.

Read: New Kia EV9 Gets Surprise Price Cuts And It’s Not The Only Upgrade

The savings don’t stop there. According to Cars Direct, the 2025 EV6 is also being offered with the same $10,000 discount, amounting to as much as 23 percent off. The newer 2026 EV9 joins the deal too, with the same dollar figure equating to an 18 percent price reduction.

Importantly, Kia notes that the deal is “subject to vehicle availability and dealer participation.” Additionally, customers must take delivery of their new vehicle by January 12.

Both the EV6 and EV9 were already eligible for $9,000 off before this round of incentives, so the extra $1,000 isn’t exactly a game changer, but for shoppers, it’s one more reason to consider going electric. Keeping an extra grand in the bank never hurts.

Kia also has some other very tempting EV deals on offer. For example, the 2025 EV6 and Niro EV are available at 0 percent APR for 72 months when financed and also come with a $2,500 incentive.

Similarly, the 2026 EV9 is available at the same 0 percent financing rate over a 60-month term. Certain EV6s, including the GT, are also available with up to $16,500 in lease cash.

Source: Cars Direct

Like many long-established carmakers, Ford has found itself under growing pressure from Tesla at home and an increasingly assertive wave of Chinese manufacturers abroad.

These newer players seem more adaptable, often leading in electric-vehicle design and software integration, areas where legacy automakers like Ford have struggled to keep pace. Chief executive Jim Farley doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the scale of that challenge.

Read: Ford CEO Warns China Could Put Every American Carmaker Out Of Business

Not long after Ford’s boss remarked that the threat from Chinese automakers now exceeds what Japanese carmakers posed in the 1980s, Jim Farley described the “shocking” moment that spurred him to rethink the company’s direction.

He said Ford’s engineers were taken aback when they began tearing down both the Tesla Model 3 and several Chinese-built electric cars, realizing just how far ahead those manufacturers had moved in terms of cost, efficiency, and software integration.

“I was very humbled when we took apart the first Model 3 Tesla and started to take apart the Chinese vehicles,” he told former Wall Street Journal reporter Monica Langley on the Office Hours: Business Edition podcast. “When we took them apart, it was shocking what we found.”

What Ford Found Inside

Ford’s engineers quickly learned that the Mustang Mach-E carried an extra mile of electrical wiring compared with the Model 3, adding unnecessary weight and complexity. That revelation, and others like it, convinced Farley to separate the company’s electric operations into a dedicated arm, the Model E division, in 2022.

“EVs are exploding in China,” Farley said, noting that the Chinese government had “put its foot on the economic scale” in support of battery-powered vehicles.

“We can’t walk away from EVs, not just for the US, but if we want to be a global company, I’m not going to just cede that to the Chinese,” he added.

Financially, Ford’s move to establish the Model E division has yet to bear fruit, losing more than $5 billion last year. However, Farley isn’t prepared to throw in the towel.

“I knew it was going to be brutal business-wise,” he said. “My ethos is, take on the hardest problems as fast as you can and do it sometimes in public because you’ll solve them quicker that way.”

If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em

Last year, Farley revealed that he had been driving a Xiaomi SU7 daily and praised the electric sedan. Evidently, he understands not only the importance of answering the threat posed by the Chinese but also just how quickly Ford needs to respond.

One of the company’s most crucial upcoming projects is a mid-size electric pickup priced around $30,000. Built on a new architecture designed to underpin several future models, it represents the next test of whether Ford can match the speed and efficiency of the competition

We can now add Subaru to the growing list of carmakers easing off their all-electric investments, as shifting consumer tastes and surging demand for hybrids reshape the market. The move could see several of Subaru’s planned EVs pushed further down the timeline.

Read: Subaru STI Can’t Decide If It Wants Gas Or Electric, So It Built Both

During the automaker’s most recent earnings briefing, president Atsushi Osaki blamed “increasing demand for hybrids and the reappraisal of internal combustion engines” as the reason for delaying “the timing of full-scale EV mass production investment.”

Adjusting The EV Roadmap

Subaru had committed 1.5 trillion yen, or about $9.74 billion, in electrification by 2030. It has already poured in 300 billion yen ($1.94 billion) of this amount, and while the remaining 1.2 trillion yen will still be invested, they will be “reviewed,” according to Nikkei Asia.

In the immediate term, the timeline change won’t have a significant impact, as the company still plans to launch four electric SUVs built in collaboration with Toyota by the end of 2026. However, it may delay four other EVs that it had planned to develop in-house by 2028.

Hybrid Takeover

The trend towards hybridization has been apparent over the past 18 months, prompting other car manufacturers, like Hyundai, to increase investments in this space.

Compounding this shift are economic headwinds. With the loss of the federal EV tax credit in the United States and the added burden of steep automotive tariffs, manufacturers are being forced to tighten budgets and spend more strategically.

Subaru says it expects to take a 210 billion yen ($1.36 billion) impact from the tariffs this year. For the financial year ending March 2026, it expects a net profit of 160 billion yen, a massive 53 percent decline from the year prior.

To cushion the blow, Subaru plans to trim costs by 200 billion yen ($1.29 billion) by 2030, an efficiency drive meant to steady the balance sheet as the market evolves.

The newest EV in Subaru’s portfolio is the Uncharted, a reworked and rebranded version of Toyota’s latest electric C-HR. Subaru has given it a tougher, more adventurous character, staying true to its outdoorsy image even as it reconsiders how quickly to go all-in on battery power

Source: Nikkei Asia

Peugeot has followed up on last week’s tease of its Polygon concept by giving us a proper look at the futuristic hatch, and now we’re even more pumped for the arrival of the next 208.

Though the French brand doesn’t specifically mention the 208 in its concept blurb, it’s clear that what we’re looking at gives us some strong pointers to both the design and technical makeup of the next-generation supermini due in 2027.

Related: Peugeot’s Next 208 Wants To Reinvent The Wheel

Sure, the extra-long gullwing doors will be swapped for four conventional ones by the time the production 208 appears. But the overall design language, the pinched waist, broad shoulders, large glass area and focus on recycled materials all hint at where the big-selling supermini – and all future Peugeots – are heading.

Details like charging port and LED charge status indicator in the C-pillar (which reference the classic 205’s design) seem like strong candidates for the production treatment, as are the horizontally oriented reimagining of the brand’s now familiar three-claw light signature.

But it’s the Polygon’s interior that Peugeot really wants us to focus on. It gets a next-generation take on the i-Cockpit interior, which for a decade has been placing the instruments above the steering wheel to make them more visible to drivers.

Here, the entire windshield becomes a gauge cluster and infotainment screen that’s equivalent to having a 31-inch display.

The focal point, though, is the Hypersquare rectangular steering wheel, something Peugeot began teasing on concepts a couple of years ago.

Each of the four circles within the wheel is a pod containing key controls, and steer-by-wire tech means the wheel’s gearing can be increased at parking speeds, reducing the number of turns to less than one.

Peugeot says it’s no mere show-car fantasy, either. Both the wheel and the steer-by-wire tech that “connects” it to the driving wheels will be on a production Peugeot by 2027, the company says, meaning the next 208.

Peugeot

Some of the country's highest home insurance prices are in the central U.S., a region generally considered to be protected from climate-driven disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes.

(Image credit: Rebecca Hersher)

BOGOTÁ, NOV. 12, 2025 – Atlas Renewable Energy, a leading international provider of renewable energy solutions, officially inaugurated the Shangri-La solar project, located in Ibagué, Tolima. It marks the start of operations of its first project in the country. Shangri-La has an installed capacity of 201 MWp, representing a decisive step in the expansion of …

The post Atlas Renewable Energy inaugurated Shangri-La solar park in Colombia appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

New tariffs and a federal leasing freeze compound cost pressures and regulatory challenges, limiting growth prospects. Houston, 12 Nov. 2025: The US offshore wind pipeline contracted sharply over the past year, falling to 23 projects from 45, as developers face a closing window for tax credits, a freeze on federal leasing and new trade frictions, …

The post US Offshore Wind Pipeline Halves as Policy Shifts and Costs Rise appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

GREENSBORO, N.C. – In continued efforts to be the best of the best in their field, maintenance team members from Durham School Services and Petermann Bus participated in the Thomas Built Institute’s three-day advanced training session. At the advanced training sessions, participants received hands-on training focused on advanced diagnostics on different engine platforms, advanced electronics, and other bus components for both standard and electric school buses.

Durham and its sister brands have participated in Thomas Built Institute trainings annually for the past few years. The training event includes nine classes, specialized bus model sessions, and a factory tour.

Training topics included, but were not limited to:

Electrical Systems
C2 Training
Braun Lift
MCC Troubleshooting
Diagnostic Link 8 Training
EV (Electric Vehicle) Class
Cummins Insite/Software & Emissions
TBB Portal, Access Freightliner, Drawing Lookup
Charging and Starting Systems
Factory Tour of the Revamped Saf-T-Liner

“As a company, we are proud to be able to provide our team members with opportunities to further develop their skills and support their professional ambitions,” said Regis Rock, Senior Manager of Talent Development, Durham School Services. “Our team members pride themselves in their commitment to becoming masters of their craft and even greater experts in their field. Hands-on training sessions such as the ones offered by Thomas Built Buses are great avenues that support their professional success and career goals. Further, these trainings ensure that they are equipped with the necessary experience and knowledge to safely and proficiently perform their duties and maintain our fleets.”

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services and its sister brands, Stock Transportation and Petermann Bus, are dedicated to the safety of our students and People. Collectively, for more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services and its sister brands have earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities they serve.

About Petermann Bus: Petermann Bus provides safe and reliable transportation to students in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Since 1921, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Petermann Bus has earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities we serve.

The post Durham School Services and Petermann Bus Elevate Maintenance Expertise Through Thomas Built Institute Training appeared first on School Transportation News.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – HopSkipDrive, a technology company solving complex
transportation challenges for more than 13,500 schools, today announced key enhancements to its industry-leading safety program. The company has launched a strengthened educational curriculum for CareDrivers, developed in partnership with child development experts, and will be rolling out a more sophisticated, skills-based CareDriver certification process to offer enhanced support for all students, including those with diverse needs and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

This dual investment raises the industry bar by shifting from fixed quantitative requirements to a more thoughtful, qualitative assessment of a candidate’s caregiving capabilities. As part of the HopSkipDrive 15-point certification process, this skills-based video screening moves beyond fixed requirements to a more meaningful evaluation of a candidate’s situational judgment, empathy, and readiness to work with children. Because HopSkipDrive maintains a direct relationship with the CareDriver community, the company is uniquely positioned to implement these higher standards for screening and ongoing education, contributing to its industry-leading safety and compliance record.

In parallel, HopSkipDrive has launched new educational modules designed to provide CareDrivers with leading-edge skills to support neurodivergent riders. The curriculum was developed in partnership with Jenifer Eaton, MA, BCBA and Timothy Humphrey, M.S.Ed., BCBA, of Rooted in Play, as well as Steve Nederveld, former Director of Mental Health for Cherry Creek Schools.

Eaton and Nederveld also recently joined HopSkipDrive’s Safety Advisory Council. The program focuses on understanding sensory sensitivities, de-escalation techniques, and communication strategies.

“Safety and trust are the foundation of everything we do, and this evolution of our programs represents a deeper commitment to those values. We know that being a great caregiver starts with prior experience, and is further developed with the resources and education HopSkipDrive provides once CareDrivers are on the platform,” said Jen Brandenburger, SVP of Safety at HopSkipDrive. “By pairing a more intelligent, skills-based certification process with expert-led continuing education, we can help ensure CareDrivers are exceptionally prepared to support every child. This holistic approach raises the standard for the entire student transportation industry and reinforces our commitment to being the most trusted partner for schools and families.”

The new initiative reflects HopSkipDrive’s dedication to providing the most empathetic and effective specialized transportation solutions, built upon a foundation that includes trauma-informed care education, Child Abuse and Neglect screenings, and three types of rigorous background checks.

“A safe, positive ride to school plays a crucial role in a student’s overall success and that begins with a prepared, empathetic adult behind the wheel,” said Jenifer Eaton. “HopSkipDrive’s commitment to helping CareDrivers better understand trauma-informed practices and the unique needs of neurodivergent students is truly invaluable. By equipping CareDrivers with these insights and strategies, we’re building a more compassionate and responsive system, one that ensures every student is supported with the patience, understanding, and respect they deserve.”

The new education modules are now available to all CareDrivers on the platform, and the enhanced certification process will begin rolling out to new applicants over the coming weeks.

About HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive is a technology company that solves complex transportation challenges where there is a heightened need for safety, equity, and care. HopSkipDrive is modernizing the $30 billion school transportation industry through two core solutions: a care-centered transportation marketplace and an industry-leading transportation intelligence platform, RouteWise AI.

HopSkipDrive’s marketplace supplements school buses and existing transportation options by connecting kids to highly-vetted caregivers on wheels, such as grandparents, babysitters, and nurses in local communities. RouteWise AI helps schools and districts address critical challenges, including budget cuts, bus driver shortages, and reaching climate goals. HopSkipDrive has supported over 13,500 schools across 17 states, with nearly 1,300 school districts, government agencies, and nonprofit partners. More than five million rides over 95 million miles have been
completed through HopSkipDrive since the company was founded in 2014 by three working mothers.

The post HopSkipDrive Elevates Safety Standards with New CareDriver Education Programs and Enhanced Certification Process appeared first on School Transportation News.

EverDriven CEO Mitch Bowling reviews how the alternative transportation company prioritizes safety standards and promotes collaborative brainstorming to provide safe service to the ever-growing population of students with special needs.

AlphaRoute CEO John Hanlon shares real-life stories about districts that have optimized daily operations by leveraging routing technology and discusses how the upcoming AI solution “Alphie” can help.

Keba Baldwin is the director of transportation for Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland and STN’s newest Transportation Director of the Year. He joins us to discuss his career history and leadership style.

Read more TSD Conference news.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Episode sponsor: Ride.

Episode sponsor: School Radio.

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The electric car age has rewritten the meaning of quick, with even family runabouts now capable of supercar-style launches from a set of lights. What once belonged to exotic badges has become a party trick for mid-range sedans and crossovers alike.

Now China’s latest draft vehicle regulation looks set to spoil the fun, or at least delay it. Under a proposed update to the National Standard, every passenger car would need a default mode in which it takes no less than five seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) at startup, unless the driver manually selects a quicker setting.

The draft title “Technical Specifications for Power-Driven Vehicles Operating on Roads” appears to be part of a broader safety and road behavior initiative in China. It is intended to replace the current GB 7258-2017 standard that didn’t impose such restrictions.

More: China Might Kill Electric Flush Door Handles With These New Rules

Section 10.5.4 of the new proposal states: “After each power-on/ignition of a passenger vehicle (excluding automatic engine start-stop), the vehicle should be in a state where the 100 km/h acceleration time is not less than 5 seconds.”

The default performance-restricting mode at startup could work much like the output-limiting Eco setting found in most EVs, managed entirely through software. Drivers could still switch to a faster mode, though they’d need to repeat the process every time they power on the car.

Europe has a somewhat parallel rule, requiring cars to have speed limit warnings, although those systems only alert rather than restrict.

If approved, the rule would apply to all passenger cars in China regardless of powertrain, though it would most affect the growing fleet of lightning-fast EVs.

Models like the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra (1.98 seconds to 100 km/h), Zeekr 001 FR (2.02 seconds), Tesla Model S Plaid (2.1 seconds), and BYD Yangwang U9 (2.36 seconds) would all fall under the new restriction, even if only temporarily after startup.

Speed Warnings On Your Limo

A separate draft titled “Safety Specifications for Power-Driven Vehicles Operating on Roads” includes another speed-related rule, this time targeting longer passenger models.

Section 10.5.1 reads: “Passenger vehicles with a length of 6 m or more shall have an overspeed alarm function, capable of triggering an alarm via visual or audible signals when the speed exceeds the maximum permissible speed (the maximum permissible speed shall not exceed 100km/h), except for those with compliant speed limiting functions or devices.”

While most large SUVs and minivans stay below the six-meter mark, the rule could apply to stretched limousines. One such example is the previous-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom VII Extended Wheelbase, which measures 6,092 mm (239.8 in). Its successor, slightly shorter at 5,982 mm (235.5 in), would just avoid triggering the alarm requirement.

Some of Audi’s recent designs have sparked a bit of a debate, with a few clear wins and a few that miss by a mile. The new A6 Avant, for instance, looks handsome and well-proportioned, while the Q4 e-tron feels like it was designed by committee after the coffee ran out.

Read: Of Course, The New AUDI E5 EV Is Ridiculously Cheap In China

That’s why it might be worth Audi’s European design team taking a closer look at what their counterparts in China have accomplished with the all-electric E5 Sportback. The model shows how Ingolstadt could refresh its global EV aesthetics, blending familiar Audi precision with an edgier presence.

Every version of the E5 Sportback shares the same overall silhouette, but with the right enhancements, there’s plenty of room for visual drama.

Sugar Design/Instagram

These renderings from Sugar Design depict it in widebody guise inspired by the RS6 Avant and it looks absolutely brilliant. Who said EVs need to look bland and boring?

Immediately, the E5 looks a lot more menacing with the blacked-out front fascia, which is ordinarily painted to match the rest of the body on the standard model. By adding black color, the intricate LEDs running around the fascia are more visible.

Additionally, lowering the car and installing a sharp new splitter makes the car look a whole lot more aggressive. The RS badge is a nice touch, too.

Sugar Design/Instagram

Just like a proper RS model, the E5 Sportback has also been imagined with flared wheel arches at the front and rear. It also sits on oversized wheels and, as with the standard model, has a contrasting gloss-black roof.

Completing the stylistic changes is a new blacked-out rear fascia that, like the front, has a transformative effect on the car’s overall design.

For now, we’re not getting our hopes up that Audi will bring some of the E5’s key design elements into global markets. Still, considering how quickly the model has gained traction there, borrowing a few of its visual ideas might not be such a bad move for the global lineup.

Mercedes has kicked off the teaser campaign for the new generation GLB, ahead of its debut on December 8. It follows in the footsteps of the CLA and features a high-tech interior with seating for up to seven people.

Details are still under wraps, but Mercedes confirmed that the GLB will feature an optional MBUX Superscreen. The setup is expected to combine a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14-inch central infotainment screen and a matching 14-inch passenger display.

More: 2026 Mercedes GLB Spied With Gas And Electric Power

Buyers will also find the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System, which features an MBUX Virtual Assistant with avatars as well as Google Maps navigation. We can also expect plenty of artificial intelligence.

Technology aside, the GLB has circular air vents and a floating center console. The latter houses large cup holders and an available wireless smartphone charger. They’re joined by a new steering wheel as well as five- and seven-seat configurations.

What Else Is New Inside?

Mercedes wasn’t ready to talk numbers, but they revealed the redesigned crossover has “noticeably more headroom in the first two rows of seats.” Second-row passengers will also find additional legroom, added thigh support, and an adjustable backrest.

Third-row occupants haven’t been forgotten as entry and egress has been improved. When not needed, the rear seats fold into the load floor.

A panoramic glass roof comes standard and customers can upgrade to a fancier version that can transition from clear to opaque in a matter of milliseconds. Customers can also get an illuminated roof that features a “starry sky.”

Speaking of the roof, it features heat-insulating laminated safety glass as well as an infrared-reflecting coating. Mercedes says this keeps the interior cool in summer, while also minimizing heat loss in winter.

The GLB will come with a “comprehensive range of driver assistance systems.” These will be supported by “eight cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a water-cooled high-performance computer with sufficient power reserves for future functions and regular over-the-air updates.”

Testing Continues

With a debut less than a month away, the automaker is wrapping up testing at the Mercedes Technology Center in Sindelfingen. As part of this effort, the GLB is being subjected to cold-weather testing in climatic wind tunnels that can simulate temperatures of up to -40° F (-40° C).

Mercedes added the tunnels have cutting-edge snow cannons that can “simulate fierce blizzards where snowflakes race towards the test vehicle at speeds of up to 124 mph (200 km/h).”

These tests appear to have paid off as the upcoming GLB EQ heats the interior twice as fast as its predecessor on a 20‑minute drive in temperatures of 19.4° F (-7° C). This undercuts the heating time of a conventionally powered model and it uses half the energy as the outgoing EQB.

The company went on to say the added efficiency increases range and can be partially chalked up to an innovative heat pump. It collects waste heat from the electric motors and battery as well as from ambient air.

Electric And Hybrid Powertrains

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Mercedes didn’t mention performance specifications, but the GLB EQ will presumably have an 85 kWh battery pack as well as at least two powertrains. The entry-level variant could have a rear-mounted motor developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque.

We can also expect a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque.

Customers can also look forward to an assortment of hybridized powertrains that consist of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.3 kWh battery pack, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. In the European CLA, this provides outputs of 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) and 206 lb-ft (280 Nm) as well as 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm).

Mercedes went head-to-head with BMW at September’s Munich Auto Show, with both companies revealing compact electric SUVs, and the Bavarian iX3 definitely looked more dynamic in our view, despite the best efforts of the GLC’s huge new grille.

But AMG is working on its own GLC version that could deliver the stage presence the stock model lacked.

Related: Mercedes Is Preparing A 40-Car Blitz To Reshape Its Future

Our spy photo team caught a Mercedes-AMG GLC EQ prototype testing in Germany, managing to fire off shots of both the exterior and interior and, thus, highlighting some important details.

One is the wider track versus the non-AMG version, the fat forged alloy wheels being pushed to the outer edges of the bodywork to improve both the handling and the visual swagger.

What Visual Changes Will AMG Bring?

Helping push those wheels into the pavement is another AMG-specific detail, a pop-up rear spoiler mounted at the top of the rear hatch. It’s also likely that the spoiler will be paired with a rear diffuser in the production version, even if we can’t see one on this prototype.

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Also not fully visible on this test car is the AMG grille. We know it’ll be massive, probably carrying over the same basic outline as the new full-height grille that got its first outing on the regular GLC EQ in September, and has since been seen again on the gorgeous Vision Iconic GT concept that broke cover a few weeks after.

However, we’re still waiting to see what AMG has in mind for the grille’s center section and whether it will integrate its now-traditional vertical vanes.

Sporty Cabin, Supercar-Rivaling Power

Less mystery shrouds the interior after spy photographers snuck up close to a parked GLC and fired off some shots revealing the presence of a set of heavily bolstered black and red bucket seats. Expect the door panels and center armrest to be trimmed to match by the time production starts, probably midway through 2026.

Of course, no AMG model would be complete without a gigantic injection of horsepower. Mercedes has so far only revealed one powertrain for the GLC, a 483 hp (490 PS / 360 kW) dual-motor setup for the GLC 400 4Matic that draws juice from a 94 kWh battery to deliver up to 443 miles (713 km) of WLTP range.

Not bad, but the AMG version will leave it for dust if (as rumored) it rocks up with three Yasa axial flux motors and as much as 938 hp (952 PS / 700 kW).

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It looks like Tesla’s found itself with a problem of abundance. The automaker has more cars sitting on lots across the United States than it seems to know what to do with. And with the federal EV tax credit gone, sales have slowed considerably.

To keep things moving, Tesla has decided to do something a little different, by renting out its own cars directly to customers, starting at two locations in California, with more likely on the way.

Read: Elon Musk’s Trillion Dollar Pay Hinges On A Bet That Could Break Tesla

The company recently confirmed that its stores in San Diego and Costa Mesa are now offering rentals from the entire Tesla lineup.

What Does It Cost?

If you’ve been curious about living with a Model 3 or Model Y, you can now take one home for as little as $60 per day. The Cybertruck, perhaps the most talked-about of the bunch, is listed at $75 per day, while the more premium Model S and Model X command $90 per day.

Of course, no deal from Tesla would be complete without some important caveats. For starters, cars must be rented for a minimum of three days and a maximum of seven days.

Furthermore, while renters will be able to enjoy unlimited mileage, they will not be permitted to drive the Tesla out of the state. They’ll also be hit with a $30 fee if the car is returned with less than 50 percent charge.

There’s no word on whether the advertised rates include insurance, or if Tesla, like traditional car rental companies, will try to sting shoppers with exorbitant insurance fees.

What we do know is that only the upper-tier Premium trims are being offered. The entry-level Standard versions aren’t part of the deal, and neither are the high-performance Performance or Plaid variants.

Tesla will no doubt hope that by offering cheap rentals, it can convince interested shoppers to place an order. To help further convince them, they’ll receive a $250 credit if they place an order within seven days of the rental.