While the Nissan Ariya is a decent electric SUV, its sales haven’t exactly taken off the way the brand probably hoped. The Leaf, meanwhile, is well past its expiration date, though a successor is coming soon. Over in China, however, Nissan has launched an EV that’s actually generating real demand. That would be the N7, unveiled back in April and on sale shortly after.

According to Nissan, as of May 31, it had secured 17,215 orders for the new N7 in China in just one month. The company also noted that 70 percent of those orders came from first-time Nissan owners.

Read: Nissan’s New Electric Sedan Is As Big As A Maxima, Cheap As A Versa

It’s an impressive figure, although quick early sales aren’t unusual for newly launched EVs in China, where many models rack up tens of thousands of orders within months. Mazda, for example, is believed to have secured 20,000 pre-orders for the EZ-60 in just a matter of weeks. Chinese deliveries of the N7 began on May 15.

In a social media update, the company added that the N7 is currently the top-selling pure electric vehicle among joint ventures and ranks second among medium and large EVs priced under 200,000 yuan (around US$27,600). It didn’t specify the time period this ranking refers to, but it’s likely a monthly figure, so take that as you will.

Going Global

Perhaps buoyed by the warm reception in China, Nissan confirmed today that it plans to take the N7 global. However, it didn’t share any details about launch timing or which markets will get the car. One thing seems certain: the United States won’t be on that list. Europe, on the other hand, is a likely candidate, especially considering Mazda plans to offer its Chinese-made EZ-6 and EZ-60 SUV in several global markets, including Europe and possibly Australia too.

For what it’s worth, Nissan recently trademarked the Primera name in several markets, including Malaysia, hinting that the N7 might revive the long-dormant badge.

Not a Ground-Up Nissan Design

While this looks like a win for Nissan, it didn’t have to shoulder all the development work. The N7 borrows heavily from the Dongfeng eπ 007, the model it’s based on. That also means some of the cooler elements, like the eπ 007’s Lamborghini-style scissor doors, didn’t make it into Nissan’s version. Instead, the N7 makes do with standard doors, though most buyers likely won’t mind.

However, for the most part, the N7 is quite unconventional for a Nissan. It looks distinct from all of the brand’s other models, rocking a light bar up front and intricate LED headlights. It’s a similar story in the cabin where the N7 feels much more modern than any other Nissan, including the Ariya. Key features include a 15.6-inch infotainment display, wireless charging pads, a two-spoke steering wheel, and a very minimalist design.

Of course, even though the N7 is based on a Chinese model, Nissan’s local team couldn’t resist staging a photo op next to the most Japanese thing it could find, the soon-to-be-discontinued GT-R. Nothing screams shared DNA like a Chinese-sourced EV and a 16-year-old turbocharged JDM relic.

Affordable Pricing, Competitive Specs

Prices for the N7 start at a very affordable 119,900 yuan (around $16,600), at least by Western standards. The base model features a 58 kWh battery pack, delivers 215 horsepower, and offers a range of up to 317 miles (510 km) on a single charge.

Better-equipped versions with the same powertrain, labeled Pro and Max, are also available, priced at 129,900 yuan (about $18,000) and 139,900 yuan (around $19,400), respectively. Two variants with a larger 73 kWh battery are offered as well, starting at 139,900 yuan ($19,400) and reaching up to 149,900 yuan ($20,800).

John Halas contributed to this report.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk seemed like a match made in heaven as they’re both rich, egotistical billionaires that crave attention. However, they both have thin skin, a questionable definition of the truth, and a tendency to retaliate.

The latter three characteristics are now on full display as their bromance has ended in a rather public fight. Musk got the ball rolling by attacking Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill as a “disgusting abomination.” He went on to call it a “massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill” … that “contains the largest increase in the debt ceiling in US history!”

More: Trump’s Tax Bill Promises Car Loan Relief But The Devil Is In The Details

Musk described it as the “Debt Slavery Bill” and urged Congress to kill it. He also told his 220 million followers on X to call their legislators as “bankrupting America is NOT ok!”

President Trump was initially quiet on the criticism, but he tore into Musk today. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump claimed he asked Elon to leave his administration as he was “wearing thin.” Trump also said Musk went “CRAZY” after “I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy electric cars that nobody else wanted.”

Trump then made a not so subtle threat, despite claiming “I don’t mind Elon turning against me.” In particular, he said the “easiest way to save money … is to terminate Elon’s governmental subsidies and contracts.”

That’s a rather blatant threat of retaliation and Wall Street appears to be taking it seriously. Tesla stock plummeted 14.27% today to close down $47.37 per share at $284.68.

In response to Trump’s threat, Musk said SpaceX will “begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately.” This would effectively leave NASA up a creek without a paddle, although they could use Boeing’s troubled Starliner.

Aside from that, Musk said Trump is “in the Epstein files” and claimed “that is the real reason they have not been made public.” He went on to suggest Trump’s tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year.

The mudslinging will likely continue for the foreseeable future, although it will be interesting to see if the two can mend fences. If not, Tesla could have just added to its increasingly complex set of challenges.

The Lucid Air is an exceptional electric sedan, but unfortunately, its premium price tag puts it out of reach for many. Now, Lucid is offering substantial discounts, slashing up to $31,500 off the price. The catch? These savings only apply if you’re leasing. Still, for those open to a 36-month commitment, the 2025 Lucid Air could be yours for as little as $519 per month.

The cheapest of the three Lucid Air models included in this promotion is the Air Pure. Cutting payments down to $519/month for 36 months involved Lucid introducing a $2,000 on-site vehicle bonus, a $2,000 conquest offer if they own a vehicle from a competitor, and a special Air Credit. All Lucid Air models are also eligible for the full $7,500 EV tax credit.

Read: Lucid Promised Luxury But All This Owner Got Was Regret And Nightmares

The savings amount to $21,500 for the Air Pure. Opting for a lease, however, requires a $3,696 down payment due at signing. That effectively increases the monthly payment up to $620. For those who would prefer to finance, the Air Pure is available at 2.99% APR for up to 72 months, plus a $10,000 Air Credit. The cash price remains at $69,900, but includes an extra $10,000 in Air Credit for other cash purchases.

The discounts for the Air Touring amount to $26,500, and it can now be leased from $539/month for 36 months with $4,079 due at signing. Add that down payment to the equation and you’re looking at $652/month. Like the base model, the Air Touring can be financed at 2.99% APR for up to 72 months and includes a $7,500 Air Credit. For those who can afford to pay upfront, the Touring starts at $78,900 and has a $7,500 Air Credit.

The final model available with the new deals is the Air Grand Touring. Savings add up to $31,500, including a $20,000 Air Credit, allowing it to be leased for $849 per month for 36 months with $6,819 due at signing. The monthly payments work out to be the equivalent of $1,038 when factoring in the down payment. The cash price starts at $110,900 with a $5,000 Air Credit.

Lucid’s latest price cuts won’t suddenly make the Air a people’s car, but if you’ve been circling the luxury EV lot looking for a deal, this might finally move the needle.

Tesla’s robotaxi ambitions appear to be moving from concept to curb, with autonomous testing expected to begin later this month on the streets of Austin, Texas. Meanwhile, a curious-looking Model 3 prototype spotted in San Jose is stirring up speculation. Whether it’s a one-off experiment or a cleverly disguised test mule for the upcoming Cybercab, one thing’s clear; it’s not your typical Tesla.

The prototype was recently caught on video in a public parking lot in California and was wearing Texas manufacturer plates, meaning this was definitely not a privately owned car. Just like the Cybercab Tesla showed several months ago, the entire exterior of the prototype is finished in matte gold, which could be either a wrap or paint. The gold extends across the special aero covers on the wheels and even blocks out the entire rear window and the glass roof.

Read: Tesla’s Robotaxi And Cybercab Might Need New Names

There are some other interesting things going on with this particular Model 3.Up front, a new camera juts out from the bumper, and on the sides, the usual integrated cameras have been swapped for makeshift units crudely screwed into the quarter panels. Another additional camera has been tacked onto the trunk lid, rounding out the prototype’s growing collection of eyeballs.

@WholeMarsBlog @DirtyTesLa @AIDRIVR what the hell is this thing?? 👀 pic.twitter.com/ATYxTrXEeV

— Andrew Lopez (@ASVPxdrizzle) June 2, 2025

Perhaps leading credence to the theory that this is a test mule for the Cybercab is that the rear side windows have been blanked out, and sitting behind them are fixed camera units. The Cybercab showcased by Tesla last October had cameras in this very same position, unlike any other current Tesla model. Curiously, the B-pillar trim was missing from this car.

Unless, of course, you know, someone at Tesla decided that the same genius move that replaced turn stalks with steering wheel buttons should be extended to axing the glass roof and rear window for the sake of efficiency.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has said that production of the Cybercab will start before 2027, and indicated that prices will kick off from less than $30,000. Those are audacious targets, particularly for a carmaker like Tesla that is so well known for missing its production targets.

Different automakers have very different approaches to disguising their prototypes. While Hyundai loves to hide its upcoming cars under black sheets containing foam blocks to obscure the shapes below, Opel’s Mokka GSE could’t be more desperate to attract attention if it streaked naked across the pitch at last weekend’s Champion’s League soccer final.

The luminous yellow and black wrap and prominent ‘OMG!’ lettering on this sporty crossover tie in with a teaser campaign Opel released earlier this month designed to raise awareness of the brand’s latest GSE model, and also a change of direction for all future GSE cars.

Related: Stellantis Turns Mokka SUV Into An Electric Rally Weapon

Previously offered only with hybrid powertrains, the sporty GSE badge will become an exclusively electric affair, and the first GSE EV is the Mokka seen in these pictures. A range-topping trim for the existing electric Mokka crossover, it’s Opel’s equivalent to the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, all three being built on the same Stellantis platform.

Though Opel hasn’t confirmed specs for the production GSE, it’s already told us the version it’ll use in rallying has a single, front-mounted motor that makes 278 hp (207 kW / 280 PS) and 345 Nm (255 lb-ft) of torque, which matches exactly the spec of the Abarth and Alfa. Abarth also offers a less potent version of the 600e with 237 hp (240 PS / 175 kW), which takes 6.1 seconds rather than 5.8 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 kmh), though we don’t know whether Opel will give buyers the same option.

Photos Baldauf

Based on what we know of its two Italian cousins, the GSE gets a 54 kWh (51 kWh usable) battery that’s going to prove too small for anyone with an aversion to charging stations because it’ll only be rated for around 200 miles (320 km) of range and the charge rate tops out a miserable 100 kW.

Big wheels shoulder some of the blame for the poor range, but they do fill the arches nicely, giving the GSE a great stance. The bumpers are only slightly more aggressive than the ones on the stock Mokka, and overall, despite the yellow brake calipers, this is definitely a less showy EV than the Alfa Junior, suggesting the ‘OMG’ graphics might be slightly over-egging things. But we can expect to see some GSE graphics and a sportier look to the interior when Opel finally peels back the wrap in the next month or so.

Photos Baldauf

Ecologist Doug Tallamy thinks a yard can become a little "national park." He's co-founder of Homegrown National Parks, which encourages people to grow native plants in their yards.

More than 200 wildfires are raging across Canada, sending a thick blanket of choking smoke through the U.S. Midwest. Experts says climate change means U.S. residents better get used to it.

(Image credit: Mark Vancleave)

A Bay District school bus driver has been arrested after being accused of child abuse, reported Panama City News Herald.

The incident reportedly occurred May 13, when school bus driver Stacy Christy Halloran allegedly struck a 12-year-old student in his upper right back with an open hand.

It is unclear what prompted this incident. However, the act was caught on the school bus security video. According to the news report, the slap was so hard that it could be heard in the video, which was taken with a camera located three rows from the front of the bus.

Halloran was reportedly charged with cruelty towards child/abuse without great bodily harm and was removed from duty. Her next court date is July 21.

Bay District’s Superintendent Mark McQueen said via the article that the incident is both troubling and disappointing. The investigation is ongoing.

Related: Colorado School District Pays $16.2M for Abuse of Student by Bus Attendant
Related: Florida School Bus Driver Faces Child Abuse Charges
Related: New Hampshire School Bus Driver Accused of Assaulting Students
Related: Florida Paraprofessional Facing Child Abuse Charges

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. and AUSTIN, Texas– Transfinder Corporation is pleased to announce Wayside Schools in Texas has selected Transfinder’s award-winning routing solution Routefinder PLUS to create the safest and most efficient routes for its students.

Located in the Austin, Wayside has about 1,651 students attending three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school.

In addition to PLUS, Wayside purchased Studentfinder and Viewfinder, which gives users a bird’s eye view of the district’s transportation operation.

Transfinder President and CEO Antonio Civitella welcomed Wayside Schools to the Transfinder family.

“We are so happy to have Wayside as a client.” Civitella said. “Large and small districts alike benefit from having this powerful tool that that has Artificial Intelligence Optimization embedded in it. Because it is highly customizable, districts like Wayside can tailor their experience to their individual needs.”

About Transfinder:
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Schenectady, New York, Transfinder is a national leader in intelligent transportation systems, providing transportation management systems and services to municipalities, school districts and adult care facilities. Transfinder, has been on Inc. magazine “fastest-growing company” list for 12 years. The software and hardware company has received numerous awards, including Best Software, Best Hardware and Best Safety Technology. In addition, Transfinder has repeatedly won Best Place to Work, Top Workplace and Best Companies to Work for accolades. Transfinder develops and supports routing and scheduling solutions for optimal transportation logistics. Transfinder also launched Patrolfinder policing technology to assist law enforcement. For more information, visit www.transfinder.com

The post Wayside Schools (TX) Picks Transfinder appeared first on School Transportation News.

GUILDERLAND, N.Y. — The New York School Bus Contractors Association (NYSBCA) held its 49th Annual School Bus Driver Safety Competition—commonly known as the “Roadeo”—on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Rockland Lake State Park. This year marked the event’s return after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The school bus industry gave this event a name as unique as the professionals it celebrates taking the word “rodeo” and transforming it into “Roadeo” to reflect the road-based skills essential to school bus safety. This special title captures the spirit of the event: a high-energy, friendly competition that showcases the knowledge, precision, and dedication of New York’s top school bus drivers.

Every day, more than 2 million students across New York State rely on the commitment and expertise of school bus drivers to get to and from school safely. The Roadeo offers these essential professionals a valuable opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a spirited, yet friendly, competition focused on excellence in student transportation safety.

“This event was a huge success, full of energy and pride,” said Thomas Smith, NYSBCA Board President. “It was great to see the camaraderie and to offer our drivers a platform to showcase their expertise. School bus drivers are vital members of the workforce, and this competition honors the critical role they play in safely transporting students each day.”

National Representation
The first-place winners from each category will go on to represent New York at the National School Transportation Association’s School Bus Driver International Safety Competition, scheduled for June 28, 2025, at the Austin Marriott Downtown – Hays CISD in Austin, Texas. We wish them the best of luck on the national stage!

Congratulations to the 2025 NYSBCA Safety Competition Winners:

Photos and a highlight video are available at nysbca.com/roadeo.

Type A School Bus (Van)
1st Place: Marlon Forrester, WE Transport
2nd Place: James Baumer, Beacon Mobility
3rd Place: Charmain Kanhai Noronha, Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc.
4th Place: Lynn Kavanagh, Chestnut Ridge Transportation
5th Place: Sanjay Brooks, Chappaqua Transportation

Type C School Bus (Conventional)
1st Place: Manuel Claudio, Educational Bus Transportation
2nd Place: James Breen, Educational Bus Transportation
3rd Place: Mary Myslim, Chappaqua Transportation
4th Place: Alfred Sanchez, First Student, Inc.
5th Place: Johnatan Rojas, Chappaqua Transportation

Type D School Bus (Transit)
1st Place: Rafael Vicencio Ortega, Chestnut Ridge Transportation
2nd Place: Wilfredo Ramos, Monroe-Woodbury CSD
3rd Place: Dawn Elsaesser, Monroe-Woodbury CSD

Rookie Award
Manuel Claudio, Educational Bus Transportation

Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and judges whose time, effort, and support made this event possible. Your dedication plays a crucial role in promoting school bus safety and creating a meaningful experience for our drivers.

Special thanks to Seth Corwin (Chappaqua Transportation, Inc.), James Rogan (The Trans Group, LLC), and Frank Klein (Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc.) for your dedicated participation in the weekly Roadeo planning meetings and for your support with course setup and facilitation. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Sean Corr (The Trans Group, LLC) for supplying the essential equipment that made the event possible. Your collective efforts were instrumental to the success of this year’s competition.

We also gratefully acknowledge our presenting sponsor, BusPatrol, and contributing sponsors Bird Bus Sales & Service, Leonard Bus Sales, Inc., Nesco Bus and Truck Sales, Inc., and Goosetown Communications. Your support brings this important event to life.

About: The New York School Bus Contractors Association represents the private school bus transportation industry that provides transportation services to 85% of the school districts in New York. School bus contractors transport more than half of all the children who ride a school bus to and from school each day. The association’s mission is to promote safe, reliable, and cost-effective student transportation services for New York’s school children. For more information, please visit: www.nysbca.com

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Mazda has faced some criticism for its slow roll-out of compelling EVs. While the new EZ-6 sedan and EZ-60 SUV have garnered attention, they are primarily aimed at the Chinese market and Europe, and both are based on Chinese models. However, that’s about to change.

The company plans to launch its own EVs soon, unrelated to the EZ models shown here. The first of these new vehicles is scheduled to go into production in 2027 at the company’s existing Hofu 2 assembly plant in Japan. Unlike some rivals, Mazda won’t be building a separate EV production line to make it happen.

Flexible Production, Lower Costs

Instead of following the traditional route of investing in an entirely new EV manufacturing process, Mazda has developed a flexible system that allows its electric vehicles to be made alongside hybrid, gas, diesel, and plug-in hybrid models. According to Mazda officials who spoke to Auto News, this innovation will help slash investment costs by a whopping 85%, all while reducing production lead time by 80%.

“A dedicated EV line isn’t necessary because our lines can already accommodate mixed production,” Taketo Hironaka, managing executive officer in charge of production engineering, told Autonews. “This plant is at the cutting edge of Mazda’s manufacturing.”

Read: Mazda’s New Pure Electric SUV Has Spilled Its Secrets

The Hofu H2 site currently produces the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90. It no longer uses fixed conveyors; instead, it utilizes flat pallet platforms that slide across the factory floor. Automatic guided vehicles are then used to transport a vehicle’s powertrain and guide it into place, regardless of whether that vehicle is a PHEV, a diesel, or an EV. This flexible setup also means Mazda only needs seven days to extend a production line, whereas it previously took six weeks.

Mazda is also adopting a lean asset strategy that will enable it to maximize the utilization of its existing production facilities. According to the managing executive officer in charge of production engineering at the Hofu 2 factory, Taketo Hironaka, Mazda will keep capacity utilization at the factory near 100%. The flexibility will also allow it to quickly adjust production levels of hybrids and EVs should demand for EVs ever temporarily slump or spike.

“Doing mixed production means our BEV ratio will change according to customer demand at a given time,” Hironaka said. “We may see a BEV ratio of 100 percent, or it could be 0 percent. We have been able to build such a flexible production system this time. For a small player like us, we think using our production lines 100 percent by employing mixed production is a smart way to go. Under our lean asset strategy, we will maximize the use of our existing production facilities to ride out the initial stages of shift to electrification.”

Tariffs and the U.S. Market

Efficient production isn’t just about cost-cutting, it’s also a buffer against external pressures. Mazda is bracing for the impact of the United States government’s new 25 percent tariff on vehicles and parts, a move that could hit the company hard in its largest market outside of Japan.

“The 25 percent figure is outrageous,” Hironaka told the publication. “We will control what we can. “The key is not having any waste in fixed costs and capital investment. In that sense, this Hofu No. 2 plant is a plant that is at the forefront of our approach,” he added.

China’s booming EV market isn’t short on drama, and with new models launching at breakneck speed, it’s hard to keep up. One of the latest arrivals poised to shake things up is the refreshed Xpeng P7, which looks ready to challenge the wildly popular Xiaomi SU7. Recently uncovered in official photos from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the P7 has now been showcased in new photos and also spotted on the road with two flamboyant wraps.

Xpeng is expected to officially launch the P7 in the third quarter of this year, giving it enough time to iron out any kinks the new car may have. The automaker has left no stone unturned in overhauling the design of the updated P7, so much so that it barely resembles the outgoing model. Whether or not that’s a good thing will be up to the market to decide.

Read: Xpeng’s New Sports Sedan Packs More Power Than Expected

Clearly, Xpeng wants to make a statement with the new car. One prototype recently spotted on the streets by Weibo users features a mirror chrome wrap that extends not only across the bodywork but also to the rear window and wheels. A second prototype snapped on the road has a matte purple wrap and also rocks aerodynamic wheel covers.

While we doubt Xpeng will actually sell the P7 with exterior finishes like this, we wouldn’t put it past the brand. The outgoing P7 ‘Wing Edition’ is offered in a bright shade of green, akin to what you’d expect to find from the color palette of an exotic brand like Lamborghini.

Bright colors aren’t the only exotic car influences of the new P7. It will come equipped with Lamborghini-inspired scissor doors, though it’s not clear yet if these will be offered on all trims or only the flagship model. Additionally, recent photos have shown that the wing mirrors and front air vents can be optioned with a forged carbon fiber design. Whether that’s real carbon or just an aesthetic wrap hasn’t been confirmed, but it does add some extra visual flair to the EV.

The updated P7 isn’t just about show. It brings performance upgrades too. Entry-level models will come with a 363 hp rear-mounted motor, while the dual-motor version adds another 223 hp up front. That gives the all-wheel-drive variant a healthy 586 hp, which should make for some genuinely quick launches.

Buyers won’t have to wait long to see it up close. The P7 is expected to make its official debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show on November 20.

BMW’s X-family isn’t done evolving just yet. While the current lineup still feels relatively fresh, beyond the upcoming iX3, new generations of the X5, X6 and X7 are already coming into focus, bringing with them a broader mix of powertrains, fresh tech, and a few surprises aimed squarely at the electrified future.

Spy photographers have caught the redesigned X5 on multiple occasions and now new details are starting to emerge about the crossover. It’s scheduled to go into production in August of 2026 and be offered with an assortment of powertrains.

More: BMW’s Second-Gen X7 Is Surprisingly Familiar And Very Different All At Once

According to WardsAuto, the fifth-generation model (G65) will ride on the familiar CLAR platform, but adopt several features from Neue Klasse vehicles. That’s a wise move considering a fully electric iX5 will join the lineup, which will also consist of gas, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen powertrains.

According to the publication, the iX5 will have an advanced powertrain that has a 20% higher energy density as well as a 30% increase in range and charging speed compared to the “current technology used by BMW.” The crossover is also said to have a 40% reduction in energy loss, hinting at a huge efficiency boost.

SHProshots

The second-generation X7 (G67) is slated to follow in 2027 and should largely echo its smaller counterpart. However, it could be far sportier as the report says there will be an iX7 M70 with more than 800 hp (597 kW / 811 PS). It could eventually be joined by an Alpina variant packing around 900 hp (671 kW / 913 PS).

Despite modest sales, a new X6 (G66) is also planned and it’s rumored to spawn an electric iX6 in 2028. Little is known about the crossover coupe, but it should follow in the footsteps of the X5.

All three models are slated to be built in America thanks, in part, to a $1 billion investment in Spartanburg, South Carolina as well as a $700 million investment in a nearby battery plant.

SHProshots

When tech collides with the real world, the consequences are rarely theoretical. In late 2023, a tragic accident happened in Arizona. Of 40,901 traffic fatalities that year, it was unique. It was the only one that involved a pedestrian and a Tesla reportedly running on Full Self-Driving (Supervised) mode. Now, as Tesla begins its Robotaxi launch in Austin, it’s raising questions about safety now and in the future.

The accident happened in November of that year when Johna Story, a 71-year-old grandmother, was pulled over on the interstate. She was stopped in an effort to help others who had already been in an earlier accident. Video from the Tesla shows that the roadway leading up to the crash was obscured by direct sunlight on the horizon.

More: Dodge Says Charger Daytona’s Unintended Acceleration Is A Feature Not A Bug

That said, the video obtained by Bloomberg of the crash does show warning signs that something was wrong. While the roadway is impossible to see, the car in the right lane slows down. Other vehicles are parked on the right shoulder. A bystander was waving their hands for traffic to slow down.

Before he knew it, Tesla driver Karl Stock was veering left, then back toward the road before hitting a parked Toyota 4Runner and Story head-on. She passed away at the scene. “Sorry everything happened so fast,” Stock wrote in a witness statement for police. “There were cars stopped in front of me and by the time I saw them, I had no place to go to avoid them.”

Notably, Bloomberg claims that FSD was engaged at the time of the accident. “He [Stock] had engaged what the carmaker calls Full Self-Driving, or FSD,” the report claims. This isn’t substantiated by the police report. Neither the reporting officers nor Stock mentions FSD, Autopilot, or any sort of cruise control or autonomous system. That said, it’s possible that the publication gained access to the non-public NHTSA crash report and that more data is available there.

Vision Vs. Lidar & Radar

Ultimately, crashes like this highlight what seems like the most obvious concern for Tesla’s FSD. Vision-based systems aren’t wildly dissimilar from the way that humans perceive the road. That means that when humans struggle to see the roadway ahead, as is the case with bright sunlight on the horizon, or in smoke-filled or foggy conditions, vision-based systems can struggle too.

As mentioned, it seems unclear when exactly FSD was engaged and when it wasn’t. That said, even if the system disengaged in time for Stock to avoid the crash, it’s unclear how he would’ve seen what was coming to do so. In fact, this crash and others like it, albeit without additional fatalities, led the NHTSA to kick off an investigation into FSD that is still ongoing.

“A Tesla vehicle experienced a crash after entering an area of reduced roadway visibility conditions with FSD -Beta or FSD -Supervised (collectively, FSD) engaged. In these crashes, the reduced roadway visibility arose from conditions such as sun glare, fog, or airborne dust,” the investigation called out.

On the flip side, systems that rely on radar or lidar can ‘see’ beyond fog, light glare, and smoke. They can pick up on obstacles that vision-based systems sometimes have real trouble with. In this case, a lidar-equipped system could’ve potentially alerted Stock to the stopped obstacles. That doesn’t make them perfect.

Cruise famously shut down after billions worth of investment because of crashes. Those cars all used radar and lidar and still failed. All of that said, it’s still a bit of a wonder as to why Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, are so staunch in their use of vision-only systems. Only time will tell if that changes.

The Robot Elephant In The Room

We might learn sooner rather than later whether or not Tesla sticks with its vision-only system. The automaker is already testing robotaxis and driverless cars and is set to expand that this month in Austin, Texas. Musk has promised that the program will expand throughout the year and that Level 5 autonomous driving is coming soon.

Of course, Tesla has continually improved FSD over the years. It’s a dramatically more capable system than it was in 2023 but it still has some major issues. Just a few weeks ago, a Tesla, reportedly with FSD engaged, crashed on an open road with no obstacles, no visual queues, or any other explicable reasoning. We’ve yet to confirm the details, but in the video, the car literally drove off of the road and into a tree at around 55 mph. These two crashes are things that Tesla’s Robotaxis cannot do if the automaker ever wants them to be mainstream. For now, there’s little more to do than to wait and see what happens.

Tesla’s Take

The automaker is famous for its lack of a PR department [until it really wants to get a message out]. That said, it does sometimes speak about why it continues to push for Autopilot and FSD usage among its customers.

Two years ago, when it recalled over a million cars, it said, “We at Tesla believe that we have a moral obligation to continue improving our already best-in-class safety systems. At the same time, we also believe it is morally indefensible not to make these systems available to a wider set of consumers, given the incontrovertible data that shows it is saving lives and preventing injury.”

While Tesla is notoriously opaque about the safety data it gathers, it does claim that its cars are safer on average than human drivers. Since third parties don’t have full access to that data to validate it, it’s hard to simply accept those claims. Nevertheless, if they’re accurate, Tesla has a point. At the end of the day, nobody in this equation wants to risk lives. The question is, which route is the safest, not just in the future, but right now?

Lead image Bloomberg/YouTube

Summer is just around the corner, and while that’s good news for many, the bad news is that price hikes across most major car brands are also seemingly just around the corner. Thankfully, Costco is once again rolling out limited-time discounts on select Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC models, offering savings of up to $1,250 for members.

The Costco Auto Program is meant to simplify car buying by sidestepping dealership haggling and offering fixed discounts to members. Between June 3 and July 31, Gold Star and Business members can shave $1,000 off eligible models. Executive members get a slightly larger discount of up to $1,250.

Read: Costco Offers Up To $2,000 Off New Audis

To benefit, members need to visit the Costco website, register their details, select their preferred model, and then be sent a savings certificate with a unique promo code. Shoppers will then get the discount when they present this certificate at any of the dealers from the three brands. But not all models are eligible.

At Chevrolet, the $1,000 and $1,250 discounts are available for the Colorado, Silverado EV, Blazer EV, and Equinox EV. There are also savings valued at up to $3,000 for the Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 and BrightDrop 600 delivery vans, but only businesses are expected to purchase them.

Over at GMC, the Sierra EV, Hummer EV Pickup, and Hummer EV SUV are the three models available with the new Costco incentives. Then there’s Cadillac, where only the all-electric Optiq and Vistiq are eligible. Importantly, the Costco savings can be stacked with any other incentive a buyer may be eligible for.

For those thinking about signing up for Costco just to take advantage of this offer, the timing won’t work out. Eligibility requires an active membership as of June 2, so new sign-ups won’t be able to use the discount this time around.

Drivers may love the promise of hands-free, mind-at-ease driving, but not all advanced driver assistance systems are created equal. Tesla has long marketed its vehicles as tech-forward and autonomous-ready, but fresh data from Euro NCAP tells a different story, especially when it comes to how clearly the system communicates with drivers.

More: Chinese SUV Beats Porsche Macan To Become Euro NCAP’s Safest EV In 2024

The Model S earned just 30% in Assistance Competence, a category where even smaller and more affordable EVs outperformed it. For comparison, the Kia EV3 scored 74% and the Renault 5 managed 73%. Both vehicles cost significantly less and make fewer promises about automation.

Euro NCAP’s Assisted Driving Grading program is built to evaluate how safely and responsibly automakers implement partially automated features. The scoring system weighs two key areas: Assistance Competence, which looks at how well the system communicates with the driver, and Safety Backup, which assesses how the car handles actual safety interventions, such as collision avoidance.

In the most recent round of testing, both the Tesla Model S and the Volvo EX30 received a “Moderate” rating, an underwhelming result for two companies that lean heavily on safety and tech in their marketing.

Tesla’s Language Problem

Tesla’s latest Autopilot system in the Model S did deliver a strong 94% score for Safety Backup, but its poor Assistance Competence score pulled the overall rating down. Euro NCAP cited the misleading “Autopilot” branding and promotional language, which they say overstates the system’s capabilities and can mislead drivers into overestimating how autonomous the system really is.

“Tesla is misleading consumers about their Autopilot system’s capabilities simply through its name and marketing, which could have potential safety implications,” said the organization. “A well-designed system will co-operate with the driver, appropriately inform about the level of assistance, and ultimately offer crash avoidance in critical situations; otherwise, it may introduce additional risks.”

Another problem noted by the testers is that the steering input of the Model S is resistant to a driver attempting to override it, and when they do, it automatically disengages.

“The name ‘Autopilot’ of Tesla’s system, as well as its promotional material, all suggest full automation, which is deemed inappropriate by Euro NCAP and led to a downgrade in their score,” said Euro NCAP. “Additionally, unlike the Porsche, its steering input is resistant to a driver attempting to override it, and when the driver does, the system automatically disengages, limiting its usefulness.”

EuroNCAP

As for the Pilot Assist system fitted on the Volvo EX30, it scored 72% for Safety Backup and 62% for Assistance Competence. The main reason for the relatively low scores is that the driver has to take their eyes off the road in order to check the system alerts on the centrally mounted touchscreen. Furthermore, the driving assistance systems were found not to disengage, even after repeated hands-off alerts.

Other vehicles in this round had mixed showings. The MG ZS also landed in the “Moderate” category, while the Mazda CX-80 and the Chinese XPeng G9 fared better with “Good” ratings.

The Pleasant Surprises

More encouraging results came from four models that earned a “Very Good” rating. The Porsche Macan’s, using its InnoDrive system with Active Lane Keeping, scored 92% for Safety Backup and 85% for Assistance Competence, the highest in this round. Euro NCAP praised the clarity of its status displays and the transparency of its promotional materials.

More: The Brands With The Most 5-Star Safety Ratings Over The Last 10 Years

Other good performers with intuitive systems included the facelifted Toyota bZ4X crossover and the Kia EV3 small SUV. Finally, the Active Driver Assist package of the Renault 5 electric supermini impressed Euro NCAP’s testers, who praised it for “demonstrating how assisted driving systems can perform just as well on more affordable cars”.

Adriano Palao, ADAS Technical Manager at Euro NCAP, said: “The safe operation of Assisted Driving systems can only be achieved if consumers clearly understand their role as drivers, know how to operate the system, and are aware of its limitation…A well-designed system will cooperate with the driver, appropriately inform about the level of assistance, and ultimately offer crash avoidance in critical situations; otherwise, it may introduce additional risks.”

Below you can find the scores of all nine models that participated in this testing phase.

EURO NCAP ASSISTED DRIVING 2025 TEST RATINGS

Update: The U.S. Coast Guard has provided additional details about the incident that occurred approximately 300 miles south of Adak, Alaska, on Wednesday. The exact number of vehicles aboard the 600-foot, Liberian-flagged cargo vessel, which is managed by a UK company, has been confirmed at 3,048 total vehicles. Of those, 70 are fully electric vehicles, and 681 are hybrid-electric vehicles.

The Coast Guard also reported that the status of the fire remains uncertain, though smoke is still visibly emanating from the vessel. “As the search and rescue portion of our response concludes, our crews are working closely with the vessel’s manager, Zodiac Maritime, to determine the disposition of the vessel,” said Rear Admiral Megan Dean, commander of the Coast Guard’s Seventeenth District. “We are grateful for the selfless actions of the three nearby vessels who assisted in the response and the crew of motor vessel Cosco Hellas, who helped save 22 lives.”

Original story follows below.

EV sales might not have caught alight in the way automakers hoped, but news of another shipping fire reminds us that electric cars sure are combustible. The cargo ship was on its way from Asia to North America when a fire broke out forcing the crew to abandon the vessel in the middle of the Pacific ocean, leaving thousands of brand new cars onboard.

Also: The Shipping World Isn’t Ready For The Risk EVs Pose, Here’s Why

The Morning Midas departed China for Mexico on May 26, carrying roughly 3,000 vehicles, including around 800 electric cars. But eight days into its 19-day voyage, just after midnight UTC (7:00 p.m. EST) on June 3, smoke was spotted billowing from one of the decks. UK-based shipowner Zodiac Maritime, which manages the vessel, has since confirmed that the fire originated in the section of the ship carrying electric vehicles.

Firefighting Efforts Failed to Contain the Blaze

“The crew immediately initiated emergency firefighting procedures using the vessel’s onboard fire-suppression systems,” said Zodiac Maritime, the car-carrier’s manager, per Lloyd’s List. “However, despite their efforts, the situation could not be brought under control.”

After contacting the US coast guard the 22-man crew decided to abandon ship, jumping into the lifeboat, after which they were picked up by a nearby merchant ship. With the fire still burning at the time of writing the condition of the thousands of cars still onboard is unknown.

This is far from the first time a boat carrying EVs has caught fire at sea. Three years ago another ship, this one loaded with 4,000 cars, including Porsche, Bentley and Lamborghini models went up in flames in the Atlantic. Attempts were made to tow the Felicity Ace to safety but after burning for two weeks the boat capsized and sank near the Azores.

All 22 crew were also saved on that occasion, but VW Group said the Insurance company was looking at a $155 million bill to replace the lost cars. Lamborghini even restarted production of the discontinued Aventador to replace a customer’s car lost in the accident.

Some shipping companies, such as Norway’s Havila Kystruten, now refuse to carry electric vehicles, judging the risk factor too high. But with EVs set to eventually take over the car market those vehicles are going to have to get from one side of the world somehow, and shipping them is the only realistic method.

We’ll update this story as soon as more details emerge.

Photos: U.S. Coast Guard courtesy of Air Station Kodiak

If there’s any company you can trust to design a beautiful car, it’s Pininfarina. The Italian company has a rich history of designing some of the most stunning cars ever conceived, the most notable among them being some gorgeous Ferraris, and back in early 2019, it unveiled its own model.

Sharing its underpinnings with the Rimac Nevera, the “final edition” Pininfarina Battista is perhaps the most gorgeous hypercar of our time. Yet, just when we didn’t think it could look any better, Pininfarina has unveiled the latest and finest one-of-one named the Novantacinquem, described as the final edition of the line.

Showcased at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin in late May, this special commission of the Battista was conceived to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the company. The bodywork is finished in spectacular red-tinted carbon fiber, contrasted with several areas painted in PURA Vision Gold, including the underside of the rear wing and pin stripes running down the sides of the car.

Read: Michael Jordan Revealed As Owner Of One-Off Pininfarina Battista Targamerica

The one-off also rocks a special Novantacinque script on the rear wing and has several ‘95’ logos across the exterior. It sits on polished wheels with black detailing that are shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

Plenty of unique touches have also been made to the interior. The seats are trimmed in a mixture of black leather and black Alcantara, complete with black and gold stitching. There are also Alcantara-appointed knee pads that have the ‘95’ logo in gold, loads of exposed satin carbon fiber and aluminum parts, and several elements anodized in gold and black.

Like all other Battistas, this one has a 120 kWh battery pack and four electric motors that combine to produce 1,900 hp and 1,696 lb-ft (2,300 Nm) of torque. This monstrous output allows it to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 1.89 seconds.

“The Battista Novantacinque represents the pinnacle of bespoke luxury and performance,” Pininfarina chief executive Paulo Dellachà described. “It is a tribute to Pininfarina’s past, present, and future – a timeless masterpiece created to honor 95 years of design excellence. It is only befitting that the Novantacinque is the final expression of the Battista line.”

Production of the Battista, which is capped at just 150 units worldwide, will end later this year.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a long history of failing to help those who need assistance the most after disasters. Biden-era changes meant to fix some of those problems now face an uncertain future.

(Image credit: Noah Berger)

Whether it was her history making win in 2017.

Or the history she made as only the second woman elected to lead a country to give birth while IN office.

Or her decision to step away from power after leading New Zealand through crisis after crisis.

Jacinda Ardern could never be described as a TYPICAL politician. But perhaps the most norm-busting feature of her time as Prime Minister was her rejection of the old ways of leadership.

Now as she reflects on her time as Prime Minister of New Zealand Ardern is emphasizing the need to lead with kindness and empathy.

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(Image credit: Maya Dehlin Spach)