RENO, Nev. — Jim Schiffler, a veteran transportation industry leader, dissected the complex challenges of leadership promotion based on his book “Stepping Up: From Valued Employee to Supervisor.”

Schiffler was literally born into the school bus industry as his father owned a school bus contracting business. He later led two school bus contractor operations in Minnesota and South Dakota.

“Stepping Up,” which he said is being utilized by multiple organizations as a leadership development resource, is based off his decades of experience in business. It identifies five critical mistakes organizations consistently make when promoting employees to supervisory roles. He shared his perspective and advice for improving employee morale and organizational culture during his morning STN EXPO West general session Tuesday prior to the continuation of the trade show.

Schiffler emphasized that top performers in technical roles — such as mechanics or drivers — do not automatically possess leadership capabilities.

“The best mechanics solve problems independently,” he said. “Leadership requires getting things done through other people.”

Organizations frequently promote long-serving employees or family members without evaluating their leadership capabilities. This approach, Schiffler warned, can create workplace dysfunction, decrease productivity and increase employee turnover.

Undefined role expectations are also a fast route toward dysfunction in the workplace. Without clear job descriptions, new supervisors often default to performing tasks they enjoy rather than responsibilities critical to their role. “Lack of structure breeds uncertainty and underperformance,” Schiffler explained.

Then there is insufficient training of employees to become supervisors in the first place.

Many organizations provide minimal guidance to new supervisors, essentially saying “congratulations and good luck,” he noted. This approach leads to frustration, potential misconduct and potential leadership failure.

Schiffler also recommended weekly one-on-one meetings between new supervisors and their managers to provide immediate feedback, build confidence and reinforce accountability.

Critical skills for supervisors, Schiffler explained, include exceptional communication abilities, public speaking proficiency, performance management, cultural awareness and employee training capabilities
“Leadership is a calling, not just a job,” Schiffler told the audience. “It’s about inspiring people and helping them through life’s challenges.”

He stressed that creating a people-first workplace culture ultimately drives organizational success, emphasizing empathy, recognition, and consistent communication.

“Building a culture is not a difficult thing, folks,” he added. “It just takes time to think about it.”
An attendee asked for advice on changing what he called “terrible” culture in his school district, where he has only worked for the past five months.

“I would think about calling a meeting and videotaping it. That means everybody hears the same thing because we have different locations. Share with them your observations over the five months you’ve been there,” Schiffler advised. “Let them know that you would like things to be better.”

He also suggested conducting a survey aimed at improving culture, to understand the root causes of the issues and make a commitment to address them. Schiffler also said it is necessary to set clear values and regularly communicate progress to employees. He emphasized the importance of following through on commitments to build trust and improve morale.

Related: Gallery: Trade Show at STN EXPO West
Related: (STN Podcast E265) Onsite at STN EXPO West: Innovations & Partnerships for School Transportation Success
Related: STN EXPO Keynote Reveals the Impact of Simple, Intentional Moments

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SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Netradyne, an award-winning SaaS company setting the standard for safer fleets with the industry’s first AI-powered positive driver recognition system, today announced a significant driver safety achievement: over 100 million DriverStar events have been awarded to professional drivers around the globe. This milestone reflects the strong adoption of Netradyne customers for the Driver•i, safety platform, with Netradyne leading the growing industry shift toward positive recognition as a powerful catalyst for reducing accidents and improving driver safety, engagement, and retention.

Unlike traditional safety models that emphasize violations or risky events, DriverStar focuses on recognizing and reinforcing proactive, safe driving habits as they happen. Built into Netradyne’s Driver•i safety platform, the program utilizes real-time analysis and edge computing to capture positive behaviors and reward drivers for consistent, responsible performance, helping fleets establish a culture rooted in accountability, motivation, and continuous improvement.

What is a DriverStar? Recognizing Safer Driving in Real Time
Drivers are awarded DriverStars for demonstrating strong safety habits while driving. Two of the most common examples include:
Creating Space: When a driver increases their following distance or changes position on the road to avoid potential hazards.
Streaks: Recognizing drivers for completing consecutive days or miles of safe, incident-free driving (examples: distracted, speeding, following distance, and traffic signal compliance)

These recognitions aren’t just a pat on the back. Netradyne’s analysis of customer data reveals that fleets with higher DriverStar activity exhibit fewer risky behaviors and lower overall accident rates.

Recognition that Makes a Difference
Awarding DriverStars is based on a simple yet effective idea: rewarding good behavior motivates drivers to maintain consistency. Instead of focusing only on what went wrong, the program highlights what’s going right. Fleets that use DriverStar often report: Higher driver engagement and morale. Better retention of their safest drivers. A cultural shift toward proactive safety and personal accountability.

“Recognition of safe driving is a reflection of where culture is shifting,” said Avneesh Agrawal, CEO of Netradyne. “It shows us that safety isn’t just managed from the top down—the drivers themselves own it. And that changes everything.”

Patented Innovation Driving Industry Change
Netradyne’s commitment to recognizing positive driving is grounded in nearly 10 years of acknowledging positive drivers and a robust foundation of intellectual property and patented technology that identifies, analyzes, and rewards positive driving events. This innovation reinforces the company’s belief that building safer fleets starts by recognizing what’s going right, not just what’s going wrong.

Changing Industry Perceptions with Innovations Rooted in Positive Recognition
DriverStars are part of Netradyne’s growing portfolio of patented safety innovations, which are redefining how fleets view safety leadership. By focusing on performance-based coaching and morale-building, Netradyne helps fleets challenge outdated narratives and spotlight the drivers who are actively shaping a culture of safety on the road.

Customer Quotes:

Boyle Transportation, Michael Lasko, VP of Safety and Quality, Trucking & Logistics
“I believe wholeheartedly in Netradyne’s DriverStar Streaks, especially the 25 consecutive stops, 50 consecutive stops, and 75 consecutive stop sign stops. There is a clear connection between low scores and accident frequency; the GreenZone Score is an excellent indicator of risk,” said Michael Lasko, VP of Safety and Quality at Boyle Transportation & Skelton Truck Lines. “Netradyne does an outstanding job of identifying risky behaviors that we previously weren’t identifying with other providers. So, things like positive recognition, from DriverStars that Netradyne has. Our prior experience there was not positive. It was all negative.”

Kutzler Express, Inc. Erin Mitchell, COO
“We’ve got some drivers who installed the app on their phones so that they can understand better how the system works. They think it’s an exciting technology, and it is fun for them to earn DriverStars and be in the Green Zone. They’ve really embraced the safety and gaming aspect of the system,” said Erin Mitchell, COO at Kutzler Express, Inc. “I think that’s a positive interaction around safety, and the culture of safety is what’s exciting. The drivers love the competition, and they love knowing how they’re performing.”

Halvor Lines:
Kendra Payette, Halvor Lines, Senior Safety & Training Manager
“At Halvor Lines, we’ve always believed that safety should be a source of pride, not punishment. With Netradyne’s DriverStar program, our drivers aren’t just monitored—they’re recognized for their skill and decision-making,” said Kendra Payette, Senior Safety & Training Manager at Halvor Lines. “This approach has transformed how our team engages with safety, leading to measurable improvements in performance. Recognizing positive behaviors builds momentum, boosts driver confidence, and fosters a strong culture of accountability. It’s more than technology – it’s a tool that empowers our people.”

Mike Purdun, Halvor Lines, Driver:
“Getting DriverStars feels like someone’s finally noticing the things we do right. Creating space, slowing down, making good calls—it matters, and now it counts for something,” said Mike Purdun Commercial Fleet Driver at Halvor Lines. “It’s a good feeling to be recognized, not just called out when something goes wrong. It motivates me to keep doing things right every mile I drive.”

About Netradyne:
In 2015, Avneesh Agrawal, CEO, and David Julian, CTO, co-founded Netradyne, an award-winning industry leader in AI-powered fleet safety and video telematics solutions. Headquartered in San Diego, with offices in San Francisco and Bangalore, India. Thousands of commercial fleet customers across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and India trust Netradyne’s over 850 employees worldwide. Netradyne’s flagship product, Driver i, delivers cutting-edge HD video safety and management technology powered by advanced AI that analyzes every minute of drive time with up to 99% accuracy, recognizing risky and safe driving behaviors. With over 20 billion vision-analyzed driving miles, Netradyne sets the industry standard for fleet safety, empowering commercial fleets of all sizes to enhance driver performance, reduce risk, and optimize operations. Netradyne is dedicated to improving road safety and efficiency through innovative technology, revolutionizing the transportation industry. For more information about how DriverStar is reshaping fleet safety through positive reinforcement, visit www.netradyne.com.

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Faraday Future might be struggling to escalate production of the FF 91 with only 16 deliveries since 2023, but that hasn’t stopped them from making big dreams about the future. After securing $105 million of extra funding, the EV startup has introduced the new FX Super One minivan which is drenched in AI tech.

The new model was unveiled in a special event at the company’s headquarters in California. It is described as an “affordable mass market MPV, offering a spacious, meticulously crafted interior with high-end materials and advanced technology”.

More: Faraday Is Coming For The Model Y And Maybe The RAV4 Too

Instead of being a clean-sheet design, the FX Super One is actually based on the Wey Gaoshan mininan by the Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors. Still, it comes with a redesigned face, a nicer set of 20-inch alloy wheels, black accents, and plenty of added technology. The ultimate highlight is the screen that is integrated on the grille, dubbed Front AI Communication Ecosystem – conveniently acronymed F.A.C.E.

The F.A.C.E. system isn’t just for displaying low-res graphics, inspirational quotes and tacky emojis as it actually “sees you, listens and talks back like a real co-pilot”. Some might use it for advertising, although the interactive features can only be facilitated when the vehicle is parked. For those who are not fans of the sci-fi looks, Faraday Future will also offer the option of a conventional grille.

The core of the new product is the EAI Embodied Intelligence AI Agent 6×4 Architecture, developed by Faraday Future itself. This handles not only the F.A.C.E, but also the high-tech infotainment, the advanced voice recognition system, and the sophisticated ADAS suite.

Faraday Future

Moving inside, the minivan will be available with four, six, or seven seats arranged in two or three rows. The four-seater is called GOAT Edition and adds a panoramic retractable display, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, an upgraded Super AP Platform, a whisper-quiet cabin and various bespoke amenities. The interior appears to be quite luxurious with leather-style materials and comfort-focused zero-gravity seats.

In terms of underpinnings, the FX Super One rides on a “high-strength steel structure” which is most likely derived from the Wey Gaoshan. Initially it will be available with a fully electric powertrain, staying true to the mission of Faraday Future. However, the BEV will later be followed by an “AI Hybrid Extended Range” version that sounds a lot like an EREV. Both powertrains will offer AWD as standard thanks to dual electric motors.

Gunning For The Escalade

The stretched version of its twin minivan from Great Wall measures 5,405 mm (212.8 inches) long, and has a wheelbase of 3,275 mm (128.9 inches). This puts it right against full-size SUVs including the Cadillac Escalade which was mentioned as a key rival, even though it has “less interior room, no sliding doors, and no AI integration”.

More: Buick Sub Brand’s Secret Weapon Just Landed But It’s Not Coming To America

The target audience of the FX Super One includes celebrities and starts, visionaries and hard-working professional, but also regular family users. Among the user experience scenarios highlighted in the presentation is a star’s visit to a red carpet, a mobile livestream studio, a vehicle for elite athletes, a mobile AI office or private clubhouse, a golfer’s car, a mobile mansion, and a glamper’s car.

If everything goes according to plan, the FX Super One will roll out in early 2026. The model will be assembled at the Faraday Future plant in Hanford, California, allegedly using 50% locally-sourced parts. Faraday Future didn’t reveal pricing but is already accepting pre-orders for a refundable deposit of $100.

The FX Super One is not the only new model coming by Faraday Future. The company has announced the FX 4 which is believed to be an affordable Tesla Model Y competitor, the FX 5 large-space sporty AIEV, and the FX 6 large family vehicle.

It’s rare for Subaru to introduce an entirely new model lineup in the U.S., but that’s exactly what’s happening with the arrival of the Uncharted. As expected, it’s essentially Subaru’s take on the electric Toyota C-HR, with a design and feature set that leans more rugged than the Solterra, all in a more compact package.

Read: Subaru Trailseeker EV Is Faster Than A WRX STI But No One Knows If It’s A Wagon Or SUV

The Uncharted rides on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform and is powered by a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery across all variants. Subaru has confirmed three versions for the American market: the Premium FWD, Sport, and GT. The base model is notable for being the first front-wheel drive vehicle Subaru has offered in years. In contrast, both the Sport and GT feature the company’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with X-Mode.

A Front-Drive Subaru

The front-wheel drive model will pack 221 hp and, according to Subaru, should be able to travel over 300 miles (492 km) on a charge. Interestingly, the carmaker says it will only be sold in “limited quantities,” so it’s unlikely to be a member of the Uncharted family for long. Considering the EV’s rugged appeal, it’s likely that most buyers will prefer the all-wheel drive Sport and GT models anyway.

The AWD Models

The AWD Sport and GT models step things up with 338 horsepower and an estimated range of up to 290 miles (467 km). They can also reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in a remarkable 5.0 seconds, making them quicker than the previous WRX STI and the current WRX TR, which take 5.6 seconds to hit the same mark.

According to the brand, the Uncharted offers “impressive straight-line stability, handling, and grip on loose surfaces such as gravel, dirt, or snow.” Fittingly, it looks a little more trail-ready than the C-HR, sporting more rugged front and rear bumpers, as well as new headlights and taillights. Customers will be able to order the Uncharted with either 18- or 20-inch wheels. There are also low-profile roof rails.

Charging and Tech Details

All Uncharted models come standard with a NACS charging port. They support peak DC charging speeds of 150 kW, while an 11 kW onboard charger has been added for convenient AC home charging. Subaru notes that the EV also includes a battery preconditioning system and that the battery can be charged from 10-80 percent in 30 minutes.

A Familiar Cabin

The Uncharted’s interior is mostly the same as what you’ll find in the C-HR. That means there’s a large 14-inch infotainment screen, a digital gauge cluster, and a horrendously ugly steering wheel. Key standard features of the Sport include a heated steering wheel, water-repellent upholstery, and a panoramic view monitor. The GT adds a panoramic moonroof, ventilated front seats, a smart rearview mirror, and a Harman Kardon audio system.

Subaru has not announced pricing details for the Uncharted, but it’s reasonable to assume that the front-wheel drive model will start somewhere in the low-to-mid $30,000s.

The Munich Motor Show is less than two months away and Cupra is looking to make a splash. As part of this effort, they’ll introduce a camouflaged Raval on September 7^th and an all-new concept on September 8^th.

Cupra isn’t saying much, but revealed the mysterious concept embodies their “brand vision and future design language.” The company went on to say it’s the “perfect symbiosis between human and machine, where the driving experience and emotions reach their fullest expression.”

More: Cupra Raval Spied As A Warm-Up Act For VW’s Crucial New EV

Marketing hyperbole aside, the teaser video shows a futuristic center console with a flowing metal band, minimalist switchgear, and an illuminated diamond-like element. We can also get a glimpse of diamond-shaped ribbed accents and a triangle made out of either crystal or glass.

The Raval, on the other hand, will be a series production model shown in disguise. Spy photographers snapped the electric hatchback last month and it’s a sister model to the Volkswagen ID.2. It’s slated to ride on the new MEB Entry platform and Volkswagen has hinted at a version with 223 hp (166 kW / 226 PS) and up to 280 miles (450 km) of range. Since the ID.2 is slated to spawn GTI and R variants, we can likely expect hotter Ravals as well.

The Raval will go into production next year at the Martorell assembly plant. That’s a slight delay as the model was originally slated to arrive in 2025.

Last but not least, Cupra announced plans to introduce Tribe Editions of the Formentor, Terramar, and Leon / Leon Sportstourer. The special editions are being billed as ideal for customers “looking for uniqueness and differentiation with a contemporary, sustainable twist.”

SHProshots

JLR was stung by its experience selling the unreliable Jaguar i-Pace and is determined to get its next EVs right. And there are plenty of them on the way – the brand has promised to launch six electric models by 2026. The first of those is the full-size Range Rover EV, which goes on sale later this year, but the electric Velar won’t be far behind.

Expected to make its debut in spring 2026 as a MY27 SUV, the Velar is currently hot-lapping Germany’s 12.9-mile (20.8-km) Nurburgring track in prototype form, having last been scooped by our spy photo team in snowy Arctic conditions back in February.

Related: 2027 Range Rover Velar EV Is Coming For The Macan Electric

Although no one at Land Rover really expects buyers to hit the Ring, these testing sessions are crucial to finding out how the chassis and brakes handle the heft of a battery pack that’s got to be around 100 kWh (like the Macan) in capacity, and thus, not exactly featherweight, and whether the electric setup can survive extreme use.

Disguise on the rear end still has us wondering whether Land Rover will junk the Velar’s rear window, but we can at least make out the slim LED lights front and rear, narrow window aperture in the side view and a set of wide fender lips. The doors also appear to have switched to a frameless glass design to enhance the coupe feel.

The profile isn’t hugely different to the current combustion Velar’s but the EV is all-new under the skin, where you’ll find the company’s new EMA architecture. Not even the $150,000+ Range Rover EV gets this advanced platform, which allows over-air updates and could allow charging speeds higher than the 270 kW its rival from Stuttgart can swallow.

Other electric Land Rovers destined to use the EMA building blocks include the next Evoque and a baby Defender that is likely to replace today’s Discovery Sport. JLR said in 2023 that EMA would be electric-only, but we wouldn’t be surprised if that policy has changed given the slowdown in EV takeup in some key countries, including the US. In any case, even if it has switched plans to include hybrid tech, it hasn’t announced anything just yet.

SHProshots

For many drivers accustomed to tame, underpowered daily commuters, even the base version of the Tesla Model Y can feel like a thrilling step up. But for those who want more than just a taste of performance, the standard Model Y doesn’t quite cut it. Fortunately, Tesla has something in the works for that crowd.

Read: New Tesla Model Y Performance Breaks Cover, Plaid Wheels And All

For several months now, the automaker has been developing a new Model Y Performance. It’ll follow the same basic recipe as the first-generation model and likely be equipped with the same powertrain as the current Model 3 Performance.

Testing at the Green Hell

Our spy photographers have snapped it testing multiple times around the world, and recently, a camouflaged prototype was seen out and about on the Nurburgring Nordschleife.

In a recent clip shared to Instagram by Wilcoblok and Teslaplaidtok, the prototype was captured exiting the pit lane and gradually merging onto the famed circuit. It was driven at a relaxed pace, offering no clues about its true performance potential.

Since Tesla hasn’t recorded an official lap time at the track with the current Model 3 Performance, it seems unlikely they’ll attempt one with the Model Y Performance either. If they did, a time somewhere in the eight-minute range seems reasonable.

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Powertrain and Performance Specs

Like its sedan sibling, the Model Y Performance will use a pair of electric motors, which should combine to produce the same 510 hp and 554 lb-ft of torque. Due to the added size and weight of the Y, it won’t be quite as quick, but it should still run to 60 mph (96 km/h) in around 3.2 seconds. This would be a slight improvement from the old model’s 3.5-second time, making it the fastest version of the electric crossover ever.

Visually, this prototype looks like it has more aggressive bumpers than the regular Model Y. We can also see a large lip spoiler at the rear. Last month, a Model Y Performance was filmed testing without camouflage, revealing a distinctive rear bumper with two subtle diffusers.

We expect to see the new Model Y Performance premiere before the end of the year. Prices won’t be known until then, but it’s a safe bet that it’ll start at around $55,000.

Baldauf

For more than two decades, high-performance car fans have looked to Koenigsegg for proof that extreme engineering and bold ideas still have a place in the modern automotive world. The company has helped shape the hypercar as we know it today, with a focus on intricate craftsmanship, wild designs, and roaring V8 engines.

Read: Koenigsegg’s Latest Hypercar Is A Track Monster Designed To Obliterate Lap Records

And while the rest of the auto industry leans hard into electrification, Koenigsegg remains firmly attached to the combustion engine.

That doesn’t mean the competition is standing still. Other brands are taking their own creative routes, from Cosworth’s high-revving V12s and V16s in the Gordon Murray T.50 to the hybridized muscle of the Bugatti Tourbillon. But Koenigsegg isn’t backing down. Its twin-turbocharged V8 continues to evolve, now tuned to produce 1,603 horsepower for the Jesko-based Sadair’s Spear.

No Plans for EVs Anytime Soon

During a recent interview with Top Gear, Christian von Koenigsegg made it clear that the company has no plans to release an electric vehicle. Thanks to EU regulations that allow small manufacturers to sidestep the upcoming 2035 ban on new internal combustion cars, it doesn’t need to pivot toward EVs just to stay in the game.

“The appetite in the market for this level of car, fully electric, is extremely low,” von Koenigsegg said. “So that’s one aspect. But also, [I’ve] kind of experienced electric cars myself for many years, and loving the responsiveness, the smoothness, how easy it is to live with it and all of this. But, after a while, if you’re a car enthusiast, you want to talk to the beast, right? You want to have a dialogue. It’s an argumentation. You want to hear how it’s feeling and in what mood it is.”

He described the emotional side of driving a combustion-powered car, adding, “You want the throbbing, the pumping, the heat, the sounds, the shifts, all of these aspects that just make it come alive. I would say an electric car is a bit more of a robot. This is a bit more of an animal.”

Koenigseggs Are Like Mechanical Watches

He then went on to compare what’s currently happening in the automotive industry to what happened in the watch industry. When digital watches became commonplace, some thought they would spell the end for mechanical watches. However, people still want and appreciate a hand-built mechanical watch, hence why they’re still so popular.

Koenigsegg’s cars are like mechanical watches. It doesn’t rely on robots to build them, and they are made up of thousands of precise mechanical parts that give each car a unique character, something that an EV cannot replicate. Long may this continue.

On July 8th, Cleantech Group delivered a webinar, Clarity Through Chaos, revisiting the predictions we made at the beginning of the year regarding...

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Nowhere is Tesla facing tougher EV competition than in China, a market that has rapidly evolved into a hotbed of electric innovation. While the company maintains a commanding lead in the US, it finds itself contending with a far more crowded and fast-moving landscape in China.

Dozens of EV-only brands are racing to roll out new models at remarkable speed, constantly pushing the envelope in design, technology, and value. To stay competitive, Tesla is preparing to introduce a new version of the Model 3 in China, known as the Model 3+.

Read: Tesla Model Y And 3 Get Surprising Speed And Range Upgrade In China

Details first emerged when Tesla filed for a local sales license for this upcoming variant. The name might suggest something more performance-focused than the current Model 3 Performance, but that’s not quite the case.

Instead, this new version is expected to offer the longest driving range of any Model 3 to date. Further insight came through China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which recently released data shedding light on what to expect from the Model 3+.

Rear-Wheel Drive, Upgraded Battery

For starters, the new model will be sold exclusively in rear-wheel drive guise. However, whereas the current entry-level RWD model in China has a small 62.5 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery from CATL, the Model 3+ uses a more expensive NMC battery from LG.

Tesla already sells an NMC-powered Model 3 in the country, the Long Range version, but that model is only available with all-wheel drive. It’s equipped with a 78.4 kWh battery pack and delivers a CLTC-rated range of 468 miles (753 km). By combining the energy density of an NMC pack with the efficiency of a single-motor, rear-drive setup, the Model 3+ is expected to stretch its range even further.

It remains to be seen whether the Model 3+ will use the exact same 78.4 kWh battery as the Long Range AWD version, but it’s likely. Notably, Tesla already offers a Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 in the US fitted with a slightly larger 79.7 kWh NMC pack, which adds weight to the possibility.

It’s understood that the Model 3+ will offer up as much as 497 miles (800 km) of range on the generous CLTC cycle, matching the longest range version of the Xiaomi SU7. We expect to see it released in the coming months and for more details to be provided then.

The global uptick in electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid vehicles continues, but the situation is, understandably, not uniform. Year-to-date sales of EVs and PHEVs have jumped in all major regions and there’s every chance that the momentum will continue through the second half of the year. However, with the US EV tax credit set to expire in just over two months, turbulent times may lie ahead.

It’s been revealed that through the first six months of this year, a total of 9.1 million EVs and PHEVs were sold globally. This represents a massive 28 percent gain from the first six months of 2024 and comes thanks mostly to surging demand for electrified vehicles in China.

Read: EV Sales Just Took A Turn That Should Worry Automakers Everywhere

Rho Motion says that this year, no less than 5.5 million EVs and PHEVs have been sold in the People’s Republic. Unfortunately, the analytics firm does not separate the two categories but bundles them up, so we don’t have a breakup of the mix.

What we do know is that it’s not just China where sales have surged this year. Through the first six months of 2025, 26 percent more EVs and PHEVs have been sold across Europe, hitting 2.0 million units. Last year, sales of EVs in Germany fell dramatically after the first full year without incentives, but they’ve rebounded strongly this year, jumping 40 percent year-to-date. New incentives for electric vehicles recently announced in the country could further this momentum.

Year-to-May electrified vehicle sales also rose 72 percent in Spain, 58 percent in Italy, and 32 percent in the UK.

JAN-JUN EV & PHEV SALES

Canada drags down North America

North America is not performing as well. Sales of EVs and PHEVs are up by just 3 percent this year to ~900,000. Despite what you may think, this isn’t because of the US. Instead, sales have dropped roughly 23 percent in Canada after the nation paused EV subsidies earlier this year. By comparison, sales have grown by 4 percent in the US and by 20 percent in Mexico.

As the $7,500 federal EV tax credit will be scrapped in the US on September 30, Rho Motion expects to see an uptick in EV sales over the coming months, followed by a significant decline in the final quarter of the year.

Porsche has already set plenty of speed records with its EVs, including a 1 minute 33.8-second lap of Road Atlanta achieved last month by a Taycan Turbo GT. But the latest ride from Weissach to set a record did it while moving around half as quickly as that Taycan – just 57 mph.

The record-setting EV in this case wasn’t a Taycan or any Porsche electric road car, but it is equipped with the same duel-motor powertrain you’ll find in the brand’s Macan Turbo Electric. It’s the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom sports boat and it just wasted a field of rivals at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.

Related: Porsche’s Latest EV Is A $600,000 Boat With A 536 HP Macan Turbo Powertrain

Measuring 8.67 m (341.3 inches) long, the wheelless Porsche is the result of a joint venture between the Stuttgart sports car company and Austrian boat builder Frausche. It pairs the hull shape of Frausche’s 858 Fantom with the motor setup and battery from the hottest Macan EV.

Compared with the SUV, which claims 577 hp (584 PS / 430 kW) in normal use and up to 630 hp (639 PS / 470 kW) with launch control overboost, the boat is slightly less potent. It makes 536 hp (544 PS / 400 kW), and while the Macan can hit 162 mph (260 km/h), the boat maxes at around 56 mph (90 km/h / 49 kn) in Sport Plus mode. That’s what Porsche’s spec panel says, at least, though the Fantom averaged 57 mph (92 km/h / 50 kn) in the Monaco race which takes an average of two 1 km (0.6 miles) runs.

Range is another area in which the boat has to give second best to the Macan. It’s good for just 62 miles (100 km) at slow speed and 28 miles (45 km) at its optimal 26 mph (41 kmh / 22 kn) cruising speed, whereas the SUV can go for 367 miles (590 km) per the WLTP cycle.

The record-setting Oakgreen Metallic Fantom was what Frausche calls a Runabout, meaning it has a classic look with the close foredeck and cabin below. But buyers also have the option of speccing the boat in Air configuration, which brings a center-mounted wheel and open lounge area at the front. It looks stunning but so it should: at €571k ($664k) it costs around five times more than a Macan Turbo Electric.

Porsche

Even vehicles built in the United States aren’t immune to global pressures. Although every Lucid vehicle sold domestically is assembled on American soil, interim CEO Marc Winterhoff says that prices are still likely to rise, due in large part to tariffs introduced under President Trump.

While he stopped short of confirming that Lucid’s own lineup will definitely see sticker hikes, the implication was clear: American consumers should brace for costlier new cars.

Read: Lucid SUV Costs 30% More To Lease Than Sedan Despite Being Cheaper

During a recent interview, Winterhoff noted that the American car manufacturer is eager to localize more of its supply chain. One step it has taken is signing a deal with Graphite One to increase its supply of graphite that’s processed in the United States. Despite these efforts, the global nature of its supply chain will make the Air and Gravity more expensive to produce.

Tariffs Push Costs Upward

“For the American consumers, vehicles are going to be more expensive under the tariff regime,” he told Bloomberg Television. “There’s no other way around it. Yes, you can say you just need to localize. But, that still increases the cost as there’s a reason why the supply chain is so global because certain things are either not available here in the US, or are just very expensive, so you import them.”

He went on to point out that even when companies work to reduce dependence on imports, shifting operations to the U.S. often drives costs higher anyway. That leaves automakers with limited choices.

“[Even] if you change that, you still have higher costs here in the United States, which means manufacturers like us, or any manufacturer, have to increase prices. There’s no other way, unless you want everybody to be non-profit organizations, which then would lead to no innovation and no technology leadership. In the current global climate, that’s the last thing we want.”

Shifting the Supply Chain

In a bid to reduce the impact of the tariffs, Lucid is deepening its relationship with Panasonic so it can source more of the raw materials for its battery cells from the US. Currently, much of the raw materials Lucid uses for its battery cells come from Japan and South Korea, but two and a half years ago, decided it needed to localize, thanks in part to advanced manufacturing production credits which helped to defray costs.

“We are working with Panasonic to further localize the supply chain for the cell,” Winterhoff added. “It doesn’t do you a lot of good if you manufacture here [in the US] but you still import the raw material which then subject to tariffs.”

It’s not quite official, but it’s close. We’ve known for a while that Tesla was working on a six-seater version of the Model Y, and now, thanks to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), we’re getting our first official look.

Read: Tesla Suddenly Wants You To Buy Now After Years Of Opposing EV Credits

Documents filed with the MIIT reveal a long-wheelbase version of the Model Y, dubbed the Model Y L, configured with three rows of seating. But it’s not just about added space. Based on the filings and industry reports, this version brings more power along with the stretched cabin, signaling a meaningful update to the existing lineup. It’s expected to launch in China this fall, with a North American debut potentially following soon after.

A Six-Seat Layout With Extra Room

First and foremost, let’s break down the details. This new Model Y L features six seats, not seven, so expect it to roll out with captain’s chairs in the second row. It’s 4,976mm long or 186mm (7.3 inches) longer than the normal Model Y. It’s also 44mm (1.7 inches) taller. The extra length isn’t just an extended body like we’ve seen in vehicles such as the Ford Expedition Max.

Instead, Tesla extended the wheelbase to 3,040mm, or 150mm (5.9 inches) longer than the five-seat Model Y. In addition to the added length, the new Y L gets unique wheels, an updated spoiler, new seats, and appears as though it’ll be available with a new gold paint color.

The official documents also reveal that it’ll make more power too. The five-seat Model Y makes 443 horsepower (331 kW), but the Model Y L will arrive with 455 ponies (340 kW). That should help with the additional weight on board. Notably, Tesla has hinted in the past that a seven-passenger version of the Model Y is coming.

Based on the MIIT filing, this isn’t that version. Still, it wouldn’t take much, adding a bench seat or tweaking the current layout could easily accommodate seven passengers. What remains unclear is whether the new seven-seater will follow the previous generation’s approach, using the standard wheelbase with two tightly squeezed seats in the rear, or if Tesla plans to do something different this time around.

The email Tesla sent to U.S. owners in June wasn’t the only hint at a North American launch for the Model Y L. Leaks from internal code point to it being a global model. With the debut of the Model Y L, that update now appears to be just around the corner.

The electric era is coming for just about every corner of the car world, and BMW’s iconic M3 lineup is no exception. An all-electric version of the high-performance sedan is on its way, marking a significant step for BMW as it enters the Neue Klasse generation.

This new model will be sold alongside the familiar gas-powered M3, and while it may have a tough time delivering the same visceral thrills, BMW M seems like the right team to take on the challenge of making an EV that’s genuinely engaging to drive.

Read: BMW’s Electric Super Sedan Could Arrive Sooner Than You Think

Numerous electric M3 prototypes are currently making the rounds across Europe, and this particular one was recently spotted near BMW’s facility at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Seeing an M3 prototype charging is a little unsettling for purists – a bit like discovering your favorite bouncer knits in his spare time. Good for him, sure, but it does throw off the mental image.

This prototype, fully cloaked in camouflage, appears to lack the bulky body cladding seen on earlier test cars, giving us a much clearer look at the near-production-spec bodywork.

The shape of the nose is vastly different than the current M3 and reflective of BMW’s Neue Klasse design, something that’ll soon spread throughout the brand’s entire range of cars. There is a set of relatively small headlights connected seamlessly to blacked-out kidney grilles. This prototype also has a secondary grille lower down on the bumper for additional cooling.

SHProshots

It’s the fenders of the electric M3, or the i3M as BMW might end up naming it, that stand out the most. They’re impressively wide, giving the car a broad, aggressive stance. The rear arches are especially muscular, and paired with the shape of the temporary taillights, they bring to mind the current BMW M5 in both proportion and attitude.

The Juicy Details

This tester also has a set of wheels that should make the production model. These wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires and sit over a set of beefy, cross-drilled steel brakes. Spy shots from last month indicated that the electric M3 will likely weigh at least 465 kg (1,025 lbs) more than the current gas-powered model, so we wouldn’t be surprised if carbon ceramic brakes were available as an option, as they are on the current M3 and M4.

Powertrain details remain a bit of a mystery at this stage. The prevailing expectation is that the iM3 will feature four electric motors delivering a combined output of at least 700 hp. Interestingly, BMW has suggested that the setup could be pushed to over 1,300 hp, though it’s unclear whether that level of performance will make it to production.

Even at the lower estimate, the iM3 would be in the same league as the upcoming M5 and comfortably ahead of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, which produces 641 hp. In all likelihood, it will end up being the quickest production car ever to wear an M3 badge.

SHProshots

The Lucid Air is already one of the best EVs on the market, combining luxury with performance in a way that legacy automakers have struggled to compete with. Now, Lucid’s suite of advanced driver assistance systems is getting a major update, bringing with it hands-free driving assist and lane change assist systems.

Read: This $110K EV Refuses To Let Its Owner In And That’s Not Even The Worst Part

For owners of the flagship Air Sapphire, that means they’ll soon be able to hand over the reins to computers to control one of the world’s quickest cars. Now that’s a scary thought.

These updates will be introduced through an over-the-air software update scheduled to roll out on July 30 for all Lucid Air models equipped with the DreamDrive Pro suite. This system makes use of a LiDAR, radar, visible-light cameras, surround-view cameras, and ultrasonic sensors to make driving that little bit easier.

Lucid says drivers will be able to use the hands-free driving feature and hands-free lane changes on compatible divided highways. However, it hasn’t specified what exactly makes a divided highway “compatible” for use with the system. The new features will be rolled out to the Lucid Gravity later in the year.

Several other car manufacturers have introduced hands-free driving modes for their ADAS systems, including Ford, GM, and Mercedes-Benz. Hands-free lane change features are also becoming more commonplace, and in the Lucid Air, drivers simply need to flick on the turn signal before the car itself will determine if it’s safe to change lanes. If it is, the car will smoothly glide into the next lane.  

“The addition of these features to Lucid’s DreamDrive Pro offers a glimpse into the future that Lucid is building with the impressive capabilities of our software-defined vehicles,” Lucid’s ADAS and AD vice president, Kai Stepper, said. “With our in-house software stack, a comprehensive suite of 32 sensors, and regular OTA updates, we have a roadmap to continue to deliver significantly more functionality to our owners in the future.”

Lucid Air owners who didn’t opt for the DreamDrive Pro system may now regret their decision. Unlike Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system, which has recently cost upwards of $8,000, Lucid’s system is relatively good value at just $2,500.

To mark the 28th anniversary of their partnership, SAIC and GM have opted for a more grounded celebration, setting aside flashy supercars in favor of a concept vehicle called the Gen-Z Explorer, an electric hatchback aimed at the future of mobility in China.

While it may not offer the thrill of a sleek sports car, a production version, rumored to launch under Buick’s newly created Electra sub-brand, could become a significant model for the group in the Chinese market.

Read: Buick’s New Sub-Brand Teases Its First Sedan But It’s Not For Everyone

The concept was created by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) Design, a joint operation between the two automakers, and was unveiled earlier this week. It’s believed to be similar in size to Nio’s Firefly and stands apart from anything else in the Buick or GM lineup. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as its clean, understated design could help it appeal to a broader range of buyers.

Unique Design Cues, Practical Intentions

Though there’s nothing particularly loud about its design, the Gen-Z Explorer does hide some showpiece features. Both the front and rear sections are reportedly embedded with thousands of micro LEDs capable of displaying images and messages. Look past the bright yellow and blue lighting, and you’ll also see that it has a three-door layout, unlike the Firefly’s five-door setup. A production version could easily add rear doors for practicality.

Powertrain Packs a Punch

According to Chinese media, the pint-sized SAIC-GM concept is packing some serious punch. It’s reportedly equipped with a new-generation powertrain that includes an electric motor at each axle, combining to produce 644 hp (480 kW).

That’s 3 hp more than the much larger Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and over 100 hp more than Renault’s potent new all-wheel drive 5 Turbo 3E. The Gen-Z Explorer can reportedly do 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in an impressive 3.8 seconds.

That’s not all. Its battery pack is said to have an energy density of 350 Wh/kg, and while we don’t yet know its capacity, the concept can theoretically travel 745 miles (1,200 km) on a single charge. It also has an 800-volt electrical system, allowing for 373 miles (600 km) of range to be added in just 10 minutes, as well as wireless charging.

No immediate plans for the car’s production future have been announced, but if it reaches the public roads, it will likely be sold through Buick’s new all-electric Electra brand in China.

Abrahm Lustgarten says the undermining of science, and cuts to FEMA and NOAA, at a time when erratic weather is making disasters more common, should be "extraordinarily concerning" to us.

RENO, Nev. — The STN EXPO West Trade Show gathered dozens of vendors and hundreds of attendees to connect on the latest in school transportation products and services.

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Photos by Vince Rios Creative. 

The post Gallery: Trade Show at STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

David Weber, business development manager for School-Radio, analyzes new bus radio and communication technology solutions that can optimize district operations.

Regional Sales Manager James Holtz gives us a glimpse of the innovative new electric school bus Blade Battery from RIDE.

Amidst rapid developments in the clean fuel school bus market, Francisco “Paco” Lagunas, general manager of the North American bus market for Cummins, and Richard Garvin, director of strategy and commercial business development, present answers from the energy leader.

Director of Transportation Teri Mapengo discusses operations, technology and fostering the kind of positive workplace culture that won Prosper Independent School District in Texas a Top Transportation Teams award at this week’s STN EXPO in Reno, Nevada.

Read more STN EXPO West coverage.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Conversation with RIDE.

Conversation with School-Radio.

Conversation with Cummins

Stream, subscribe and download the School Transportation Nation podcast on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube.

The post (STN Podcast E265) Onsite at STN EXPO West: Innovations & Partnerships for School Transportation Success appeared first on School Transportation News.