Engineers have developed an EV battery housing built from wood to improve sustainability.
The steel-wood hybrid is greener than traditional aluminum structures and even stronger.
Cork is used for fire protection and helped the pack outperform a stock Tesla’s in lab tests.
Electric vehicles have made impressive strides in recent years, but several key design challenges remain. One of the most pressing is how to improve battery packs in a way that enhances both safety and long-term sustainability.
We’ve all seen images and videos of EVs being incinerated when their battery packs have caught fire. So if someone tried to tell you that they’d come up with a revolutionary new battery housing that’s made out of wood, well, you’d naturally think they’d inhaled too many combusting lithium cell vapors. But boffins are adamant that, when it comes to EV battery cases, wood is good both for the planet and for safety.
A study carried out at the Technical University of Graz in Austria compared the performance of a conventional underfloor battery housing built with aluminium beams with three different wood-steel hybrid versions. The team wanted to see if it could build a housing that was more environmentally friendly, but required no strength compromises.
Lighter Footprint, Solid Performance
The hybrid beams use sustainable birch, poplar or paulownia cores covered in thin, lightweight steel, giving them a much smaller environmental footprint than those made from aluminium, which is incredibly energy intensive to produce. That much they knew before they’d got to the lab. But it’s the other results that provided the real surprises.
In a critical pile crash test where a vehicle or component is driven into a round steel obstacle at high speed the hybrid Bio!Lib battery housings returned almost exactly the same intrusion values as the aluminum housing of a Tesla Model S. The reason is the wood’s porous cell structure helps it absorb great amounts of energy.
The poplar and birch steel hybrids delivered up to 98 percent more energy absorption than ductile aluminum and 76 percent more than high-strength aluminium under large deformations. All three wood-based versions also showed strong resistance to bending.
Organic fire-resistant material
And with the addition of cork – another renewable material – the study group led by TU Graz’s Florian Feist, was also able to make the housing usefully fire-resistant, returning temperatures on the off-fire side of the unit 100 degrees C (212 F) lower than on a Tesla housing.
“When cork is exposed to very high temperatures, it charses,” explains Florian Feist, who led the study. “The carbonization leads to a sharp drop in the already relatively low thermal conductivity, which protects the structures behind it.”
As electric vehicles become more common, it’s becoming clearer that their environmental impact goes beyond the absence of tailpipe emissions. While a wood-based battery case might seem unlikely, research like this highlights how smarter material choices could help EVs better deliver on their clean energy potential.
A Cybertruck owner says his pickup has sat at a service center for weeks with a squeak.
Tesla’s team has had the truck for 40 days straight without finding the source of the noise.
The owner now wants Tesla to buy back the truck or provide a brand-new replacement.
Beyond serious mechanical issues, squeaks and rattles rank high amongst the most annoying things one may have to deal with in any car. Imagine, though, if your ride had an incessant rattle or squeak despite it being basically brand new and costing six figures. That’s what one Cybertruck owner is dealing with right now, and Tesla seems incapable of fixing the electric pickup.
The owner first posted about his experience on Facebook in June: “My Cybertruck is in service for a squeak coming from the front left pillar near the windshield. The service team tried using foam and insulation, but couldn’t fix it,” he said. At that point, the team decided to send the truck to a collision center.
Ongoing Repairs With No Resolution
From there, things haven’t improved. In a newer post, he claims that the center has had the truck for 40 consecutive days without finding a fix. “They’ve replaced parts, added insulation, and tried multiple approaches, but the issue remains,” he says. That appears to include disassembling several components and reworking them to no avail. A message from Tesla service to the owner says it’s a top priority and that they’re working on it.
Interestingly, this doesn’t seem to be an isolated incident, as in the original post from June, several other owners claim to have similar issues.
“My CT has a rattling noise from the same area (front driver’s side dashboard / a-pillar area near front window) when going over bumps,” said another owner. “I have dashboard and pillar rattle and squeak too. This is third attempt to fix,” said another. “I’ve had so many creeks, squeaks, and rattles…. I’ve taken it in 5 times already,” said one more.
From Annoyance to Dealbreaker
Both ironically and sadly, one even admitted that it rattles so much that they just take a different car when they want a quiet ride. It sounds like that’s where the owner in this story is on his journey, too. He now wants Tesla to either buy the truck back altogether or for the automaker to give him a new one. There’s no telling if that one will squeak too though. We’ll follow this story and update you if we hear more.
Tesla begins limited Robotaxi testing in San Francisco with human safety drivers.
California rollout only allows employees, family, and select participants to ride.
The company requested expanded testing permits from California regulators recently.
Τesla is about to widen out its Robotaxi footprint, though that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, seeing as Elon Musk recently said that “half of the population of the US will be covered by Tesla’s Robotaxi by the end of the year.” Well, everyone’s got to start somewhere, and now that the system is alive in Austin, Texas, it apparently is time to expand.
According to Business Insider, Tesla is about to roll out a similar, albeit heavily neutered, version of the program in California. Specifically, it’ll begin Robotaxi testing in San Francisco over the weekend. Just like the service in Austin, the shuttles will work within a geo-fenced area.
Testing With a Safety Net
Never a company away from pushing its limits, Tesla isn’t being conventional about this launch. Rather than release driverless Model Ys across all of San Francisco, it has put several caveats into the service. For instance, every ‘Robotaxi’ will come with a human behind the wheel.
That’s markedly different from what it’s doing in Austin and there’s a good reason for it. Tesla doesn’t have the legal ability to offer the kind of driverless service it does in Austin, in San Francisco. Notably, even the cars in Texas have a Tesla employee in the car, albeit in the front passenger seat.
It needs regulatory approval, and since it doesn’t have it, there must be a driver in the driver’s seat. Essentially, the way it sounds is that this is going to be akin to calling your friend who has FSD on a car and then letting him or her ferry you around while hopefully not needing to intervene while the car drives.
Pushing the Boundaries, Carefully
In addition, Tesla doesn’t have the regulatory freedom to offer autonomous rides to the general public in this manner. To that end, it’s only going to allow select members of the public, employees, and family members of employees into the testing program.
Basically, it seems as though it’s skirting the line regarding legality in just about every way that it can. Importantly, it reportedly requested a permit to extend its operations with the California Public Utilities Commission. It hasn’t yet applied to provide a commercial service to the public, though, so it appears as though all of this is in the very early testing phase.
RENO, Nev. – The Green Bus Summit at STN EXPO West was a gathering of enthusiastic minds to discuss the technology and training needed to achieve a clean energy future.
Advancing School Bus Innovation RIDE
Frank Girardot, senior vice president of electric school bus manufacturer RIDE Mobility, noted during a panel discussion that there is a sales job involved when transportation staff must convince district administration that electric school buses (ESBs) are a good investment.
Craig Beaver, administrator for transportation at Beaverton School District in Oregon, said his ESB journey began with grant writing and utility cooperation. Operationally, he said bus capacity, battery size and the reliability of the OEMs are of utmost importance. Beaverton assigned ESBs to certain routes, not specific drivers. Beaver, the 2024 STN Transportation Director of the Year, said even diesel devotees have come around to appreciate them.
Jim Snow, CEO of Mid-Placer Public Schools in rural northern California, has propane buses and is implementing electric buses. He noted that stacking federal and state funding is key. When choosing buses, he said to prioritize the needs of the students, which for his district means those with special needs.
Meanwhile, Jessica Sevilla, director of fleet and facilities for Antelope Valley Schools Transportation Agency in California, said that having the right staff, driver and mechanic training, and vendor relationships throughout the process is crucial so everyone feels supported. She advised leveraging futureproofing and AI tools in planning processes.
Rural Elko County School District in Nevada is just starting its electric bus journey with the use of grants and is currently participating in a V2G pilot program, which provides no-cost infrastructure. “We had to look at what was available and how it would meet our needs,” Director of Transportation Seth Canning said.
Jarrett Garife, manager of transportation for the rural Monterey (California) County Office of Education, applauded state funding and underscored the need for driver buy-in. He said he needed to buy a diesel bus to use for driver recertification during the ESB implementation process.
Girardot added that to successfully run operations, rural districts must consider things like route length, bus capacity, temperature changes and staff training. Several panelists said that rural milage challenges were assuaged by using DC fast chargers.
Panelists also agreed that good communication and training for drivers and mechanics is important to a successful ESB implementation. Beaver and Snow noted that drivers need to be specifically trained on things like regenerative braking and handling the extra weight of ESBs with heavy batteries.
Beaver said he eases his team’s trepidation with ESBs by reminding them, “It’s just a school bus.”
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Images by Vince Rios Creative.
Fuel of Choice Blue Bird
Stephen Whaley, alternative fuels manager for Blue Bird Corporation, reviewed the upcoming California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions reduction from 0.2 g/bhp-hr to 0.035 g/bhp-hr in 2027, the disruptive growth of alternative fuels in Blue Bird’s business and why school districts should consider clean fuels.
During a panel discussion he reviewed the stories of Kay Cornelius, transportation director for rural St. Louis County Schools in northern Minnesota, Diana Mikelski, director of transportation for District 211 in Illinois, and Anthony Jackson, executive director of transportation for Bibb County School District in Georgia, who praised propane school buses for their reliability and quiet operation as well as both fuel and maintenance savings.
Chris Horstman noted from his career experience – as a past school bus driver and current director of transportation for Ithaca City School District in New York – that misconceptions about propane and gasoline buses had to be overcome but that both have proved durable. Gas and propane both produced significant savings over diesel, he said.
Andrew Thompson, fleet manager for Boulder Valley School District in Colorado, runs mostly diesel, propane and gasoline. The district later acquired the state’s first electric school bus, which he said was met with some hesitation but did not require complicated infrastructure setup. The plan is to transition to 50 percent electric buses over 15 years. Thompson discussed his DC fast charger preferences and noted the differences between Level II and Level III chargers.
Both panelists agreed that maintenance professionals find the propane buses easier to work on.
Additionally, John Wyskiel, new president and CEO of Blue Bird, took the stage Monday morning, July 14, before magician Jon Petz’s keynote and recapped the OEM’s dedication to safety, demonstrated through the standardization of lap-shoulder belts, driver airbags, LED lighting, collision mitigation systems and more safety equipment. Blue Bird also supports propane and electric school bus deployment, with the most ESBs deployed in the U.S. — 2,500.
He praised Blue Bird’s partners, dealers and employees who help support school districts around the nation and reaffirmed a commitment to continued service in anticipation of the company’s upcoming centennial in 2027.
Your Route. Reimagined. Micro Bird
Alexandre Ratte, vice president of sales and marketing, recapped Micro Bird’s three generations of quality and safety and reiterated its commitment to progress and growth. Its gasoline, propane and electric solutions are all built in house.
Marc Gravel, general manager of Micro Bird’s electric subsidiary Ecotuned, next revealed that the G5e Type A electric school bus, which was introduced last year at STN EXPO West, is in full production with buses being delivered to customers. This bus was part of the STN EXPO West Ride and Drive event on Sunday evening in the parking lot of the Peppermill Resort Casino.
Two G5e options provide a choice of either 150- or 200-mile range. The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs come with an eight-year warranty and the buses can support both fast DC and AC charging. Vehicle to grid (V2G) technology and over the air updates are also supported.
Gravel shared that the G5e endured 100+ degree temperatures on a trip through the Mohave Desert, while also revealing valuable learning lessons about the need for increased charging infrastructure. The bus also performed well in negative 15-degree temperatures in Canada, he added.
Gravel reiterated the company’s dedication to customer service, borne out by the Micro Bird Academy and expert service available across 70 service locations throughout North America.
An attendee takes notes at STN EXPO West 2025. (Image by Vince Rios Creative.)
The Healthy, Cost-effective Route to School Transportation Propane Education & Research Council
Driving the Future with Cummins: Forging a Sustainable Outlook Cummins
“Clean energy is our future,” declared Richard Garvin, director of strategy and commercial business development for Cummins.
Francisco Lagunas, general manager for the Cummins North American bus market, reiterated the company’s support for the EV market. “Wherever you are in your electrification plans, we will meet you there – and we have a whole ecosystem to assist you,” he confirmed.
Matt McGinn, senior director of EV sales and business development for Cummins, noted that districts can see current energy market shifts as an opportunity to diversify rather than as an obstacle.
When it comes to future-proofing, Garvin added that securing funding sources like grants is a big part of it. McGinn said that the best solution for each district depends on its location and goals. Senior Gas Sales Executive Emilliano Pantner confirmed that Cummins is there to help no matter what bus or infrastructure combinations a district needs to achieve those goals.
Pantner, who also oversees microgrids, noted that districts should have a good handle on their current data and metrics to then develop a plan for clean energy that also aligns with operational and student needs. Garvin spoke about the patience that is needed for each district’s “Road to Zero,” which for Cummins has an achievement goal of 2050.
“This is going to be incremental rather than rapid,” he said. “We need to be transparent and collaborative to reach those goals.”
Comprehensive training, online resources and customer service are integral parts of Cummins’ offerings, panelists confirmed.
Attendees shared their concerns about rampant parts unavailability and questioned what Cummins is doing at the federal level to support EV funding for districts who have begun their electrification journeys and are now facing funding loss. Panelists confirmed Cummins’ efforts in parts tracking, grant seeking and federal lobbying, though they confirmed that some things in flux are out of their control. Cummins is always open to feedback and dedicated to improvement, they stated.
Image by Vince Rios Creative.
Innovative Parts Management Strategies, Solutions for Fleet Management IC Bus
“You guys have a lot going on and we want to come up with solutions that make your life easier and make you better at what you do,” said Alex Borror, sales director for IC Bus parent company International.
He shared how OnCommand Connection now comes standard on all IC Buses and allows mechanics visibility to alerts in real time so they can direct the driver to come in for service if needed. Though its focus is vehicle health, it also tracks GPS and driver behavior to allow for training opportunities. Electric school bus operators, especially, can find valuable insights in the dashboard and related app, Borror added.
He also shared that IC Bus dealers can help locate funding for electric and other types of buses through their Incentive Prospecting Tool. Additionally, Sourcewell is legally aligned with the OEM to help streamline the purchasing process.
Gregory Baze, national parts account manager for IC Bus, revealed feedback that school district maintenance professionals were spending a lot of time on the phone or internet trying to locate parts or putting together standard stock orders.
RepairLink is an ecommerce platform designed to help mitigate those pain points by allowing dealer customers to look up and order the parts they need on their own, at no extra cost. Benefits include time saved, greater inventory availability, real-time order updates, a VIN-based catalog, easy reorder of saved carts, and cost-saving promotions.
Baze noted that this service was a positive development due to the trend toward online purchasing which has made its way over to the school bus industry. Setup, search and ordering are easy, and there is a buyback program.
“We do more than sell buses,” Baze summed up. “If you’ve got a problem, don’t suffer through it alone.”
Attendees asked about whether parts can be tracked, like on Amazon, and Baze responded that technology is progressing quickly, with that feature planned for wide rollout. A question was presented on the shortage of electric bus mechanics from dealers, which panelists said is being temporarily alleviated through satellite service stations while district mechanic training is ramped up. Multiple attendees expressed the need for more ESB training, which Baze and Borror encouraged them to get from their dealers and the IC Bus University.
Powering the Future: Practical Insights for Electric Bus Charging EO Charging
“EV and school bus make a great marriage,” declared Brad Beauchamp, EV product segment leader for Blue Bird.
Adam Wilkum, North American sales director for UK-based turnkey provider EO Charging, noted that EV charging is an area where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. “Don’t be afraid of vendors,” he quipped.
Marc Riccio, vice president of strategic partnerships for comprehensive charging solutions provider Highland Electric Fleets, pointed out that a flawed infrastructure setup that lacks futureproofing and copious communication with partners wreaks havoc with timelines and budgets. He advised “patience, perspective and persistence” through the process.
Manny Huguez, president of charging technology provider Zerova Technologies, said vendor partnerships cover all bases and help districts not only set up but also optimize their new electrified operation. They must also be carefully chosen since businesses do leave the EV space, as in the case of the recently bankrupt bus manufacturer Lion Electric Company. Districts must be mindful and do their due diligence.
“Pick a partner, not a product,” he advised. “You have to be able to depend on them for the long run.”
Beauchamp reviewed several aspects districts should carefully consider, including Level II versus Level III charger choice and bus to charger interoperability.
Huguez underscored how mission critical such considerations are so students are not left stranded. “We aren’t delivering packages here,” he said. He added that training is being expanded so district mechanics can service ESBs instead of waiting hours for certified technicians to do so.
Riccio spoke on how the fixed schedules and timing of school bus routes, as well as the fact that buses are basically batteries on wheels, makes them ideal for vehicle to grid (V2G) and vehicle to everything (V2X) use cases or emergency response situations where the main electrical grid is down.
The panelists spoke to the ever-changing and improving nature of EV technology and looked to the future with optimism. Beauchamp stated that, despite federal Clean School Bus Program funding slowing down, EV isn’t going anywhere and will continue to grow.
Audi is gearing up to introduce an electrifying new concept this fall.
It’s being billed as a TT Moment 2.0, although the model won’t be a new TT.
Instead, the car will be larger and likely based on the Porsche 718 Electric.
The Audi TT went out of production in 2023 and we’ve heard countless rumors about its return. Spy photographers have even snapped a possible mule based on the upcoming Porsche 718 Electric.
While the model was believed to be a ways off, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner recently revealed a new car is coming and it will be their TT Moment 2.0. Speaking to Bild, Döllner said the electric concept will debut this fall and that likely means an unveiling during the Munich Motor Show.
Little is known about the “identity builder,” but an image of the car suggests it will be larger than the TT. In fact, it looks more like a shrunken down version of the A5 Coupe/Convertible. This kind of makes sense as Motor1 noted Döllner said it would be “something in between” a TT and R8.
SHProshots
That certainly sounds like a new model based on the Porsche 718 Electric and the car is slated to go into production in the next two years. If everything turns out as expected, the TT successor could be considerably sportier and offered with an available dual-motor all-wheel drive system.
Details are hazy, but the 718 Electric has been plagued by problems and reports have suggested the car has been pushed back to 2027 due to battery issues. That could be a big problem as Porsche has already confirmed the current 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will go out of production this October.
Spy photographers have snapped the first photos of an affordable Hyundai EV.
Expected to be called the Ioniq 2, the model looks like a hatchback version of the Kia EV2.
The car could have around 201 hp and slot above the Inster.
Kia has introduced a slew of affordable electric vehicles including the EV3 and EV4. The company has also shown an EV2 concept, which is headed for production.
Hyundai, on the other hand, has been focused on larger and more expensive vehicles such as the Ioniq 6 N and the Ioniq 9. However, an affordable model is on the way as spy photographers have caught what is believed to be the Ioniq 2.
The prototype is heavily disguised, but appears to be roughly the same size as the EV2. Despite the similarities, the Kia is positioned as a crossover while the Ioniq 2 is a more traditional hatchback. It sports an upright front fascia with a wide lower intake. They’re joined by an angular sensor and what appears to be slender lighting units.
The profile screams hatchback and the car features a gently sloping roof. We can also see a compact greenhouse as there’s a curvaceous sweeping beltline, which is contrasted by angular upper window frames. Hyundai also gave the prototype a set of modestly sized wheels, which are wrapped in Hankook iON GT rubber. These are summer tires designed specifically for compact electric vehicles.
shproshots
The rear end isn’t as tall as the camouflage suggests, but it appears the Ioniq 2 will have an upright rump with a relatively plain bumper. We can also get a glimpse of LED taillights and an angular rear window.
Little is known about the car at this point, but it will presumably have a lot in common with the EV2 as well as the EV3. This means it should ride on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and have a 58.3 kWh battery pack. They could be joined by a front-mounted motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS).
Mary Kay will apparently replace the Cadillac XT5 with the electric Optiq crossover.
The cosmetics company has used pink cars since 1968, starting with a Coupe De Ville.
Mary Kay and their iconic pink Cadillacs are entering the electric era as the company unveiled an Optiq at their annual seminar in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The model features a pink pearl exterior, which is contrasted by black accents and chrome flourishes. We can also see some relatively subtle Mary Kay badging on the front doors.
The crossover is the latest in a long line of pink Cadillacs, which started in 1968, when Mary Kay Ash purchased a Coupe De Ville. A dealer painted it to match Mary Kay’s pale pink lip and eye palette, and the hue would later become known as Mary Kay Pink Pearl.
The Optiq will apparently replace the pink XT5 as part of Mary Kay’s Career Car Program. It rewards top sellers with the use of an eye-catching Cadillac.
Mary Kay described the change as a “significant step forward” and one that reflects their “commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and meeting expectations of the next generation.” They added that the “transition from internal combustion to electric symbolizes more than just a vehicle upgrade, it marks a recharged vision for the future of the iconic beauty brand.”
The 2026 Optiq starts at $50,900 and features a host of upgrades, including a native NACS port for access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Buyers will also find two new powertrains, including a rear-wheel drive variant with 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque.
Customers can also opt for an upgraded all-wheel drive model that develops 440 hp (328 kW / 446 PS) and 498 lb-ft (674 Nm) of torque. It’s a huge improvement over the previous rating of 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 354 lb-ft (479 Nm).
This is believed to be the first armored version of the electric Zeekr 001.
Brazil is the leader in civilian bulletproof vehicle ownership due to high crime.
Zeekr offers the 001 with 95 or 100 kWh batteries and up to 1,248 hp.
Electric vehicles are evolving quickly, and in Brazil, their trajectory is shaped by more than environmental concerns. With crime and carjackings a part of daily life, demand for armored cars has surged, making Brazil home to the world’s largest civilian fleet of bulletproof vehicles. Even Toyota sells factory-armored Corollas and Hiluxes. Now, one of China’s rising EV brands is entering the market, armor and all.
It’s not been long since Zeekr burst onto the EV scene, quickly establishing itself as one of the most intriguing new carmakers from China. Alongside growing its local sales, it’s been rapidly expanding around the world, including South America, where a particularly interesting version of one of its EVs was recently spotted.
This particular Zeekr is an example of its first model, the 001. Launched a few years ago and updated in early 2024 with better range and more features, the 001 is a sleek estate that’s both luxurious and very, very quick in flagship FR guise. But this particular 001 isn’t grabbing headlines for speed or design.
An Electric Estate, Now with Ballistic Protection
Instead, this Zeekr 001 is believed to be the first armored example built. Recently spotted on the streets of Brazil, the blacked-out Zeekr looks completely normal from the outside. However, all of its panels have been armored, thick bulletproof windows have been added, and the panoramic glass roof has been strengthened.
Photos Weibo
While there’s no word on what company was responsible for the upgrades, the owner of this Zeekr must be quite important to justify the need to cruise around in a bulletproof EV. We don’t have any photos of the car’s undertray, but presumably, it too has been upgraded to ensure the battery pack can withstand any blasts from underneath.
Underpinning all 001 models is an 800-volt architecture with the option of a basic 95 kWh LFP battery and a larger 100 kW NMC pack. Entry-level models have a 416 hp electric motor driving the rear wheels, while all-wheel drive versions also add a 362 hp motor to the front axle. The flagship 001 FR lifts things to a new level, pumping out a combined 1,248 hp and 944 lb-ft (1,280 Nm), enough to send it to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2.07 seconds.
Tesla’s new registrations in California fell 21.1 percent in the second quarter.
Still, the Model Y and Model 3 remain California’s best-selling electric vehicles.
Honda Prologue and Mustang Mach-E are gaining traction in the Golden State.
Ever since Tesla’s inception, California has been one of its most important markets, thanks to the state’s progressive policies and deep commitment to electric vehicles. While California remains hugely important for Tesla, new registrations continue their decline for the seventh straight quarter. Alarm bells should be ringing at Tesla HQ.
Data from the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) shows that 41,138 new Tesla registrations were recorded across the state in the second quarter. That’s a significant 21.1 percent decline from Q2 in 2024 and was no doubt caused in part by Musk’s continued involvement in politics, including forming the new America Party.
Sales Slide Continues Into 2025
The picture doesn’t improve when looking at year-to-date figures. Tesla’s California sales for the first half of 2025 are down 18.3 percent compared to the same timeframe last year. To reverse course, Tesla may need to accelerate the rollout of its rumored budget-friendly, stripped-down Model Y, a move that could help re-engage cost-conscious buyers, especially with the $7,500 federal tax credit set to expire on September 30.
While Tesla’s sales in California continue to fall, the Model Y and Model 3 are still the best-selling new EVs in the state. This year, a total of 44,112 Model Ys have been registered in California, while 31,394 Model 3s have also found new homes. The next best-selling hybrid, PHEV, or ZEV model is the Toyota Camry Hybrid, shifting 30,464 units over the same period.
Behind the Model Y and Model S, the third best-selling EV in California is the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with 7,498 examples sold through the first half. That positioned it ahead of the Honda Prologue with 5,931, the Ford Mustang Mach-E with 5,594, the Chevrolet Equinox at 5,584, and the BMW i4 with 5,396 units registered.
Tesla’s declining numbers stand in contrast to broader industry gains. Toyota, for example, saw its second-quarter sales in California rise 9.8 percent, from 78,964 to 86,683 vehicles. Honda also posted a 9.3 percent increase, jumping from 49,651 to 54,278 registrations over the same period.
David Blenkle spends an average of 12 hours behind the wheel each day.
Ford says the Mach-E’s battery should retain 90 percent of its capacity at 100,000 miles.
Despite using the original battery, Blenkle’s Mach-E is still good for 290 miles per charge.
In the past three years, David Blenkle has driven his Ford Mustang Mach-E more than 250,000 miles (403,000 km). And, while there are still plenty of EV detractors out there who proudly proclaim that EVs cannot stand the test of time quite like ICE models, Blenkle’s electric Ford proves otherwise.
Blenkle operates a private car service in Santa Cruz, California, and on a typical day, spends 12 hours behind the wheel of his black Mustang Mach-E Premium. Not only does he offer paid rides, but he also offers complimentary rides for military veterans and their families to appointments or national cemeteries. Through it all, his Mach-E has continued to chug along without any serious issues.
A Battery That Keeps Going
Ford’s own internal testing indicates that the Mustang Mach-E’s battery pack is designed to last at least 10 years and retain 90 percent of its capacity at 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Despite Blenkle’s Mustang still using the original battery, he can get up to 290 miles (467 km) per charge.
Most of the time, he plugs in at home overnight to take advantage of lower electricity rates. On longer days, he sometimes supplements with a quick top-up at a DC public fast charger.
Minimal Maintenance, Maximum Use
Any car driven these kinds of distances will need maintenance, and the Mustang Mach-E is no different. However, like other EVs, it can be far easier and cheaper to keep in service than an ICE alternative. Blenkle’s maintenance schedule primarily consists of tire rotations, multipoint inspections, and new cabin filters. He makes good use of the Ford’s regenerative braking system, and as such, his Ford still uses the original brake pads.
“The biggest misconception I encounter is about battery life and range, and then I show them my odometer!” Blenkle said in a recent interview with Ford.
To help preserve the battery’s long-term health, he regularly limits charging to 90 percent, a practice recommended by many manufacturers for daily use. It’s a small habit that, combined with his consistent charging schedule, has helped keep the Mach-E running smoothly despite its demanding workload.
We visit a nursery for corals off the Florida Keys. It's one of the largest in the world and meant to help replenish reefs that have suffered from high ocean temperatures.
YORKVILLE, Ill. – Septran, proud sister brand to Durham School Services, will continue serving the students of Yorkville Community Unit School District 115 (CUSD 115) safely, on time, and ready to learn, for another five years through 2030.
Septran has been serving the school district for over 15 years and since then, the two organizations have formed a trusting, long-standing partnership. In addition to being a dedicated school district partner, Septran is also a committed community partner. Our local Yorkville team has proudly supported numerous community events such as parades, Touch-a-Truck events, and sponsorships for teachers as part of its Partners Beyond the Bus community outreach program. The program aims to strengthen ties with our customers and community partners while also increasing awareness of and recognizing the volunteer efforts of our teams.
Yorkville Community Unit School District 115 shared, “Septran has been a great partner in providing safe and timely transportation for our students. Their drivers and managers understand the critical role they play in supporting our community, and we value their commitment and professionalism.”
“Over the last 15+ years, we have built a deep-rooted, trusting relationship with the school and community, as evidence by this partnership extension and all the various community outreach projects my team has participated in,” said Lisa Clements, General Manager, Septran. “We are extremely grateful to be able to continue to serve the students of Yorkville CUSD 115 and provide them with reliable transportation to attend school to learn, grow, and build their futures. Thank you to Yorkville CUSD 115 for this continued opportunity and to my team for constantly striving to provide service excellence to their students and community.”
About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services and its sister brands such as Septran, Stock Transportation and Petermann Bus, are dedicated to the safety of our students and People. Collectively, for more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services and its sister brands have earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities they serve.
Barrington Public Schools in Rhode Island reported its third incident involving a former school bus monitor, reported WJAR 10.
According to the news report, the district’s acting superintendent, Chris Ashley, said in a letter to families on Monday that a third incident was reported involving a former bus monitor. School officials said last month that the former employee was under investigation after a “serious allegation” was reported.
Authorities have since stated that the allegations involve inappropriate touching. On Monday, Ashley communicated that all three reported incidents occurred on a route that transported students with disabilities.
“We had previously refrained from identifying the route out of concern for student privacy. However, in light of this most recent development, we now must share that all three reported incidents occurred on a special education bus route, a route that served some of the most vulnerable members of our school community. This reality is as painful as it is unacceptable. Our responsibility to every child is to ensure not only their education, but their safety, dignity, and care,” Ashley said in a letter to families via the article.
The bus monitor, whose identity was not disclosed in this writing, had been employed with the Ocean State Transit to serve Barrington schools and has since been fired. School officials said via the article that the bus driver, who was involved in two of those incidents as well, was also fired from the role. The school board also voted to end its contract with Ocean State Transit.
Ashely said via the news report that the incidents have been reported to Barrington police and the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families. However, while the Barrington Police Department said it is aware of the complaint, no charges have been brought against the bus monitor in this report. The case remains under investigation.
Warren County Public School held its Bus Driver and Monitor Recruitment Fair, giving applicants the opportunity to apply and drive a bus, reported WBKO News.
The Recruitment Fair occurred on Saturday, where applicants were able to drive a school bus on site and get a glimpse of what it means to be a bus driver.
One applicant, Charles Smith, told local news reporters how impactful it can be to become a bus driver beyond driving kids to school. He stated that even the smallest act of kindness can go a long way in changing a student’s mood or making their day. Smith recognizes people may not realize the difference transporting students can make for them.
The district’s Transportation Director, Chip Jenkins, emphasized how crucial bus drivers are for the school system and students getting to and from school.
“Sometimes we don’t know their home environment. Sometimes it can be quite troubling,” Jenkins said via the news report. “When they get on that school bus, they can feel safe, and they know that they’re going to a school where they can get educated throughout the day and then we’ll take them home safely.”
Mercedes is working on a facelifted EQS SUV, which appears to have a tad more character.
Besides starry new headlights, we can expect a revised grille with some personality.
The crossover could debut at the Munich Motor Show with an upgraded powertrain.
Mercedes EQS sales plunged 52% last year to a dismal 6,963 units. That meant the EQS Sedan and EQS SUV were outsold in the United States by the regular S-Class, which found 8,809 buyers.
The company knows they have a huge problem on their hands and it looks like they’re about to put a band-aid on the situation. As part of this effort, the EQS SUV will follow in the footsteps of the sedan and get a minor facelift.
Recently spied undergoing testing, the prototype has a heavily camouflaged front end with star-infused headlights. Additional details are hard to make out, but the crossover could mimic the sedan by adopting a fully enclosed grille that echoes the one found on ICE-powered models. The updated sedan also gained a hood ornament, but it remains unclear if the SUV will also get one.
The rear end doesn’t reveal much other than a camouflaged bumper, which hints at an updated design. Furthermore, while the taillights carryover from the current model, we wouldn’t be surprised if they’re given a starry makeover.
SHproshots
Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside, but the cabin appears to eschew disguise. This suggests updates will be relatively minor.
While the extent of the changes remains unclear, we can expect an updated infotainment system running the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System. The AI-infused software features an MBUX Virtual Assistant, which has been billed as a “living avatar” that takes the form of a Mercedes star.
Additional details are limited, but the crossover is rumored to benefit from significant powertrain updates. These are said to include an upgraded battery as well as electric motors that were developed in-house. This could improve range and efficiency, which would likely enable the model to travel more than 323 miles (520 km) between charges.
Plenty of questions remain, but we could get some answers at the Munich Motor Show. If the crossover does indeed debut there, it could be launched in 2026.
Elon Musk says that we can expect a Model Y of sorts in the brand’s new ‘affordable car.’
Some fans are disappointed, while others express concern about Tesla’s business strategy.
If released this year, the new model could become a very compelling product offering.
Elon Musk may have let the cat out of the bag on Wednesday when he mentioned the Model Y during Tesla’s Q2 earnings call. When asked about the company’s next vehicle, his response led many to believe it could end up being little more than a stripped-down Model Y. Whether that turns out to be the case or not, there’s reason to think the timing might actually work in Tesla’s favor.
Tesla just had an incredibly rough first half of the year. It reported the steepest decline in quarterly revenue (12%) it’s seen in over a decade. That comes despite the recently updated Model Y, the brand’s most popular car. As a result, the stock is down over $30 as of this writing.
The company promised that it has high hopes for the future, and one is a new ‘affordable model.’ Set to go into volume production later this year, Tesla is apparently already building it in low numbers. Amid questions at the end of yesterday’s earnings call, someone asked what the new model would look like.
Hints at the Next Model
Elon Musk cut off another executive who was hesitating to answer the question by saying either “It looks like a Model Y,” or “It’s just a Model Y.” The audio from the video just isn’t crisp enough to be certain. That said, it gives us enough information to come up with some additional conclusions. For one thing, don’t expect some jarring, abrasive, futuristic design like a shrunken Cybertruck.
Whatever this turns out to be, it’s likely to look like, if not actually be, a Model Y with significantly fewer features. Tesla could cut back on battery capacity, remove elements like the rear-seat screen, reduce the number of cameras, and scale down on sound-deadening materials. It might also modify the battery chemistry or swap in different motors to lower production costs. Reusing existing Model Y tooling would almost certainly help keep expenses in check as well.
That said, not everyone is stoked about the possibility of a de-contented Model Y. Some called it out for just being disappointing as a new model. Others are worried it’ll be a massive problem for Tesla as a business. “Model S, Model X, CT are all failing, Model 3 was cannibalized by Model Y being such a success. And now the Model Y lite will crush the Model Y sales with lower margin.”
A Well-Timed Launch?
That may or may not be true, but fans of the brand still have reason to hope for good things. Tesla could still come out on top of this entire situation. Whether the cheaper vehicle coming looks exactly like the current Model Y or a scaled-down version, it sounds like it’s coming at the right time. Federal tax credits are about to go away, at least for the next few years, it seems.
That’ll make selling electric vehicles harder for just about every brand. If Tesla can launch this new ‘affordable model’ just as other brands are now having to sell their cars without the tax credit, it could help Tesla dig out of the hole it’s in.
That would be extremely disappointing. If it’s just another trim… why not release it a long time ago? Doesn’t make any sense. A cheaper made Model Y that’s a free thousand dollars cheaper is not going to move the needle. We need a CyberCab with pedals and steering wheel
Tesla only recently launched Robotaxi service in a geo-fenced area of Austin, Texas.
Elon Musk now claims half the US population will be covered by Robotaxis soon.
The CEO added that Tesla owners will get FSD unsupervised by the end of this year.
In June, Tesla introduced its long-awaited Robotaxi service to a geo-fenced area of Austin, Texas. It’s now planning to expand this service to the San Francisco Bay Area, but has yet to receive the required go-ahead from local authorities to do so. In the meantime, Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has made a bold proclamation about the robotaxi service and its potential for rapid growth.
While speaking on Tesla’s quarterly earnings call, Musk declared that “half of the population of the US will be covered by Tesla’s Robotaxi by the end of the year.” Given that we’re already fast approaching the end of July, and the system is only operating in a section of a single US city, this seems like yet another grandiose statement from the world’s richest man that will not bear fruit.
Safety Measures Still in Place
Currently, all Robotaxis operating in Austin are believed to feature a hidden kill switch that can instantly disable the Full Self-Driving system. All vehicles currently have a Tesla employee sitting in the passenger seat with their finger constantly resting on the door opening button, prompting suggestions that this button has been repurposed to act as a quick override mechanism.
Tesla’s Robotaxis have already been seen struggling with real-world driving conditions in Texas. Several videos have captured the vehicles making noticeable blunders on the road, raising questions about how quickly the system can realistically scale to other parts of the country within the next five months.
Ambitious Expansion Plans
This isn’t the only wild statement Musk recently made about the company’s self-driving systems, notes The Verge. Speaking on the same earnings call, Musk predicted that by the end of 2025, Tesla customers will be able to update their vehicles so they can use FSD without supervision. In addition to eyeing an expansion into California, Musk also named Florida, Nevada, and Arizona as other states where Tesla wants to introduce its Robotaxi service.
While Tesla can continue to test and improve its driver-assistance systems, it can do little to speed up the state regulatory approvals necessary for expanding the service across the United States. So, unless you live near a massive urban center, don’t expect to be able to order a self-driving Tesla taxi anytime soon.
GM unveiled a new Corvette concept featuring a hypercar stance and EV power.
The study was created by GM’s Pasadena Advanced Design studio in California.
It uses a T-shaped prismatic battery pack to improve airflow and enable low seating.
Even with the next-generation C9 Corvette likely deep in development ahead of its rumored 2029 debut, General Motors is already looking beyond. The company just offered a look even further down the line, imagining what a C10 could look like if it were drawn up today.
Their newly opened Advanced Design studio in Pasadena, California, pulled the cover off a striking new Corvette concept, one that leans hard into hypercar territory while rethinking the future of America’s most famous sports car.
Purists might want to look away, since this vision drops the V8 in favor of an all-electric powertrain. That choice appears to contradict recent comments from Corvette’s chief engineer, who suggested the sports car isn’t going fully electric any time soon. Then again, he did describe a fully electric Corvette as still firmly in the realm of “science fiction” which, in fairness, is what this concept is, even if it could loosely influence the eventual design of the real C10.
This is the second of three Corvette design studies scheduled to be revealed in 2025. It follows an earlier concept from GM’s European design team in the UK. According to GM, this project isn’t tied to production plans. Instead, the intent was to give designers full creative freedom to “reimagine what the Corvette could be.”
While GM stopped short of directly naming it the C10 in their release, the “C10” badge displayed on the front fender leaves little room for interpretation.
More than a Sports Car
Rather than resembling a Porsche 911 rival, the SoCal Corvette appears to have more in common with future hypercars from Koenigsegg or Rimac. It features aggressive mid-engine proportions, with bodywork that functions as part of the car’s aerodynamic system – similar to the Aston Martin Valkyrie.
The bumper intakes have hints of the C8 Corvette, combined with an F1-style carbon fiber front wing and ultra-slim LED headlights. The profile is mostly hollow, directing air to the massive rear diffuser. The rear end includes an active aero spoiler and air brake, design elements more commonly seen on high-performance exotics like Bugatti.
One of the standout features is the removable, front-hinged single-piece canopy. It lifts off to reveal a track-focused two-seat cabin. Inside, the cockpit includes a slim digital instrument cluster, an augmented-reality head-up display, and an additional screen mounted on a yoke-style steering wheel.
Sorry Folks, The Future’s Electric
Underneath, the Corvette concept is based on a carbon fiber tub and envisioned with a fully electric powertrain. GM notes the use of a T-shaped prismatic battery pack, which allows for low seating and improved airflow around and through the chassis. These choices point to performance priorities while also emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency
Back to the one-off Corvette hypercar, it measures 182.5 inches (4,669mm) long, 86 inches (2,184mm) wide, and only 41.4 inches (1,051 mm) tall, with a wheelbase of 109 inches (2,767mm). Compared to the current C8, it’s slightly longer and wider, with a much lower roofline. Its dramatic stance is accentuated by the futuristic alloy wheels measuring 21 inches at the front and 22 inches at the rear.
Global Vision, SoCal Lens
Brian Smith, design director, GM Advanced Design Pasadena explained the philosophy behind the project:
“Southern California has been at the heart of automotive and design culture for a century, and GM has had a deep design presence here for nearly 40 years. We wanted to ensure that this concept was developed through that SoCal lens, but with a global and futuristic outlook. Duality of purpose is the basis of this concept’s design strategy. The defining design aspect is the single-piece, front-hinged canopy than enables the entire upper shell to be removed, transforming the concept from an agile, slick sports car to a lightweight, open-air track car.”
We’re looking forward to the next Corvette concept that will be the work of a different design team, offering another perspective on the brand’s future. In addition to the Pasadena studio, GM also operates design centers in Detroit, Los Angeles, Leamington (UK), Shanghai, and Seoul, bringing a unique cultural influence to the table.
As global supply chain challenges and uncertainty around lithium supplies persist, sodium-ion batteries will remain an appealing solution given the abundant nature of...
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