When Lori Smith stepped into the role of transportation coordinator at Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools, she inherited more than just a fleet of buses. She walked into a department in transition, a community in flux, and a software system she hadn’t chosen—but would soon come to champion.

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek, a growing Ohio district nestled in a nine-square-mile area, serves more than 2,600 students, with more than half relying on school transportation. Despite its modest size, the district’s transportation needs are complex, shaped by rural roads, frequent flooding, and a transient population due to its proximity to a military base.

Smith joined the district four years ago as a transportation assistant. Within 18 months, she was promoted to coordinator after her predecessor abruptly left. “It was a baptism by fire,” she recalls. “I had to learn how to be a supervisor, train my replacement, and figure out a new software system—all at once.”

That software system was Transfinder’s suite of tools designed to streamline school transportation. Smith hadn’t been involved in the decision to switch from another vendor to Transfinder. In fact, her first official act as coordinator was to finalize the contract.

“I was told, ‘This is what we’re doing. Get on board or this wasn’t going to be the job for me,’” she says.

Smith was determined to make it work. She reached out to peers as well as support members at Transfinder. Those calls changed everything, noting Transfinder’s expert “set up regular meetings, gave me homework, and held me accountable.” She said she felt empowered by the experience.

In fact, she said, the implementation experience “is why I am going to use your product as long as I’m sitting in this seat.”

Smith attended Transfinder’s Annual Client Summit in 2024, where she discovered not just tools, but a community. “I walked out of there thinking, ‘This makes so much sense now,’” she says. “Everyone took responsibility for the rocky start and committed to helping me succeed.”

Today, Smith uses a number of Transfinder’s award-winning solutions: Routefinder PLUS for routing, Tripfinder for field trips, Stopfinder for parent communication, Viewfinder for school staff, and Formfinder for managing non-public school students. Each tool has brought measurable improvements.

With Routefinder PLUS, the district eliminated manual data entry, reducing address errors and improving efficiency. “We used to hand-key everything,” Smith says. “So, every time a new student moved into the district, every time an address change happened, we would have to hand-key all of that. And as you can imagine, hand-keying means human error.”
Tripfinder, the first product Smith implemented, revolutionized field trip management. “We were able to customize it from the get-go to get information out of it, pulling, doing some data mining.”

Smith, a self-described data-driven person, said she was in the midst of preparing the district’s T-2 report, which certifies the actual expenses incurred in the transportation of eligible pupils.

“I was able to drill down into field trips. Which ones were done by bus drivers? Which ones were done by substitute drivers? Which ones were in a van? What coaches took most of the driving? How many hours were invoiced? How many miles were invoiced? Just the amount of data that you can pull out of any of the “finders” is, in my opinion, invaluable. Tripfinder runs so well.”

Stopfinder has transformed communication with parents. Instead of mass alerts that caused confusion, Smith can now send targeted messages about delays or reroutes due to flooding — a frequent issue in the district. This eliminated hysteria. “It’s been very helpful to target just specific areas,” she said.

Viewfinder has empowered school secretaries and administrators. Smith created custom views for each building, allowing staff to quickly access bus numbers, stop times, and routes. It has eliminated most phone calls about busing, she says. “The secretaries love it.”

Formfinder, the newest addition, allows Smith to manage transportation for parochial and non-public students who aren’t in the district’s student information system. “Families fill out the form, and it creates a record. It’s interesting, the versatility of all the products to be able to dig deeper for information and use it for different purposes.”

Despite the success, Smith still faces challenges. Convincing her veteran mechanic to embrace digital tools has been tough.”

Still, Smith is playing the long game. She knows that as veteran staff retire and new drivers come on board, the need for modern, efficient systems will only grow. “We’re going to have a lot of turnover in the next few years,” she says. She wants to be ready.

Her vision is clear: a fully integrated, tech-forward transportation department that serves students, supports staff, and communicates seamlessly with families. And thanks to her persistence—and the support of the Transfinder team—she’s well on her way.

Despite not being part of the decision-making process to dump a previous routing product for Transfinder, Smith said, “I am very pleased that we are where we are now. We had a very robust start.”

To learn more about how Transfinder’s tools have transformed transportation departments, call 800-373-3609, email getplus@transfinder.com or visit Transfinder.com/solutions.

The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.

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As the federal electric vehicle tax credit approaches its end, some buyers are moving quickly to take advantage of it. They’ve made that clear in a recent swelling of purchases for the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The retro-futuristic hatchback just saw a gigantic boost in sales during July. In fact, the brand had a great month overall.

More: Porsche Fast-Tracks New Compact SUV With Gas And Hybrid Power

When we say a huge boost, we’re talking about a 70 percent jump in sales compared to July of 2024. 5,818 people bought an Ioniq 5 in July of 2025. In other words, Hyundai sold almost eight (7.8) of them for every hour of every day of the month, nonstop. For the year, the Ioniq 5 is up 12 percent. Hyundai itself is up 11 percent this year, but let’s break that down further.

Mixed Results Across the Lineup

Most models are either up or down by two digits. For example, in the first seven months of the year, the Santa Cruz and Kona are down 20 and 13 percent, respectively. Their downturns aren’t enough to snuff out the success of other badges, though. The Venue is up 14 percent year over year. The Palisade was up 53 percent in July and is up 13 percent for the year. Both are dwarfed in total sales by the Tucson, which is up 20 percent for the year with 129,716 sales.

“Hyundai delivered an outstanding July, setting an all-time July total sales record with 79,543 units, up 15% year-over-year,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America.

HYUNDAI US SALES

“We achieved new records across multiple nameplates, including Elantra HEV, Elantra N, Santa Fe HEV, Palisade, IONIQ 5, and the Santa Fe family, while electrified vehicle sales surged 50% compared to last year. Retail sales climbed 18%, highlighted by strong demand for Santa Fe and Palisade, and a 71% jump in IONIQ 5 retail sales. These results reflect Hyundai’s momentum in sustainable mobility and our ability to deliver an innovative lineup that continues to resonate with customers.”

Interestingly, the Ioniq 5 is a real outlier among the family. It’s the only EV under the Hyundai Motor Group to be outpacing sales when compared to 2024. Technically, the Ioniq 9 is also, but that’s only because it wasn’t on sale last year. That said, the Ioniq 6, Kia EV9, and Kia EV6 are all struggling to match the sales figures they saw in 2024. 

Electric vehicle sales may have surged over the past few years, but 2025 is shaping up to be more complicated for the segment. Despite steady innovation, fresh designs, and continued refinement, demand seems to be cooling.

That trend is particularly evident for Kia, whose EV9 and EV6 models are struggling to keep pace with last year’s numbers, n unexpected turn, considering the recent surge in EV sales as buyers hurry to take advantage of the $7,500 federal tax credit, whether through purchases or leases.

More: Kia Is Done With Gas GT Performance Cars

The automaker just released sales figures for the month of July so let’s focus on those first. During the month, Kia sold 1,737 EV9s and just 1,290 EV6s. Last year in the same month, it sold 1,815 and 1,545 respectively. Sure, that doesn’t look so great for what is an awesome crossover, but the EV9’s number could be an aberration. Except that yearly totals say otherwise.

A Steeper Decline Over Time

This year, Kia has sold 7,165 EV6s. That’s 5,323 less than it had after July of 2024. In other terms, that’s a full 42.6 percent decline in sales. The EV9 is actually fairing ever so slightly better as it’s down 41.8 percent from 11,486 sales through July of 2024 to just 6,675 sales so far this year. Somehow, though, the brand is having a great year overall thanks to gas-burning options.

Gas-Powered Models Carry the Load

The K5 is crushing it in sales with over 40,000 units sold already. The Carnival minivan is up 52.4 percent year over year with 39,080 sales so far in 2025. The Telluride, Sorento, and K4 are also selling well. Finally, the Sportage is crushing it with over 101,000 sales already this year, contributing to Kia being up 8.3 percent for the year in total.

“Kia is steadily progressing toward its highest annual sales record and an all-time high market share, fueled by record-breaking consumer sales growth,” said Eric Watson, vice-president, sales operations, Kia America.

He added, “As our SUV lineup maintains double-digit growth month after month, we recently rolled out a new ad campaign for the 2026 Sportage, which offers the ideal combination of efficiency and capability. As Kia’s longest-running nameplate, our customers have a strong sense of connection to Sportage, and we are fostering similar connections between our customers and other models.”

At this point, the brand might lean more heavily into its gas-burners because it appears that, unless something unexpected happens, the EV side of the business won’t be able to match last year’s performance. 

Some believed that Elon Musk’s alignment with former President Donald Trump and the broader MAGA movement might encourage traditional conservatives to embrace electric vehicles. But a new study suggests the opposite has happened.

Not only has Musk’s political shift failed to win over right-leaning car buyers, it appears to have driven away support from the left as well, dampening enthusiasm for both Tesla and EVs more broadly.

Also: Tesla Drivers Say Musk Makes Them Look Like Fascists So They’re Suing

The study, published in the Humanities & Social Sciences Communications, analyzed data gathered from surveys conducted in August 2023, November 2023, May 2024, July 2024, and March 2025, set out to see if public perceptions about Musk have impacted the desirability of Tesla vehicles and other EVs.

Shifting Sentiment Across the Political Spectrum

Historically, EVs have been more popular among left-leaning consumers, which explains in part why Tesla is so popular in California. The first study of 633 adults found that liberal voters were positive to the idea of buying an EV, while conservatives were negative.

The second study also found that the more conservative you are, the less inclined you are to purchase an EV. No surprises there, and this general finding was also replicated in the third and fourth studies.

Things have since changed. The study found that the overall support for EVs among liberal voters has eroded as Musk continued to harm his reputation. At the same time, his shift to the right has done nothing to make conservatives more likely to buy a Tesla or any other EV.

The “Musk Effect” on EV Appeal

Lead author Alexandra Flores explained to The Guardian that Musk’s influence on EV perception is highly unusual. “The suspicion is that Elon Musk became so synonymous with EVs in the US that perceptions of him affected the entire class of vehicles,” she said. “This made them way less appealing to liberals—he really dragged down perceptions of EVs in general.”

Flores added that the researchers initially expected liberal support for EVs to hold steady, given their long-standing connection to environmental values. They also thought Musk’s rightward turn might make EVs more attractive to conservatives. “But the opposite happened,” she noted. “Over time, conservatives remained relatively steady in their lack of interest in EVs and Tesla, while liberals’ attitudes really dropped. They are now equally unlikely to buy an EV as they are a Tesla.”

VW’s midsize van lineup covers a wide range of buyer needs, with options from versatile family movers to practical workhorses. Among them are the Multivan, the all-electric ID. Buzz, and the latest iteration of the Transporter.

What makes the Transporter particularly interesting is that it’s not just a van; it’s also available as a dual-cab pickup. But unlike the Amarok, it can be had with either a diesel engine or a fully electric drivetrain.

More: Ford Transit Custom MS-RT Looks Ready To Hit 200 MPH But Sadly It Can’t

The seventh-generation VW Transporter debuted in 2024, developed in partnership with Ford and sharing its platform with the latest Transit Custom. It comes in a variety of configurations, including panel vans with options like extended wheelbases and high-roof bodies. But for those needing a more open cargo space, there’s also a double-cab dropside version, officially known as the Flatbed DoKa, with a bed designed to handle bulkier loads.

Longer Than the Amarok, With Way More Room Out Back

This flatbed model rides on a stretched wheelbase of 3,500 mm (137.8 inches) and has an overall length of 5,613 mm (221 inches). That makes it 263 mm (10.4 inches) longer than the Amarok, and thanks to its shorter hood, much of that extra length goes straight into the cargo bed. The rear tray measures 2,169 mm (85 inches) in length and 1,945 mm (76.6 inches) in width, providing noticeably more usable space than your typical midsize pickup.

Payload capacity is where it slightly falls short compared to some rivals. The diesel version is rated for up to 736 kg (1,623 pounds), while the electric model bumps that to 785 kg (1,731 pounds). That’s adequate for most tasks, though a bit less than what you’d expect from a conventional midsize truck.

Volkswagen

Visually, the only way to distinguish the electric and diesel versions is the Transporter / e-Transporter lettering on the tailgate, as the rest of the bodywork is shared. Unfortunately, VW doesn’t offer a PanAmericana trim for the flatbed truck, which means that buyers are stuck with the 16-inch steelies or optional alloy wheels of the same size. Still, those who want something more rugged can always head over to aftermarket specialists like Delta 4×4.

Diesel Or Electric

The ICE-powered Flatbed DoKa comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. Two output levels are available: 108 hp (81 kW / 110 PS) and 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS). Depending on the version, power is sent to the front wheels or all four, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both the powertrain and ladder-frame chassis come courtesy of Ford.

More: New Electric Isuzu Pickup Comes With A Shocking Price Tag

On the electric side, the e-Transporter uses a single rear-mounted motor with three output levels. The entry version produces 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS), the mid-tier model jumps to 215 hp (160 kW), and the top-spec version peaks at 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS). Regardless of trim, torque is rated at a solid 415 Nm (306.1 lb-ft), which gives the EV versions more pull than the diesel alternatives.

How Much Does it Cost?

According to Vconfigurator in Germany, the Transporter Flatbed DoKa is priced between €46,586⁠-56,648 ($53,200-64,700) for the diesel, and €62,128-66,316 ($70,900-75,700) for the EV. For comparison, the ICE-only VW Amarok starts at €58,525 ($66,800) and tops out at €73,585 ($84,000) in the same market. All prices include the local VAT.

A pivotal moment is approaching for Ford’s electric vehicle future, with the company preparing to unveil a major shift in its EV strategy on August 11. CEO Jim Farley described the upcoming announcement as a “Model T moment,” hinting at a potentially transformative direction for the automaker. “Our strategy is very simple,” Farley said, emphasizing a focus on profitability within specific EV segments.

While profitability is the keyword that will interest investors, could the reference to the company’s seminal model indicate that the Blue Oval’s EV announcement will focus on affordable, mass-produced motoring, much like the original model?

Lagging Behind China

In the past, Farley has been quite forthcoming with his admiration for Chinese tech, having daily driven a Xiaomi SU7 EV, and claiming it was “fantastic,” and that he was having a hard time giving it up. According to a report from Nikkei Asia, that same rhetoric was repeated on Tuesday’s earnings call, acknowledging that Ford lags behind its eastern rivals.

Read: Ford Bracing For A $2 Billion Blow From Trump’s Tariff Legacy

“We really see not the global OEMs as a competitive set for our next generation of EVs,” said Farley, likely referencing the likes of GM, Stellantis, and VW. “We see the Chinese companies like Geely and BYD…”We believe the only way to compete effectively with the Chinese over the globe on EVs is to go and really push ourselves to radically re-engineer and transform our engineering supply chain and manufacturing process.”

Ford is rethinking the entire EV manufacturing and supply chain approach, recognizing the need for a “radical re-engineering” of these processes to effectively counter Chinese automakers’ cost competitiveness and innovation pace.

In addition, Ford plans to rely heavily on partnerships as EV technology and supply chains rapidly commoditize. Farley noted that apart from the complex electrical architecture, differentiation in the EV sector is becoming increasingly difficult, making strategic alliances essential.

Tariffs, Tariffs, Tariffs

Farley also predicts a growing regionalization of the global automotive market, driven by tariff structures and local electrification and emissions regulations. He cited recent negotiations reducing auto import tariffs to 15% from the initially proposed 25%, seeing this shift as an “opportunity” for Ford. Despite facing around $2 billion in tariff-related expenses annually, primarily from imported components, Farley remains optimistic that Ford can leverage its status as a major American employer for potential policy relief and competitive advantage.

Ultimately, Ford’s new EV strategy reflects a broader industry reality: traditional automakers must swiftly adapt their operational and manufacturing strategies to navigate an increasingly competitive and geographically segmented automotive landscape.

Much has changed for Porsche since its 2022 stock market debut, and we’re not just talking about the share price, which has fallen to less than half of its peak value. Sales are down, too, and so is faith in the electric-focused future model plan Porsche had put in motion before the IPO. Now the company’s boss admits it was wrong to turn away from combustion power, and he’s taking steps to rectify the mistake.

Related: Porsche Could Announce A New Macan ICE As Soon As March

Maybe mistake is too harsh a word. Porsche created its EV-heavy product strategy, which included phasing out the combustion 718 twins and Macan in favor of electric versions, when all the market signals pointed to sustained growth in EV sales and the brand was flying high in China. It didn’t read the signals wrong, the signals themselves proved to be wrong.

After Sales Slump, Strategy Shift

“We continue to face significant challenges around the world,” CEO Oliver Blume conceded as Porsche announced half-year figures showing total sales were down 6 percent and profit had slumped by a scary 67 percent. “This is not a storm that will pass. The world is changing dramatically, and above all, differently than expected just a few years ago,” he added.

That’s not to say Porsche’s EVs have gone down like lead balloons. Taycan sales were strong until recently, and the new Macan Electric has been a big hit. More than a third of all Porsches sold in Europe are now fully electric, and half of buyers choosing a Macan, Porsche’s best selling model, go for the EV.

That gives the brand a bigger slice of the electric segment than some of its rivals, but the slower than expected growth in the EV market – particularly in the US, where growth appears to be stalling – means that segment is smaller than predicted.

Macan’s ICE Successor Coming By 2028

Part of Blume’s plan to steady the ship is to put more energy into traditional combustion models. “A more balanced drivetrain portfolio from 2028 onward will enhance market positioning and underpin sustainable long-term growth,” said Blume.

It’s not abandoning EVs by any means, but the Macan Electric is getting a previously unplanned ICE counterpart after all. When asked by an investor during the H1 2025 Earnings Call about the ICE Macan’s successor, Blume revealed that it will be introduced no later than 2028.

“It won’t be later than 2028. We’re developing a compact SUV with both ICE and hybrid versions,” said Blume. “And that’s what we said by the end of the decade, a global rollout in all markets. We are speeding up the process with very short development times and making a very, very typical Porsche for this segment and also differentiated from the BEV Macan. So we think, especially for the SUVs now, we’ll have a very flexible product lineup between Macan and Cayenne across all drivetrain options.”

One thing Blume didn’t clarify is whether the new combustion-powered compact SUV will retain the Macan name or debut under a new nameplate, potentially setting it apart from its electric sibling. That decision could signal how closely Porsche intends to align the two models, or how much distance it wants between them.

Furthermore, the Cayenne (pictured below) will be offered with a choice of electric and combustion engines and the electric K1 super-SUV due at the end of the decade could now also get an ICE option, Automobilwoche reports.

The 718 Boxster and Cayman – believed to be delayed until 2027 due to the collapse of battery supplier Northvolt – would seem even more deserving of an ICE option, but it’s unclear if that will happen.

Global Hurdles Beyond Powertrains

Making more combustion cars won’t help fix the sales disaster in China, where deliveries have fallen by 28 percent this year and are unlikely to fully recover, or deal with President Trump’s new 15 percent tariffs on Porsche cars coming to the US from Europe. Job cuts and price increases are helping to minimise the financial sting from those problems being felt at the Stuttgart HQ.

Apart from slightly higher prices, though, as far as Porsche buyers are concerned this upheaval, and the greater choice of powertrains and cars it will bring, can only be seen as good news.

A new chapter has been written in Toyota’s love-hate relationship with EVs. The company finally seems to be embracing the way of battery-electric, albeit slowly, with the introduction of the all-new C-HR+ alongside their initial toe-in-the-water experiment of the bZ4X that is currently known as the bZ.

Likely in an effort to up its game, a new report claims that Toyota will be increasing its European EV production as early as 2028, with the company’s Czech Republic facility set to become an electric vehicle manufacturing hub. A lofty target of 100,000 EVs per year is being touted for the new facility, according to Nikkei Asia.

Read: Subaru Plans To Win Europe With Rebadged Toyotas, One Of Which Is An E-Outback

This move follows Toyota’s broader commitment to offering a comprehensive lineup of 14 EV models in Europe by 2026, including the upcoming electric versions of the C-HR+ and Urban Cruiser,and the updated bZ crossover.

Localizing EV Production To Europe

The decision to localize EV production aligns with Toyota’s long-term sustainability goals and the European Union’s upcoming ban on new combustion engine vehicle sales by 2035. Despite a recent 1% dip in European EV sales, electric vehicles maintain a significant market presence, accounting for 15.4 percent of new car sales in the Old Continent.

The decision to make EVs in Europe makes more sense when you realise that the market for battery electric cars is much larger than in Japan. There, EVs make up only 2 percent of new car sales.

Meanwhile, Toyota, like many legacy manufacturers, is feeling the pressure from Chinese manufacturers, including the likes of BYD, Jaecoo, and Xpeng, which collectively hold a 5.1% share in Europe.

A Sign Of Things To Come

Despite Toyota’s traditionally cautious outlook, its new plan is indicative of a broader change in the industry. Some may say that it’s also a move being made to address the growing demand for electric options in Europe, as well as the regulatory landscape and the looming ICE ban.

However, even though the company will be bringing more EVs to the market, don’t expect a seismic shift in its strategy, as it will continue to be cautious regarding fully electric vehicles due to practical challenges like battery weight and range limitations. Rather than a full-on pivot towards EVs, Toyota is likely to integrate more hybrid solutions and range-extender technologies to maintain real-world usability and appeal, especially for larger vehicles.

It’s the tenth year of recognizing the nation’s most outstanding Garage Stars. This year’s winners are on the front line of school bus safety while demonstrating the importance of knowledge and teamwork crucial for successful student transportation operations. Read more about the ten winners, which include three individuals, and for the first time, seven teams.

Learn more about building and maintaining a high-value school bus fleet and how to update operations to maintain excellence. Also find articles on parts purchasing, the National School Bus Inspection Training as well as other top moments from the STN EXPO West conference last month. 

Read the full August 2025 issue.

Cover Story

10 Years: Garage Stars
The 10th annual Garage Star’s award features 10 finalists—three teams and seven individuals—that highlight the importance of knowledge and teamwork in training the next generation of industry professionals.

Features

Residuals
When selling old school buses, record-keeping and maintenance schedules are key to getting the most bang for your buck.

Moving On Up
Updating transportation maintenance facilities rather than tearing down and starting over has its advantages.

Special Reports

Parts Standardization Provides Cost-Saving, Efficiencies
Streamlining and consolidating parts purchasing can lead to time and cost savings, garage professionals share this month.

STN EXPO West in Photos
Browse some of the action at last month’s conference and trade show in Reno, Nevada.

Feedback
Online
Ad Index

Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
A Jolt to School Bus Maintenance

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Moments Matter

The post August 2025 appeared first on School Transportation News.

The third round of funding through the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 is now available for zero-emission school buses in the state of New York.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced July 22 an additional $200 million distributed through the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP). The second installment of $200 million was made available a year ago, while the first round of $100 million was announced in October 2022.

The funding covers everything from the purchase of the electric school buses to the charging infrastructure and fleet electrification planning.

“New York State is leaning into our Environmental Bond Act commitment to provide public schools with the funding and resources to make electric school buses more affordable,” Hochul said in a statement. “We are leaving no school behind as we reduce pollution from vehicles so every student can benefit from clean air while building healthier, more sustainable communities for New Yorkers across the state.”

The program is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), while NYSBIP provides incentives to eligible school bus fleet operators, including school districts and private contractors, that purchase zero-emission buses.

The funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis with funding amounts covering up to 100 percent of the incremental cost of a new or repowered electric school bus. Priority districts identified as high-need school districts and disadvantaged communities are available to receive larger funding amounts.

The deadline to purchase zero-emission school buses in the state nears amid the latest funding round. All new school buses purchased statewide as of Jan. 1, 2027, must be zero emissions and all school district and contractor fleets must be 100 percent zero emissions by 2035. The recently passed state budget extended a deferment until 2029 for school districts that demonstrate their challenges with meeting the mandate.

The NYSBIP defines zero emissions as electric or hydrogen fuel cell school buses, though only the latter are currently available.

Related: New York State of Charge
Related: State Budget Calls for Real-world Range Testing for Electric School Bus Sales
Related: School Buses Among New York City Fleet to Go Electric

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Police in Santa Monica are trying to send a clear message to electric dirt bike riders: if it’s not street legal, keep it off public roads. On Saturday, July 26, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) impounded 12 off-highway vehicles, all of which officers say were being ridden illegally on city streets. 

While many of these bikes resemble electric bicycles, officials say they fail to meet even the most basic standards under California law. For example, they all lack pedals, are capable of high speeds, and were never certified for on-road use. SMPD says the crackdown comes after growing community concerns and complaints as, apparently, these riders have been causing disruptions. 

Read: City Cracks Down On E-Bikes With Strict New Rules

“These vehicles often exceed 40 mph, lack operable pedals, and are not classified as legal electric bicycles,” the department said in a public statement. “They are not permitted on public roads, bike paths, or sidewalks.” Essentially, these bikes are high-powered electric dirt bikes rather than everyday e-bikes. 

What Makes an E-Bike Street Legal?

California classifies e-bikes into three categories, with legal use tied to features like speed limits and whether the bike has functional pedals. Most of the impounded vehicles in question fell into a legal gray area. They were either originally sold as high-powered off-road bikes or everyday ebikes modified to go much faster than originally intended. 

Either way, these bikes are considered off-highway vehicles and can’t be legally ridden in places intended for bicycles or cars. “We’re increasing enforcement in response to serious safety concerns and community complaints,” the department said. “If your vehicle doesn’t have pedals or meet California’s e-bike standards, it doesn’t belong on the road.” 

Fines in Effect, Enforcement Underway

It’s unclear what the riders in this case will have to face to get their bikes back, but the fine for riding them starts at $100. Second-time offenders pay $200 and each offense after the first two costs $500. These fines went into effect on July 9, so this is one of the very first times that police have had the legal right to crack down on it. 

Credit: SMPD

Maserati’s lineup is a bit of a mess as the brand discontinued key models such as the Ghibli, Levante, and Quattroporte. This has left them with the overpriced Grecale and an assortment of sports cars.

That wasn’t supposed to be the case as Maserati was working on a new Quattroporte. However, development was reportedly halted in 2023. The model was then postponed, before Stellantis scrapped a huge investment in the firm, putting its future in further doubt.

More: Stellantis Pulls The Plug On Maserati’s Future After Cancelling $1.6B Investment

Hope might not be lost as a new report suggests Maserati could raid the Alfa Romeo parts bin and cobble something together. In particular, the redesigned Giulia and Stelvio could serve as the basis for the next-generation Quattroporte and Levante.

Speaking with Autocar, Alfa Romeo and Maserati CEO Santo Ficili said they’re pushing for “synergies” between the two brands and this could make their vehicles more closely related. This suggests the upcoming Quattroporte and Levante could be based on the STLA Large platform, which also underpins an assortment of other models including the Dodge Charger and Jeep Wagoneer S.

While the next Quattroporte was originally slated to be electric-only, Maserati now appears to believe that would be a mistake. As Ficili explained, “We need to talk with our customers, because they are a bit confused at this time” with so many options including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles.

He went on to say going electric-only is a “question of timing,” but they’re not ready yet. As a result, he said “we need to consider MHEV and PHEV engines, depending on the development of the technology we want to follow.”

This could make the Giulia and Stelvio a prime base for future models as they’re slated to be offered with gas, plug-in hybrid, and electric options. The benefits wouldn’t end there as relying on Alfa Romeo and the STLA Large platform would speed development, while also cutting costs.

However, there are risks to this strategy as Alfa Romeo and Maserati models could become too similar. Alfa is no stranger to this as the Tonale is virtually identical to the Dodge Hornet.

That being said, Ficili acknowledged the need to keep Alfa Romeo and Maserati “separated.” However, he believes they can share a lot including “platforms, electronic architectures, software and probably powertrains.”

No, this isn’t some kind of odd concept car aimed at previewing the future of mobility. Instead, it is the new i8 from Chinese automaker Li Auto, and it’s an all-electric SUV available from 321,800 yuan, or just under $45,000. We’re not sure how BMW will feel about the i8 badge being used on a vehicle like this, but Li Auto’s creation will no doubt leave legacy automakers scrambling to play catch-up.

Visually, the Li Auto i8 looks part-SUV and part-minivan. This is because it combines design elements and shapes from the existing L9 SUV, as well as the Mega, Li Auto’s flagship minivan. Like the Mega, the front of the i8 is highly unusual, featuring a full-width LED light bar running just under the windshield, rather than near the front bumper like most other new EVs hitting the Chinese market.

Read: Man Cruelly Turned His Hood Into An Aquarium And Left The Fish To Die In It

The flowing and smooth shape of the roof is also rather intriguing, while the rear is slightly more conventional. It comes complete with a light bar, a large tailgate, and, well, not much else of interest. According to Li Auto’s boss, the i8’s design was inspired by yachts, but we can’t really see the resemblance.

Entry-level versions have a 90.1 kWh NMC battery driving a pair of electric motors with 536 hp and 487 lb-ft (660 Nm) of torque. Li Auto says this version can travel up to 416 miles (670 km) on a charge, but that’s under the very generous CLTC cycle.

A larger 97.8 kWh NMC battery is available, boosting the range to 447 lb-ft (720 km). This version also offers extraordinarily high-speed charging that allows 310 miles (500 km) of range to be added in just 10 minutes. Aiding in the impressive range is a drag coefficient of just 0.218 Cd, lower than even the Tesla Model Y’s 0.220.

Li Auto says the i8 needs just 4.5 seconds to hit 100 km/h (60 mph). It also apparently consumes just 14.6 – 14.8 kWh/100 km, which is roughly in line with the much smaller Tesla Model 3.

As For The Cabin…

Like so many new Chinese cars, the interior is an absolute tech-fest. The i8 will be sold exclusively as a six-seater with a 2+2+2 layout. There’s no instrument cluster and instead, just a small screen sitting atop the center of the steering wheel and two huge 15.7-inch displays dominate the dashboard. Other nifty features include cooled wireless charging pads and the Li Auto Magic Carpet air suspension system, offering four adjustable ride heights.

The brand’s Li AD Pro assisted driving system comes as standard, while higher-end models get the Li AD Max system. Both systems include a LiDAR.

Subaru may be putting more energy into electric crossovers lately, but fans of its performance cars could have something to look forward to as well. Alongside the new Uncharted, the updated Solterra, and the Trailseeker duo, Subaru is reportedly considering an all-electric version of the BRZ. If it moves ahead, the project might even bring the nameplate back to Europe after years of absence.

More: Subaru Finally Admits It’s Boring And Wants STI Back But Not How You Remember It

The original BRZ was introduced in late 2011, with the second-generation model following in 2020. Both featured non-electrified boxer engines, with Europe’s strict emission regulations eventually leading to the model’s discontinuation from the region. In fact, the current BRZ has only reached certain European markets in limited numbers, leaving Subaru without a sports car in its local lineup.

Electric BRZ Is on the Table

That could change in the future, as Subaru is actively considering a zero-emission BRZ that could satisfy enthusiasts. David Dello Stritto, General Manager of Subaru Europe told Autocar that the model could return with a fully electric powertrain.

“Our options are open,” he said, though he also made it clear that Subaru’s short-term priority lies in electric crossovers like the Uncharted. Only after that might it turn its attention to sportier projects.

Earlier this year, Stritto suggested that electrification might be the path forward for the Subaru STI division due to emission regulations: “With an EV, you’ve got the power and performance, and you’ve got an all-wheel-drive system. We’re working on more sporty models, and electrification allows us to do this.”

Inoue Masahiko, global EV manager at Subaru, admitted that an electric BRZ was under consideration as part of their partnership with Toyota: “We did consider electrifying the BRZ and GT86, but the win-win relationship is more important, and for the moment we can’t get the kind of benefits for both sides.”

A Concept Points the Way

The best indication yet for an electric Subaru sports car was the Sport Mobility Concept from 2023 with a two-door coupe bodystyle, futuristic styling, and a high-riding stance. The concept had a similar footprint with the BRZ but featured an electric powertrain that moved all four wheels.

More: Is This Subaru’s Next WRX Or Something Even More Extreme?

Subaru didn’t reveal the specifications of the Sport Mobility Concept. However, the dual electric motor setups of its current EVs generate as much as 377 hp (280 kW / 380 PS), which sounds more than enough for a sexy coupe.

What About A Hybrid?

Don’t count on it. Masahiko ruled out the possibility of fitting the current BRZ with a hybrid system, citing packaging constraints. Starting from scratch with a dedicated electric sports car, he said, would be simpler and more effective.

As for bringing small batches of BRZ units to Europe, Subaru has done it before with limited editions like the Final Edition (300 units for Germany) and the Touge Edition (60 units for Italy). But Masahiko made clear that importing more combustion-powered BRZs doesn’t make long-term sense under Europe’s regulatory landscape.

It remains to be seen whether the next sporty Subaru will still be twinned with a Toyota. Earlier reports from Japan suggested that a GR86 successor is being developed entirely in-house by Toyota, retaining a combustion engine at the front and a rear-wheel-drive layout.

Ford has become the latest automaker to report a hefty blow from tariffs enacted by the Trump administration. In their second quarter earnings report, the company revealed the increased fees cost them around $800 million.

More: Trump’s Tariffs Are Crushing VW’s Bottom Line

That’s substantially less than GM’s $1.1 billion hit, but the damage is far from over. If everything pans out as expected, tariffs could cost Ford about $2 billion this year alone. That would be enough to pay 20,000 employees $100,000 each or, possibly, address their embarrassing recallathon.

Strong Revenue, But Special Charges Drag Earnings

Beyond the tariff toll, Ford posted record second-quarter revenues of $50.2 billion. Despite this, the company “incurred a net loss of $36 million as a result of special items.” The company chalked the latter up to a “field service action and expenses related to a previously announced cancellation of an electric vehicle program,” which presumably refers to their axed three-row SUVs.

Ford has also adjusted its full-year outlook. The company now expects an adjusted EBIT of $6.5 to $7.5 billion, a drop from its earlier projection of $7.0 to $8.5 billion. This change reflects ongoing challenges, including those tied to supply chains, shifting demand, and the broader effects of trade policy.

Despite some mixed news, Ford CFO Sherry House said they’re transforming the Blue Oval into a “higher-growth, higher-margin and more durable business – and allocating capital where we can compete, win and grow.”

Trucks, Broncos, and a Boost in Market Share

Financial numbers aside, Ford said their truck portfolio delivered its best performance in 20 years and they also set a new record for Bronco sales. The automaker went on to cite high demand for the redesigned Expedition and Navigator, while the Ranger plug-in hybrid has been “well received across Europe.” Back in America, market share has climbed 1.7 points to 14.2%.

Ford noted electrified vehicles now account for nearly 14% of U.S. sales and they’ll be hosting an event on August 11. The company isn’t saying much at this point, but revealed they’ll “share more about our plans to design and build breakthrough electric vehicles in America.”

Motorcycle brands are struggling with a 15 percent fall in global demand, and Harley is faring worse than most. CEO Jochen Zeitz just revealed an 18 percent drop in registrations for 2025, along with news of a bargain-priced Hoglet that might just turn that slide around.

Related: Harley Rider Hits Deer At Speed And Somehow Never Falls Off

It’s no secret that Harley has been working on more affordable models for a while – the cheapest of its current bikes in the US costs around $10,000, making it irrelevant to many younger buyers. The brand will reveal the first of its budget machines later this year, ahead of sales starting in 2026, Zeit confirmed on a recent earnings call, adding that it was targeting a price “below $6,000.”

A Familiar Name, Revived

Called the Sprint – a name used on budget Harleys designed to combat Honda’s offensive in the 1960s – the new bike is due to be presented to dealers in October, and will be joined next year by a companion cruiser-style model presumably built around the same basic components.

No technical details were revealed, but in keeping with its price and aim of attracting new riders, it will have a much smaller capacity than the brand’s current 975-cc and up machines.

“Inspired by our heritage and the spirit of the iconic Harley Davidson Sprint motorcycle, this new bike embodies boldness, irreverence and fun, capturing the rebellious energy that defines the Harley-Davidson experience,” Zeitz said.

“We believe this motorcycle will not only be highly accessible, but also profitable, marking a significant step forward in driving Harley-Davidson’s future profitable growth and opening up a new path in motorcycle segment for the company in future years for its key markets.”

Harley hasn’t revealed where the bike will be manufactured or by whom. It has already found huge success marketing a circa-$3,000, single-cylinder bike, the X440, in India, but this is engineered and built by local company Hero Motorcorp and is not available in Europe or the US.

LiveWire Looks to Go Smaller

Zeit also confirmed that Harley’s struggling LiveWire electric sub-brand will also target younger, cost-conscious buyers by putting into production a pair of mini motos it showed in concept form earlier this year. The bikes, one intended for trails, the other for road use, can reach 30 mph (50 km) in 3 seconds, top out at 53 mph (85 km/h), and have a 100-mile (160 km) range.

The move comes at a critical time for LiveWire, which sold just 88 electric bikes in the first half of 2025, a steep 68 percent decline. The brand posted a $38.4 million loss over the same period, underscoring the urgency of finding a more viable product-market fit.

LiveWire

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It’s a great time to be a Skoda salesman. The Czech company’s registrations were up 13.6 percent in the first six months of 2025 due in no small part to the success of its electric SUVs, the Elroq and Enyaq. They’ll be joined this year by the smaller Epiq, but today Skoda reminded us that its big-selling sedans and wagons are also getting the EV treatment.

VW’s non-nonsense Czech brand is teasing the Vision O concept it will reveal in full at the Munich IAA in September. The ‘O’ tells us it previews the next-generation Octavia compact, which is due on sale before the end of the decade and features an EV drivetrain for the first time.

Related: Your Insane Appetite For SUVs Is Killing Skoda’s Dreams Of Fun Sports Cars, But There’s Hope

A single silhouetted image shows the unmistakable profile of a wagon, and one that looks sportier than anything Skoda has produced up until now. The windshield is swept back into a low roofline that drops slightly at the rear, where it’s met by a rear hatch angled to earn style and aero efficiency points, rather than luggage-carrying ones.

There’s a definite Audi feel to the design, which calls to mind the A6 e-tron Avant from sister company Audi, though the front and rear LED signature makes clear this is Skoda’s work. Skoda says the concept will show how the brand is developing its Modern Solid design language for the next generation of its cars.

Under the skin, the next Octavia isn’t twinned with the bigger A6 e-tron, which uses VW’s PPE platform, but the smaller VW ID.Golf that’s due to hit showrooms by 2029, around the same time as the Skoda. The Golf and Octavia EVs will ride on the Group’s SSP platform, and each gets 800-volt charging tech, but a longer wheelbase and overall length mean the Skoda will offer more interior and luggage space, and should cost slightly less. Owners have long argued that the Octavia is the best Golf.

Single and dual-motor powertrains will be on the menu when the production car hits the street in three to four years, but don’t expect it to render the current combustion Octavia obsolete immediately. The popularity of hybrid powertrains in Europe means the two models will likely overlap for some time.

The gallery below contains renderings Skoda released in 2023 when it first revealed plans for an electric Octavia.

Skoda

Not long ago, it looked like Maserati had quietly stepped away from the idea of an electric supercar. Reports suggested that the MC20 Folgore, originally expected to arrive this year, had been shelved. However, it turns out the project hasn’t been abandoned completely. Development has only been paused, not canceled, which means there’s still a chance the Folgore could see the light of day down the road.

More: Maserati’s Future Hinges On Alfa Romeo’s Lifeline

The MC20 Folgore was originally announced in 2020 during the debut of the V6-powered supercar. Things are not quite the same in 2025, though, with the market’s appetite for electric high-end performance models having cooled down. The situation wasn’t helped by Stellantis writing off €1.5 billion worth of investment in Maserati, leading to several pre-launch project cancellations, likely including the electric supercar.

Supercar on Standby

When asked recently about the project, Maserati CEO Santo Ficili explained the company’s current stance. “I don’t think it’s the right time to take this kind of supercar in the electrification direction. Let’s say we will see,” he told Autocar . He clarified that the Folgore’s development is well underway but has been put on hold to monitor how the market evolves.

There’s still a chance it could resurface as a battery-powered version of the recently unveiled MCPura, which made its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this month. For now, though,according to Ficili, everything hinges on whether there’s genuine demand for an electric supercar: “It’s crucial to have the customer ready to buy a car like this,” he noted.

With the development of the electric MC20 having reached an advanced stage, we can imagine it could hit the road if enough buyers with deep pockets reach out to Maserati and its specialized Fuoriserie division.

Still, Maserati’s CEO emphasized the fact that that the brand remains focused on the Nettuno powertrain: “We have this fantastic V6 engine that is to the satisfaction of our customers. We hold a different kind of power. This is our engine at this time.”

More: Maserati Could Still Shock Everyone With A V8 Revival

Ficili recently hinted at a new ICE-powered super-GT flagship with a manual gearbox developed in collaboration with Alfa Romeo. This model could be powered by an upgraded version of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, although Davide Danesin, Head of Maserati Engineering, recently suggested that the brand might bring back the V8 engine for special projects.

The reason, Danesin explained, is that some of their customers are still looking for “pure mechanical cars” as they have a “bad feeling” about having a large battery pack on a supercar due to the added complexity and the extra weight.

Maserati

Last year, we reported how extreme weather events may be dwindling the future of chocolate. Just last week, we saw an inkling of that: The Hershey Company announced it would significantly raise the cost of its candy in the face of historically high cocoa prices. So, we're revisiting host Emily Kwong's conversation with Yasmin Tayag, a food, health and science writer at The Atlantic. They get into the cocoa shortage: What's causing it, how it's linked to weather and poor farming conditions and what potential solutions exist. Plus, they enjoy a chocolate alternative taste test.