Sales of Audi EVs jumped by 32 percent in the first six months of 2025, even as the brand’s overall sales slid 5.9 percent, and leading the charge was the Q4 e-tron. Now the compact electric SUV is about to get a facelift that could help it grab a few more sales, including from market leader Tesla, whose global sales fell 14 percent in Q2.

Our spy photo crew already snapped the updated slope-tail Sportback version of the updated Q4 back in April, but this time they’ve captured the more practical standard version. The pair is identical from the B-pillars forward, but the regular e-tron spied here has a flatter roof and more upright rear window to improve rear passenger and luggage space at the expense of some visual drama.

Related: Audi Q4 E-Tron Glow Up Takes Aim At Tesla’s Model Y

Both are in line to deliver the same low-key visual improvements whose main elements are teaks to the lights, bumpers and grille. Audi has stopped short of giving the Q4 duo the split headlight arrangement used on their Q6 e-tron big brother, but it has transplanted the multi-segment DRL technology used on that car, the new A5 sedan and the A6 e-tron.

A new lower grille with a hexagonal mesh pattern replaces the grille made up of horizontal bars on today’s Q4, but the hood’s lack of disguise reveals there are no expensive changes to the sheetmetal. The Q4 also doesn’t get the A6’s flush door handles (the Q6 doesn’t have them either, though it’s Porsche Macan Electric cousin does).

One update we noticed on the Sportback prototype which is duplicated here is a bigger ADAS sensor at the top of the windshield. Unlike some other electric SUVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Q4 doesn’t currently offer a hands-off cruise control feature, though there’s no guarantee it’ll get it with the facelift.

What is guaranteed when the revised EV debuts later this year is an update to the infotainment system, which already features the ChatGPT-powered AI assistant that’s also been rolled out to other VW Group EVs like the Volkswagen Golf and ID.7. We’re also expecting some improvements to the electric driving range. The single-motor Q4 was boosted to 282 hp (286 PS/210 kW) in late 2023 and the dual-motor models have been able to charge at 175 kW since the same update.

But the most recent Q4 news focused on the addition of an entry-level Q4 35 e-tron (not available in the US) whose small 55 kWh battery can send you 221 miles (355 km) between charges, and a 40 e-tron with a 63 kWh battery that’s good for 263 miles (424 km).

Baldauf

The Mercedes G-Wagen (aka G-Wagon or G-Class) is a real if-my-numbers-came-up kind of daily for many of us. But even folks with lottery win-sized bank balances haven’t taken a shine to the new electric version, and thus Mercedes is making moves to get them moving.

A bulletin sent to dealers instructed retailers to offer incentives of up to $9,500 in August on the G580 with EQ technology. That’s $2,000 more than the $7,500 that was already on the table last month, and more than BYD charges for an entire Seagull EV in China. There are also deals to be had on the monthly G580 lease costs themselves in the form of promotional lease rates that bring the APR down to 4.3 percent.

Related: BMW Is Planning A Rugged G-Class Rival That May Kill The XM

CarsDirect suggests Mercedes is pushing out the deals to make hay before EV tax credits disappear in September, hoping to attract customers keen to secure a saving before the credits window closes. Although the G580 EQ wouldn’t qualify for the federal rebate (or the Mercedes incentive), if you were buying it outright, due to the combination of its high purchase price and foreign origin, those obstructions are removed if you lease it.

An almost five-figure discount would be game-changing on an ordinary car, but in this case we are talking about a $162,650 SUV. And more specifically, one that costs $13,000 more than the gas-powered G550 many people would prefer to drive, but unfortunately doesn’t qualify for the incentives. The $187,250 G63 AMG, the one almost everyone would – finances allowing – pick first, doesn’t qualify either.

The G580 EQ looks just as cool as a combustion G-Class and can do showboating tank turns, but it’s seriously compromised as an EV by its mammoth 6,800 lbs (3,085 kg) bulk and brick-like shape. Despite a huge 116 kWh battery, the 579 hp (588 PS / 432 kW) EQ has an EPA-rated range of only 239 miles (385 km), though reports claim a new battery coming in 2026 could add at least 100 miles (160 km) to that number.

However, if you can live with that drawback, have deep pockets, and don’t want to wait a year, now is a good time to jump in. CarsDirect says you can get into a G580 EQ for 36 months and 36,000 miles (58,000 km) for $1,869 per month, which works out at a true $2,275 once you’ve accounted for the $14,613 due at signing.

In the USA, electric vehicle sales are suffering some major hurdles. Tariffs, dying incentives, and preconceptions contribute to a reduction in sales momentum. Despite all that, overall EV sales have increased compared to 2024. In fact, the latest data suggests that EVs are getting more popular not just in America but in most other major markets around the world.

RHO Motion specializes in EV supply chain research and insights and sales data are a key factor in its business. After studying the first seven months, it says the entire globe is buying electric vehicles at a higher rate than last year. That rate isn’t a measly basis point or two either – sales are up globally by 27 percent year over year.

EV Sales Jan-Jul 2025 vs 2024

• Global: 10.7 million, +27%
• China: 6.5 million, +29%
• Europe: 2.3 million, +30%
• North America: 1.0 million, +2%
• Rest of World: 0.9 million, +42%

In total, 10.7 million EVs have been sold, the vast majority of which, specifically 6.5 million, in China. While that market is up 29 percent on its own, European EV sales are up 30 percent (2.3 M) over the same seven months in 2024. The “Rest of World” saw sales increase 42 percent up to 0.9 million. Notably, North America saw the least amount of growth (2 percent) with just 1 million sales.

More: Gas Cars Are Saving Kia From A Full-Blown Electric Sales Disaster

Of the slower uptake west of the Atlantic, RHO Motion says that “North America’s growth has been muted so far in 2025, with the US facing policy headwinds and Canada seeing a slowdown. We expect a short-term lift in US demand ahead of the IRA consumer tax credit deadline in September, followed by a likely dip. Despite regional variations, the overall trajectory for EV adoption in 2025 remains strongly upward.”

Notably, that growth is seeing some signs of slowing. China’s sales rate fell 13 percent from June to July. It’s unclear how much of that is tied to suspect subsidy programs. Overall, it appears that every market outside of the USA is embracing EVs and hybrid technology. Whether or not that affects the U.S. auto industry is something we won’t know for quite a while.

Credit: RHO Motion

Touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons seemed futuristic when Volkswagen introduced them, but they’ve sparked more frustration than admiration. Now, according to a new class action lawsuit in the US, these capacitive controls may not just be inconvenient – they could pose a genuine safety risk.

Read: VW Getting Rid Of Dreaded Touch-Sensitive Controls On Steering Wheels

A few years back, Volkswagen admitted that touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons were a misstep and pledged to return to physical switches in future models. That decision, however, does little for current owners still stuck with controls that the common consensus is that they are far too finicky.

According to the lawsuit, these overly sensitive controls mean it’s possible to automatically engage the Adaptive Cruise Control with a “mere light brush of the hand,” potentially putting drivers in dangerous situations.

Focus on the ID.4

The case is focused on VW ID.4 models equipped with these capacitive buttons and names two plaintiffs who are reportedly now “terrified and hesitant” to drive their vehicles. The class action also alleges that VW has failed to disclose the alleged defect, nor has it offered its customers suitable repairs or replacements free of charge, or even offered to reimburse its customers.

It’s also been alleged that VW has known about the problem because of customer complaints, internal records, and information sent from dealers.

The plaintiffs involved assert that Volkswagen is guilty of common law fraud by omission, alongside breach of express and implied warranty and unjust enrichment. The lawsuit has been filed in a New Jersey federal court and also asserts that the company has violated consumer protection laws in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

While it’s been almost three years since VW said it’d ditch its capacitive steering wheel controls, we will have to wait until the launch of the all-electric ID.2all before physical steering wheel buttons make a return. As such, it’ll likely take the German brand several years to completely phase out the haptic switches from the rest of its model range.

The big news from Ford the past week was the announcement of the $30k electric pickup arriving in 2027, an EV that’s just the first of many coming in the next five years. But its engineers say the really big story is how they ripped up the rulebook on building EVs to come up with a production process that will leave rivals, and especially newcomers in the industry, floundering in its wake.

“I don’t think many legacy car manufacturers could pull off a project like this,” said Doug Field, Ford’s Chief EV, Digital and Design Officer. “And I don’t believe new electric vehicle startups will be able to keep up with our Ford engineers and manufacturing teams making this a reality.”

Related: Mustang Mach-E Appears Unable To Stop Before Violent Crash In Viral Clip

Ford’s Universal Electric Vehicle Platform was conceived by a small skunkworks team headed by former Tesla engineer Alan Clarke, who worked in near secrecy in California with a bunch of brains recruited from inside and outside of the automaker’s ranks.

The architecture the team created broke from Ford tradition in key ways. One is the use of unicasting, where large one-piece aluminum castings replace multiple welded panels on a current Ford vehicle. This technology – also being used or developed by other brands, including Tesla and Toyota – allowed the team to eliminate three-quarters of the parts, two-thirds of the welds, and half of the fasteners versus a traditional pickup. Another big leap that saves both time and weight is the removal of almost a mile (1.6 km) of wiring versus an older of Blue Oval’s EV.

Ford

But equally important is how these new-generation EVs will be produced inside Ford plants. Henry Ford is credited with revolutionizing the car industry by introducing a moving production line that ramped up efficiency and drove down cost. Now, though, the company is moving away from the idea of a single production line to what it calls a production tree.

Instead of vehicles moving down one track, they’ll start off on three parallel lines, one building the front, one the rear and the other the structural battery core. When each sub-section is complete the three lines converge and the EV is finished off, having spent far less time in build than a conventional car. Ford says these combined efficiencies – the platform and the production process – will help it compete with Chinese automakers.

“The Model T was affordable not because it was a thrifted version of other cars, but because brilliant minds took fundamentally new approaches to old problems,” said Doug Field. “That’s exactly what we set out to do in creating the Ford Universal Electric Vehicle Platform.”

Ford says the 2027 mid-size electric truck will be as quick as an Ecoboost Mustang and as roomy as a Toyota RAV4. It also promised a five-year cost of ownership that will be “lower than buying a three-year-old Tesla Model Y.” Images shown at the pickup’s announcement revealed the same platform could be used to create a diverse range of other vehicles from a two-door panel van to a three row SUV.

In small town Washington — where hydropower is plentiful — data centers are creating jobs and funding amenities. But water and energy aren't unlimited — and some worry about long-term sustainability.

(Image credit: Megan Farmer)

The Dodge Charger Daytona hasn’t exactly had the greatest start to life. Early reviews were critical of its driving dynamics, the base price isn’t exactly competitive when performance is factored in, and it started out as a two-door only, which limits its target demographic. Now, at least one dealer might have a way to interest more buyers, and it’s a lease that’ll cost less per month than the average American spends on coffee.

More: You Can Now Lease A Nissan Ariya For Less Than A Leaf S

Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram is in the midst of what it’s calling a back-to-school sale. It’s offering low APR, thousands of dollars off some models, and one particularly wild-sounding lease deal. That deal is on the aforementioned Charger Daytona, and it reportedly costs just $49.99 a month for buyers who qualify. Since there’s no such thing as a free lunch, though, the list of requirements is where things start to get complicated.

Credit and Rebates

First and foremost, the customer must have the right credit score. Specifically, they have to qualify for tier 1 approval. Typically, that’s a credit score of 750 or higher. On top of that, they have to qualify for five different rebates. The biggest one, the federal EV tax credit of $7,500, is one that lots of people will be eligible for. The others, though, aren’t as simple.

A $1,000 rebate for “lease bonus cash” is only available to customers currently leasing another car. An even larger $4,000 rebate is for “West BC SFS Lease Bonus Cash.” In other words, one has to live in the Western Business Center of Stellantis and finance the loan through it. A further $2,000 rebate is only available to friends and family of Stellantis workers. Finally, a $500 rebate kicks in for first responders or military members.

The $5,000 Fine Print

Provided that all of that checks out, the $49.99 is still on the table, but from what we’re hearing, the fine print makes the deal look a little less sweet. Evidently, buyers need to put at least $5,000 down to get it, which effectively makes the monthly payment closer to $200 over the course of 24 months. Even so, that’s not a bad deal.

What complicates things is that the dealership hasn’t disclosed the mileage allowance, which could mean that it’s set low enough to keep costs down. For anyone driving more than a short commute, the overage penalties could may erase any perceived savings.

So while $49.99 a month makes for an eye-catching headline, the layers of conditions, hefty down payment, and probable mileage cap make it a deal that looks far better on paper than in practice. Elk Grove may draw attention with the figure, but once the fine print is accounted for, most shoppers will recognize it as little more than a flashy number that doesn’t match the reality of driving the car.

All things considered, would this deal be enough to get you into a new Dodge Charger Daytona? Let us know in the comments below.

Carscoops reached out to Elk Grove for further details and will update this piece if we hear back. 

Volvo has adjusted course on its electrification strategy, choosing not to go EV-only but instead continuing to offer updated versions of its combustion-powered models alongside their electric counterparts. The first to illustrate this dual-track approach is the 90 series, where the facelifted XC90 joins the all-new EX90. At a recent local test drive event, we had the chance to experience both SUVs side by side, taking each for a spin to see how they compare.

The EX90 was originally introduced in late 2022, but production didn’t start until mid-2024 due to supply issues and lingering software bugs. On the other hand, the second-generation XC90, originally debuted in 2014, received a mild refresh in 2019, and has just been treated to a more thorough update in 2024.

More: Volvo’s Reborn XC70 Is For The EV Skeptics

The two Swedish SUVs have similar footprints with three rows of seats. However, they ride on different underpinnings, as the XC90 retains the original SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform, while the EX90 utilizes the much newer SPA 2 architecture. More importantly, the XC90 offers mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options, while the EX90 is exclusively available in fully electric form.

QUICK SPECS

With the specifications laid out, the question becomes how these SUVs measure up in design, cabin quality, and on-road character.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who’s the Fairest of Them All?

Both models cut an imposing figure on the road, though the EX90 stretches a little longer with its extended rear overhang. The XC90’s 2024 facelift, particularly its redesigned front fascia, succeeds in giving the veteran SUV a fresher appearance without altering the bulk of its bodywork.

The XC90’s grille features a distinctive pattern that immediately sets it apart from the EX90’s minimalist, closed-off face. I personally prefer the look of the XC90’s slimmer LED headlights with Thor’s hammer graphics over the EX90’s pixel-style DRLs with the overly complex split-opening theatrics. As for the faux side intakes of the XC90, in my opinion it wouldn’t hurt if they were smaller as they serve no real purpose.

More: Volvo ES90 Takes On BMW i5 With More Style And Range

From the side, the EX90 asserts its modernity with a clamshell hood, sharper dynamic lines, and flared fenders that integrate more seamlessly into the body. The same applies to the futuristic design of the 22-inch wheels that edge out the classy but conservative looks of the XC90’s 21-inch alloys.

The rear end is probably the weakest point of the XC90, with the EX90 looking one generation ahead. Don’t get me wrong – I always liked the aristocratic elegance of the big ICE-powered Volvo SUV but its tail has remained the same over the past decade and it can no longer hide its age. Having said that, I’m not a huge fan of the split taillight arrangement of the EX90 with extra LEDs flanking the rear glass.

Minimalism Over Perceived Quality

Moving inside, the EX90 bets on minimalism, while the XC90 does a better job in the perceived quality with bigger chunks of fabric and wood inserts on the dashboard. The floating center console of the EV has more space for storage and a cool little case for the key, but I still prefer the more traditional setup of the XC90 with the crystal-like shifter.

In terms of tech, the XC90 has recently gained a 11.2 inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The EX90 has a bigger and more commanding 14.5-inch touchscreen that’s joined by a smaller but easier to read 9-inch instrument cluster.

More: This New Seatbelt Reacts To Your Body Before A Crash Even Happens

The Google-powered infotainment software with crisp graphics is shared between the two, although the absence of physical buttons and shortcuts is a bit more frustrating in the EV. Overall, I didn’t like the fact I was several clicks away from accessing the selectable driving modes, but at least the climate controls are always visible on the lower end of the screen.

Predictably, the cabins of the SUVs feel similarly spacious. According to the spec sheets, the XC90 has slightly less headroom than the EX90, although it does have a touch of extra hip room on the third row. The boot is nearly identical, with 662 lt (23.4 cubic feet) for the EX90 and 668 lt (23.6 cubic feet) for the XC90 (both measured with the third-row seats folded). The seats are superb in both models, offering great levels of comfort and support for various body types.

Staying loyal to Volvo’s safety fixation (and reputation), both models come with sophisticated ADAS suites and a limited top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). However, only the EX90 has a roof-mounted LiDAR, with the XC90 still relying on radar and camera sensors.

The Driving Experience is the Decisive Factor

My drive started with the XC90, as I wanted to see if it would still impress me as much as its predecessor did when I first drove it many years ago. It most certainly did. The ride is smooth, the cabin is serene, and it still feels like an excellent long-distance cruiser.

Predictably, the XC90 still feels like a big and heavy SUV when you push it in the corners, with a healthy amount of body roll despite the efforts of the self-leveling air suspension. With a combined output of 449 hp (335 kW / 455 PS) from its plug-in hybrid powertrain, the SUV is no slouch, but it’s clearly more geared towards comfort than outright performance.

More: Volvo Doesn’t Need Wagons Anymore, Says SUVs Are The Future

The EX90, on the other hand, feels like a step into the future. You immediately feel the difference the newer chassis makes in ride quality, combined with the more sophisticated dual-chamber air suspension. In Comfort mode, it glides over bumps, while Performance mode tightens it up reducing body roll. Furthermore, the steering of the EV feels quicker and more direct, doing a better job in disguising its heavyweight nature.

The EX90 we drove came fitted with the Performance powertrain which is a $5,000 option in the US. This dials up the combined output of the dual electric motors to 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS) from the standard 397 hp (296 kW / 402 PS). Overall, the half-second advantage over the PHEV in the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint might not sound that big on paper, but the instant torque delivery and overall responsiveness make the EV feel significantly quicker on the road.

Final Thoughts

After spending a limited amount of time with Volvo’s two flagship SUVs, I reached two clear conclusions. The facelifted XC90 remains a strong contender in the segment, with welcome improvements in the design and ride quality. However, when driven back-to-back with the fully electric EX90, it’s clear the latter takes the lead in performance, comfort, and driving dynamics. Volvo was right to keep the ICE-powered XC90 in the lineup with thoughtful updates, but for those open to an electric-only option, the newer EX90 makes the more compelling case – even with a higher price tag.

Photos: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops

If you thought subscription fatigue was already creeping into your streaming accounts, Volkswagen is happy to add some more to your car. Over in the UK, entry-level ID.3 Pure models, listed as having 168 hp (170 kW) on VW’s configurator, actually have just 148 hp (110 kW) unless buyers pay an extra fee. Yes, Volkswagen is charging customers more to give the power their cars already have.

More: Rivian Software Boss Says Google Cast In, Buttons Out, Open To Range And Power Boost Subscriptions

As far as subscriptions go, this one is somewhat baffling. 20 horsepower and 33 lb-ft isn’t all that much to write home about. It’s such a small boost in power that Volkswagen says it won’t affect the overall range of the ID.3 at all.

The Cost of Extra Power

British drivers can cough up £16.50 (equal to $22.50 at current exchange rates) per month for the upgrade, almost three times the price of a basic Netflix subscription, or £165 ($225) per year. If you want to skip the monthly hassle, VW also offers a one-time “lifetime” payment of £649 ($878). It’s unclear whether that’s tied to the car or your user account, but either way, it’s a lot of cash for a modest performance bump.

According to AutoExpress, the added power won’t affect insurance rates. That’s great and all, but it’s because the ID.3 is rated at 168 hp from the factory, even if you’re driving around without the upgrade and, thus, with 20 fewer ponies. Only time will tell whether or not owners figure out how to hack this system – and if they do, whether this voids Volkswagen’s warranty or not.

Volkswagen’s Defense

On its part, Volkswagen compared this approach to traditional engine lineups, where the same displacement could be offered in multiple states of tune at different price points. In a statement to the magazine, the company said:

“Offering more power to customers is nothing new… These traditionally are higher up in the product range, with more specification and a higher list price. If customers wish to have an even sportier driving experience, they now have an option to do so, within the life of the vehicle, rather than committing from the outset with a higher initial purchase price. The car is presented on the configurator with [201bhp], with the option made very clear to customers.”

Subscriptions, Subscriptions Everywhere

Obviously, the VW ID.3 is far from the only one playing the subscription game. This isn’t even the only subscription available from the German brand. It’ll also sell customers ambient lighting, navigation, voice control, and even heated seats via subscription

And it’s hardly alone. BMW, Mercedes, and Tesla all offer similar unlocks, though when it comes to performance, most rivals deliver more value per dollar.

Ford offers 100 lb-ft (135 Nm) of torque for $995, Polestar 68 more horsepower for $1,195, and Mercedes 60-110 hp for $1,200. Even gas-burning tunes from the factory offer more power per dollar than Volkswagen for doing little more than changing some code. Call me cynical, but that’s not shocking from what seems like the world’s least passionate automaker. 

Giant dams built to conserve the Colorado River have nearly wiped out nearby native cottonwood trees, causing big ecosystem disruption. Tiny dams built to mimic those built by beavers could bring them back.

The first day of the new school year near Austin, Texas, started in a way no transportation professional or school official would ever want. Thankfully, everyone involved in the rollover crash on their way home have since been released from the hospital.

Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services confirmed a school bus rollover involving Leander Independent School District occurred Aug. 13 at 3:15 p.m. The school bus, which primarily transports students to and from Bagdad Elementary School, was transporting 42 children, leaving 12 needing transport to the hospital, including the school bus driver.

At the time of the crash, most students had not yet been dropped off.

The National Transportation Safety Board announced the day following the crash it is coordinating with the Texas Department of Public Safety on a safety investigation.

Sgt. Billy Ray, the public information officer for Texas DPS, noted the preliminary crash investigation indicates the school bus was traveling south on Nameless Road, which includes a slight curve. For an unknown reason as of this report, the school bus left the right side of the roadway and rolled over.

Medical services noted that one passenger suffered life-threatening injuries, two had potentially life-threatening injuries. However, everyone has since been released from the hospital.

The 2024 Blue Bird school bus was equipped with lap/shoulder seatbelts, per state law. The state requires model-year 2018 or newer school buses to be equipped with the three-point seatbelts. School districts can opt out if the board determines that the cost exceeds the district’s budget and votes on it during a public meeting.

Related: WATCH: Texas District Uses ‘Bus Buddies’ Program to Ease School Bus Ride Anxiety
Related: Not So Fast: Technology Eyes Speed Reduction in School Buses
Related: Connecticut School Bus Company Publishes Bilingual Book to Ease First-Day Bus Anxiety
Related: Missouri Students Learn School Bus, Fire Safety During Back-to-School Bash
Related: School Bus Seatbelt Law Appears Imminent in Illinois

Information on whether students were wearing their lap/shoulder seatbelts was unknown at this time. But state law says students are required to wear the occupant restraints if the school bus is equipped with them.

Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing noted that information on the school bus driver was limited, but they are a “seasoned veteran bus driver.”

Gearing added that in addition to the deadly Central Texas floods last month, the Leander ISD family has been through a lot. “This tragedy is breaking our hearts,” he said. “We want each of the students and their families to know that our prayers are with them. Our thoughts are with them. And we will do everything in our power to support them.”

The post NTSB Investigating Texas School Bus Crash appeared first on School Transportation News.

The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) announced Minakshi Chilagani, a student at River Trail Middle School in Johns Creek, Georgia, is the overall national winner of the 2024–2025 National School Bus Safety Poster Contest.

The poster contest, organized annually by NAPT, is a long-standing tradition that encourages students to engage creatively with school bus safety messaging. It not only promotes awareness but empowers students to become ambassadors for safe school transportation in their communities.

Chilagani’s detailed artwork was chosen from student entries across the country in five different grade groups. Her poster will be featured nationwide during National School Bus Safety Week, happening Oct. 20–24, 2025. This year’s theme, “Safety First – Safety Always,” really comes through in her creative take on how to stay safe both on the bus and around it.

The winning poster was praised for illustrating core safety messages such as the importance of situational awareness, listening to the school bus driver, lining up properly while awaiting to board, staying seated during the ride, and avoiding the “most dangerous danger zone” around the bus.

In addition to NAPT, the panel of judges included the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, and the National School Transportation Association. Each entry was evaluated based on safety impact, originality, artistic quality, and visual effectiveness.

Other students from across the country were also recognized as divisional winners in their respective grade categories. Among the younger divisions, Skylar Roque from Smyrna Elementary in Georgia took first place for grades K–2. Harshini Lingam Muhilan from Unity Charter School in Morristown, New Jersey, won first place in grades 3–5. Chilagani also placed first in her own category, grades 6–8. In the Special Education division, first place went to Jace Reeves from Feagin Mill Middle School in Warner Robins, Georgia. Emma Machiski from Shenendehowa Central School District in Clifton Park, New York, won first place in the Computer-Aided Drawing division.

Looking ahead, the theme for the 2025–2026 contest will be “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes.” Students may begin submitting entries between Nov. 2, 2025, and April 3, 2026. Full contest rules and submission information are available here.

Related: Missouri Students Learn School Bus, Fire Safety During Back-to-School Bash
Related: NC Transportation Manager Channels Passion for Education, Safety into Children’s Books
Related: New York Middle Schooler Wins Annual Poster Contest
Related: School Bus Safety Act Renews Call for Seatbelts, Other Safety Improvements

The post Georgia Middle School Student Wins National School Bus Safety Poster Contest appeared first on School Transportation News.

The “Bus Buddies” program returned to Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District in Texas, making the first school bus rides of the new school year a safe and fun experience for students.

An initiative that’s been at Cypress-Fairbanks for over a decade, the Bus Buddies program is designed to help younger students in the district’s 59 elementary campuses who are learning proper school bus safety and the route home from school. The program has one volunteer per school bus to ride with the students and ensure they know which stop to exit the bus. Kayne Smith, Cy-Fair ISD’s transportation director, said that the volunteers come from the community, school administration, and school board members.

The volunteers rode along with the students for the first two days of school to “assist school bus drivers to ensure our youngest riders ride safely, including wearing seatbelts, staying seated, and most importantly, ensuring they know safely exit the bus at the correct stop on the first day of school,” explained Smith.

“This has been a very successful program with hundreds of volunteers in our district. We are very fortunate for this support from our administration, Board, and community for our drivers and our youngest students on these first days of school,” he added.

Related: Missouri Students Learn School Bus, Fire Safety During Back-to-School Bash
Related: Tennessee Kindergartner Found Safe After School Bus Mix-Up
Related: Connecticut School Bus Company Publishes Bilingual Book to Ease First-Day Bus Anxiety

The post WATCH: Texas District Uses ‘Bus Buddies’ Program to Ease School Bus Ride Anxiety appeared first on School Transportation News.

A Nashville family is raising serious concerns after a 5-year-old kindergartner with autism was mistakenly placed on a school bus and then left wandering alone for nearly an hour on Monday afternoon, reported WSMV 4.

Zontrail Brinson, a nonverbal student at Ida B. Wells Elementary School, was supposed to be picked up by a parent at school dismissal. However, school officials said there was a “tagging error,” and Brinson was placed on a school bus then dropped off several blocks away, alone and unsupervised.

“It’s scary. I wouldn’t want to be alone by myself, especially being nonverbal,” said Rosalind Derrick, Brinson’s grandmother.

She explained that the family only learned of the incident when Brinson’s mother arrived at the school to pick him up and was told he wasn’t there.

Derrick told local news reporters that Brinson was dropped off at the intersection of 7th Street and Howerton, near Meigs Middle School, and began walking down the sidewalk. She said the school bus driver briefly spoke to the child but received no response and allowed him to exit the bus.

“When you didn’t see an adult, you should have just called the school or taken him back to the school,” she advised.

Brinson was eventually located by a police officer at a nearby playground and safely reunited with his family. While thankful unharmed, Derrick said the ordeal is every parent and guardian’s nightmare.

“I’m a praying grandmother. I was just praying and trusting that he would be found and everything would be okay,” she said.

Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) acknowledged the incident and apologized.

“We deeply regret the distress this caused the family and are grateful the student was found safe,” said Sean Braisted, a district spokesperson. “As soon as the school was notified, staff and a school resource officer responded quickly and located the student at a park near his home. The school and transportation teams are reviewing the incident and reinforcing dismissal protocols to help ensure this does not happen again.”

Braisted clarified that as part of MNPS’s onboarding process, all kindergarten students zoned for school bus service receive a transportation tag. In this case, a teacher mistakenly attached a bus tag to Brinson’s backpack, which led to him being placed on a school bus despite the family’s plan for him to be picked up.

Related: California Student Left Alone in Hot School Bus
Related: Georgia Woman Outraged After Daughter Kicked Off School Bus During Rainstorm
Related: Ohio Parents Sue School District After 6-Year-Old Left on Bus for Hours
Related: 6-Year-Old Left on School Bus for Hours

The post Tennessee Kindergartner Found Safe After School Bus Mix-Up appeared first on School Transportation News.

Big ambitions sometimes meet unexpected detours, and for Rivian, one such moment reportedly involved a flooded factory floor in Normal, Illinois. A few months ago, operations came to a sudden stop when a forklift operator hit an overhead water pipe, sending water through the facility.

In a TikTok video reportedly posted by someone identifying as the driver, he alleged that he was under the influence and listening to music through his headphones at the time.

Read: From Cracked Skulls To Lost Fingers, Worker Injuries Pile Up At Rivian Plant

It shows him reversing the forklift along the line, but unbeknownst to him, it was too high, and the bright red water pipe was running a little too low. The top of the forklift can be seen smashing into the water pipe, splitting it in two, and causing water to pour into the factory.

According to the operator, who goes by the handle “deryiooo” on TikTok, work on the line had to be halted while other staffers were forced to clean up the mess. While he no longer works for Rivian, he says he was not immediately fired for slamming into the water pipe and only had to file an incident report.

@deryiooo The day I flooded rivian and cost them $457,345 😂😭 and almost got sued 😳 (is a story time necessary) FOR THE 2nd TIME FOLLOW FOR MORE CONTENT #BLACKLISTED #viral #tiktokviral #rivian ♬ original sound – Keepingthetabs

While he was not initially let go, he says that several months later, he did lose his job at Rivian. At around the same time, he also received a letter in the mail, revealing that the incident had caused $457,345 worth of damage.

Carscoops has reached out to Rivian, asking for additional information about the incident and when it occurred. Some online commenters have claimed it took place in the factory’s battery department and that similar incidents have occurred at least twice before. According to those same unverified accounts, the forklift driver may have struck the overhead water pipes on two or possibly three occasions.

@deryiooo (Follow for story time) Aftermath of the work accident I had that caused 400k and damages at rivian 😳😳 #viral #tiktok #rivian ♬ sonido original – Mr. HardHat

@deryiooo Story time when I flooded Rivian with my forklift truck and didn’t lose my job LIKE SHARE FOLLOW AND COMMENT #viral #tiktok #rivian #viraltiktok ♬ original sound – Keepingthetabs

Chevrolet has trotted out a handful of Corvette concepts over the past few months and that continues today with the new CX and CX.R Vision Gran Turismo. They’re futuristic supercars that were created by the Chevrolet Performance Studio in Warren, Michigan.

Interestingly, Chevrolet emphasized that while the CX and CX.R are not bound for production, “the pair will serve as inspiration to inform Corvette design language for years to come“.

Unveiled at The Quail, the CX embraces “quintessential Corvette hallmarks” while pushing the car into radical new territory. It features an evolutionary front fascia with aggressive intakes and slender lighting units. They’re joined by sleek bodywork and pronounced wheel arches, which stand out as the car is less than 41 inches (1041 mm) tall.

More: New Corvette Concept Pushes C9 Into Radical New Territory Without A V8

Aerodynamics played a big role in the design and there are a couple of active components including the front diffuser and rear wing. Chevrolet also took a cue from the McMurtry Spéirling as the concept has built-in fans that “draw air through the open-channel bodywork, generating massive downforce and adjusting the airflow over the rear diffuser to refine aerodynamic balance in real-time.”

The jet-like canopy opens forward to reveal a minimalist cabin with Inferno Red sports seats wrapped in premium silicone leather. We can also see milled aluminum components and forged carbon fiber accents.

On the technology front, the Corvette CX has a motorsport-inspired steering wheel with an integrated display. Chevrolet said it’s used to operate all major controls and keep the driver’s focus on the road ahead. Aiding in this is a ‘digital windscreen,’ which apparently acts as a massive heads-up display.

Since we’re in fantasy land, Chevrolet said the car features four electric motors that generate a combined output in excess of 2,000 hp (1,491 kW / 2,028 PS). They’re powered by a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery and give the concept four-wheel torque vectoring.

Corvette CX.R Vision Gran Turismo

The Corvette CX.R Vision Gran Turismo follows in the footsteps of the standard CX, but was designed for racing. As a result, it wears a black and yellow livery as well as a more extreme aero package.

The changes immediately stand out as we can see a larger front splitter, revised intakes, and sportier side skirts. They’re joined by a fixed rear wing and a ventilated engine cover.

Drivers will find a lightweight carbon fiber dashboard and purpose-built seats wrapped in suede. The cabin also has a revamped steering wheel and yellow accents.

Chevrolet envisions the race car would use a twin-turbo 2.0-liter V8 engine that runs on e-fuel and produces 900 hp (671 kW / 913 PS). It’s connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which sends power to the rear wheels.

The car has also been outfitted with three electric motors as there’s one for each front wheel as well as a third in the aforementioned gearbox. The company said this would provide “instant torque” as well as a combined output of 2,000 hp (1,491 kW / 2,028 PS).

Both cars will come to Gran Turismo 7 later this month as Chevrolet worked with Polyphony Digital to incorporate them into the iconic racing game.

Those of you who thought the Mahindra BE 6 had a touch of Batmobile flair may feel vindicated, as the company is now offering a Batman Edition of the EV. Marketed as “the world’s first commercially available Batman-inspired SUV”, it will be limited to 300 units and sold exclusively in India.

The Mahindra BE 6 Batman Edition was developed in partnership with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products, similar to last year’s Pininfarina specials. Unlike the ultra-exclusive, high-priced models from Mahindra’s luxury arm,this collaboration applies the Batman aesthetic to a more accessible electric SUV.

More: Bruce Wayne’s Manhattan Mansion Now Sells Million-Dollar Pininfarina Batmobiles

The movie franchise may have moved on to Matt Reeves’ The Batman starring Robert Pattinson, but this edition takes its cues from Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy, where Christian Bale donned the iconic suit.

Bat Stickers Galore

Visually, the stealthy exterior of the BE 6 combines a custom Satin Black shade with gloss black accents. However, the standout feature is the Batman decal on the front doors, complemented by a golden bat emblem on the front fenders. Gold also appears on the springs and brake calipers, tucked behind the 20-inch alloy wheels.

Mahindra designers added more bat emblems on the hub caps, rear bumper, windows, and rear windshield, knowing that the SUV will be driven by the biggest fans of the DC Comics superhero – if not by Bruce Wayne himself.

Furthermore, there is a Batman Edition sticker on the rear door cladding and special puddle lights serving as the equivalent of the Bat Signal spotlight for the road. Another highlight is the Infinity Roof with an illuminated Dark Knight Trilogy Bat emblem on the glass.

More: Warner Bros Is Building 10 Batman Tumblers, Each Priced At $2.99 Million

As expected, the Batman treatment carries through to the cabin. Black suede and leather upholstery are paired with gold accents and detailing. The bat silhouette appears on the seats, interior labels, door straps, dashboard trim, and in the custom welcome graphics of the digital cockpit. A final touch is the “Brushed Alchemy Gold Batman Edition” numbered plaque mounted on the center console.

Mahindra

Pratap Bose, Chief Design and Creative Officer at Mahindra & Mahindra commented: “The BE 6 has always been about boldness and forward thinking. With the Batman Edition, we wanted to go further – to create something so personal, so visually arresting, that owning it feels like owning a piece of cinematic history. We’ve obsessed over even the smallest detail, so that every time you look at it, you discover something new.”

Performance and pricing

This special edition is based on the most powerful BE 6 variant, producing 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque from a single rear-mounted electric motor. Its 79 kWh battery delivers a WLTP range of 550 km (342 miles).

Mahindra even gave it “Batman-inspired” exterior sounds, because if you are going to drive something like this, it might as well sound like it’s about to chase down the Joker.

Pricing starts at ₹27.79 lakh (about $27,200), roughly $1,000 more than the standard model, yet still making it one of the cheapest rides you could picture in Bruce Wayne’s fictional garage. Only 300 will be made, with orders opening August 23 and first deliveries timed perfectly for International Batman Day on September 20, just in case you wanted an excuse to wear a cape to the dealership

Next year, new car buyers looking for a high-end SUV with a luxury badge and cutting-edge tech will have something new to consider: an all-electric version of the Porsche Cayenne.

The EV follows in the tire tracks of the Macan Electric, offering a distinct design, an entirely battery-powered drivetrain, and a healthy performance boost, all while being sold alongside its combustion-engine sibling. For now, this prototype provides us with the clearest look yet at what’s to come.

Electric Design Language

Like the Macan Electric, the EV variant of the Cayenne will break from the smooth, flowing lines of the gas-powered model. The design appears more upright and muscular, starting at the front with a headlight treatment that mirrors the Macan. Each unit includes four slim horizontal daytime running lights that also function as turn signals.

Read: Porsche’s Next Electric SUV Could Be The Most Controversial One Yet

Baldauf

Much of the front end of this prototype has been covered by non-production-spec parts, but we can make out the shape of the lower grilles, the central positioning of the main radar unit, and the general shape of the bumper. Those lower grilles will be similar to what’s found on the 992.2-generation 911, meaning they have the ability to be opened or closed.

The rear-end design of the electric Porsche Cayenne should also look familiar. Like its smaller electric sibling, the new model will rock narrow LED taillights, likely joined by a light bar. Some of the plastic design details on the bumper and the diffuser also look a little cheap, but these elements should be refined by the time the production model is revealed.

More: Porsche’s Electric Cayenne Dash Packs Four Screens And Barely Any Buttons

Earlier spy shots give us a good idea of what to expect inside. The cabin will feature a fully digital curved instrument cluster, a wide central infotainment screen, a dedicated passenger display, and a separate touchscreen for climate controls. While this modern, screen-heavy layout may not appeal to every longtime Porsche fan, it’s clearly aligned with the brand’s push toward a more connected, tech-centric driving experience.

Serious Electric Performance

While debate may rage about the SUV’s design, power-hungry buyers should be more than satisfied with the performance on offer. Though official specs haven’t been released yet, early estimates suggest the base model could produce around 400 hp, with the mid-tier S variant climbing to nearly 600.

At the top of the range, the Turbo versions could push past 1,000 horsepower, comfortably outpacing the already formidable 730 hp from the current Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. Expect the quickest model to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in the low two-second range, though Porsche will likely cap top speed at 155 mph (250 km/h), as it often does with its EVs.

When it comes to driving range, Porsche is reportedly aiming for between 350 and 400 miles on a full charge, depending on the variant. That figure would keep the Cayenne EV competitive with other high-performance electric SUVs, while also offering the kind of long-distance capability buyers expect at this level.

Baldauf

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says he doesn't agree with federal subsidies for high-speed EV chargers, but that his department "will respect Congress' will" and release the funds.

(Image credit: Patrick T. Fallon)

As one of the largest school transportation operations in Illinois, Indian Prairie School District 204 runs a fleet of nearly 300 vehicles and more than 1,200 routes. When the impact of the bus driver shortage grew in 2019, maintaining this operation required a greater number of substitute drivers. Ron Johnson, the district’s director of support operations, looked to assist their sub drivers — as well as address a need for improved parent communication — with technology.

Indian Prairie has a longstanding partnership with Tyler Technologies, having been a user of Tyler’s routing software since 2008. Johnson turned to Tyler for solutions that would integrate with their existing software, ultimately becoming an early adopter of Tyler Drive tablets in the 2018-2019 school year. With Tyler Drive tablets installed on the district’s vehicles, paper route sheets were eliminated. Regular and substitute drivers gained turn-by-turn voice navigation through the tablets, reducing driver distraction — and, thereby, increasing student safety.

To learn more about Tyler Technologies’ student transportation solutions that connect drivers, routers, and parents, watch their Tyler Drive webinar.

Driving Efficiency

Tyler Drive tablets have also helped increase route efficiency and on-time performance at Indian Prairie.

“Before implementing Tyler Drive, our on-time network was 80.02%,” said Johnson. “Pre-pandemic, Tyler Drive helped us increase our on-time network to more than 97.50%. In 2024, with a shortage of 15 drivers, we were at 95.33%.”

Johnson attributes these improvements to drivers sticking to the approved routes that Tyler Drive guides them through. Substitute drivers are less likely to get lost, and visibility into driver activity and real-time GPS tracking helps identify inefficiencies.

Keeping Parents in the Know

In addition to using Tyler’s student transportation software and Tyler Drive tablets, Indian Prairie keeps parents informed with Tyler’s parent communication mobile app.

“Our parents were asking for a way to be alerted when a bus would arrive late and to receive timely communication from schools about bus incidents,” said Johnson. The parent app integrates with the district’s other Tyler solutions, leveraging data and dynamic communication that delivers an improved experience and real-time information for parents.

Johnson said, “Parents have access to route information and ETA, and we can notify parents of a delay on their specific route.”

Tyler’s parent app is flexible, allowing both manual and automated information and communication. While districts can manually send targeted messages to parents, approved updates in Tyler Drive automatically sync with the parent app. This gives parents instant notifications about changes to the driver, bus, or ETA for their children’s routes, without adding to the transportation team’s workload. Tyler Drive’s turn-by-turn directions also support parent peace of mind — substitute drivers can follow routes exactly as the regular drivers do, so parents know what to expect.

Leaders in Driver Support

Beyond improving their own operations with Tyler’s solutions, Indian Prairie has helped pave the way for other Illinois districts looking to implement in-vehicle driver tablets like Tyler Drive.

“We worked with the State Police, Local Police, and Department of Transportation to ensure we were incorporating safe and sound practices in the use of a Mobile Data Terminal (Tyler Drive), including the installation location and driver best practices,” said Johnson. “We wanted to ensure we were not adding a device that would create a driver distraction, as some agencies were concerned about.”

Citing increased safety for students, the district also coordinated with its State Board of Education on legislation that could make the purchase of driver tablets a reimbursable transportation expense.

Indian Prairie’s efforts — from driving legislation to establishing best practices — can help other districts reap some of the same benefits Johnson’s district has.

“We wanted a full-scale solution to solve on-time network problems, driver route reliability, parent communication, and real-time route information that was accurate,” said Johnson. “Tyler Drive does that for us!”

Tablets Support Efficiency and Drivers

Tyler Drive in-vehicle tablets support full-time and substitute drivers with optimized routes that boost on-time performance. Tyler Drive provides:

• Connected routing — Tyler Drive integrates with Tyler’s routing software, ensuring each vehicle’s route is accurate and updated to help drivers stay on track.
• Up-to-date communication — Route changes in Tyler Drive are automatically reflected in Tyler’s parent app, instantly notifying parents or guardians of a new driver, bus, or ETA.
• Turn-by-turn directions — Drivers get intuitive navigation without the distraction of paper maps and student lists.
• Maintained guidelines — Routes are calculated based on predetermined rules and riders’ needs to provide safe pickup and drop-off locations.
• Integrated messages — Drivers can receive messages from dispatchers with information about stops to skip, construction to avoid, or any other critical information.

Learn more about Tyler Drive in this webinar: Connecting Drivers, Routers, and Parents with Student Transportation.

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

The post How One District is Shaping Driver Support in Illinois appeared first on School Transportation News.