Police arrested an 18-year-old Odem Independent School District student following an investigation into an alleged sexual assault that reportedly occurred on board a district school bus last month, reported KIII-TV 3 News.

The alleged incident took place on Dec. 9, as students were returning from a basketball game in Hebbronville. Officials reported that a juvenile student was assaulted during the school bus trip. The sheriff’s office was notified of the allegation on Dec. 12, prompting an investigation.

Investigators conducted a forensic interview with the juvenile victim and gathered evidence as part of the inquiry. The investigation established sufficient probable cause to arrest Christopher Jacob Soto, 18.

Soto is charged with indecency with a child, a second-degree felony. A magistrate set his bond at $75,000, authorities confirmed.

The San Patricio County Sheriff’s Office stated the case remains under review by the San Patricio County District Attorney’s Office, and additional arrests are possible as investigators continue to evaluate statements and evidence.

Officials said no further details would be released at this time due to the victim’s age and nature of the charge.

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Related: Missouri Parent Boards School Bus, Tells Child to Assault Another Student
Related: Indiana 15-year-old Accused of Sexual Assault on Ohio School Bus
Related: Virginia School Bus Aide Arrested for Alleged Assault
Related: Maryland School Bus Aid Charged with Sexual Assault

The post Texas Student Arrested Following Alleged Sexual Assault on School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

SANTA FE, N.M.— Electric vehicle manufacturer GreenPower Motor Company (NASDAQ: GP) today announced they have reached an agreement with the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) to establish operations in Santa Teresa, NM.

Internationally headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with current operational facilities in southern California and West Virginia, GreenPower is a leading manufacturer and distributor of all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space, and school bus sector.

The new 135,000 sq. ft. facility in Santa Teresa will become the company’s base for North American operations and US corporate headquarters. The move is estimated to generate over $200 million in economic impact for New Mexico over the next decade, creating more than 340 jobs.

The company will receive a $5 million LEDA award from the state and $4.6 million in job training incentive funds (JTIP). The company also qualified for a $1.36 million Rural Jobs Tax Credit (RJTC) and $3.65 million as part of New Mexico’s High-Wage Jobs Tax Credit program.

“Establishing GreenPower’s new manufacturing facility in Santa Teresa marks a significant milestone in our expansion and commitment to safe, sensible, sustainable transportation solutions,” said Fraser Atkinson, CEO of GreenPower. “This strategic move leverages the region’s highly skilled and dedicated workforce, which has long been recognized as a key driver of economic growth and innovation in southern New Mexico.”

Santa Teresa’s Foreign Trade Zone designation was a key factor in the company’s decision, offering streamlined customs and cost-effective trade that support efficient production and distribution of zero-emission vehicles across North America. The designation also provides access to the North American Development Bank, underscoring the project’s cross-border economic and environmental impact.

These incentives and programs enhance the company’s ability to efficiently produce and distribute zero-emission vehicles, parts and inventory throughout North America and beyond, reinforcing New Mexico’s role as a hub for green manufacturing and international commerce.

“Our decisive commitment to the goal of net zero emissions ensures New Mexico’s position as a leader in the nation’s clean energy transition,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “With this strategic investment, we’re creating high-quality jobs and strengthening our economy while building the carbon-free energy future New Mexico’s families deserve.”

In 2025, GreenPower worked with EDD to launch the state’s first all-electric, zero-emission school bus pilot project at two Las Vegas public schools and a Santa Fe charter school. The continuing 2-year pilot program supports New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act, designed to transition the state toward the goal of 100% zero-carbon electricity supply by 2045.

“The electric school bus pilot project was an important first step in bringing GreenPower manufacturing and their high-quality jobs to New Mexico,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “The real-world data and insights we are gaining from the pilot project will help inform New Mexico’s electric school bus roll-out and specifications, ensuring that fleets are safe, efficient and tailored to the unique needs of local districts.”

“Governor Lujan Grisham’s steadfast commitment to advancing zero-emission vehicles has provided a supportive policy environment that encourages companies like GreenPower to invest and innovate,” said GreenPower President Brendan Riley. “Her administration’s ambitious sustainability goals align perfectly with GreenPower’s mission to deliver clean, reliable transportation solutions, contributing to a healthier environment and a stronger state economy.”

“We know the transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the nation — here in New Mexico, we want to lead on policy, manufacturing and deployment of zero emissions vehicles,” said New Mexico Secretary of Transportation Ricky Serna. “GreenPower’s move to the state is an important part in helping the state achieve these important energy transition goals.”

In support of those sustainability goals, GreenPower will offer dealer-level pricing to the state for a comprehensive lineup of Class 4 all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission commercial vehicles. The selection includes a variety of options like box trucks, refrigerated trucks, passenger vans, buses, utility trucks and stakebed trucks meeting the diverse needs of public agencies and commercial operators throughout the region.

A public press conference featuring the company’s all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission Class 4 commercial vehicles and school buses will take place in Santa Fe during the state’s upcoming legislative session.

The post GreenPower Motor Company Chooses New Mexico for Advanced EV Manufacturing Facility appeared first on School Transportation News.

School Transportation News is currently accepting applications for its 2026 awards: Garage Stars, Rising Stars, Innovator of the Year and the Peter J. Grandolfo Memorial Award of Excellence.

STN gathers annual nominations from across the country and historically has chosen 10 Garage Star finalists to be featured in the August magazine edition. Last summer, STN selected seven individuals and three maintenance teams. STN also features 10 Rising SuperStar finalists in the November issue.

Garage and Rising Star finalists receive STN conference registration scholarships, to be used at an STN EXPO or TSD conference of their choice the following year.

The application window for Garage Stars will close on May 16. Rising Stars will remain open until July 31.

The Grandolfo Award, sponsored by Q’Straint, is its 18th year. Named after Peter Grandolfo, the late Chicago Public Schools transportation director and NAPT board member, the award is presented at STN EXPO West. The Grandolfo award recognizes a school transportation professional who exhibits exemplary service on behalf of the nation’s school children, especially those with disabilities. The application deadline is May 22.

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Related: Garage Star, Rising Star Finalists to Receive Conference Registration Scholarships
Related: Michigan’s Morris Presented with 2025 Grandolfo Award at STN EXPO
Related: Innovator Award Seeks Nominations of Trailblazing School Bus Contractors

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Meanwhile, the fifth annual Innovator of the Year award features a private school bus contractor employee who exemplifies the adoption of cutting-edge technology and programs.

STN presents Innovator of the Year in partnership with the National School Transportation Association. Readers may submit an online nomination through May 1.

Qualifications include making “significant, tangible contributions” to the school transportation industry within the past 12 months. Innovations could include technology implementation, operations, safety initiatives and green energy adoption.

The post Nominations Open for 2026 STN Awards appeared first on School Transportation News.

The electric SUV world is getting crowded, but Kia thinks it’s found a sweet spot. Meet the EV2, a new B-segment electric SUV that wants to be your first EV, your family car and your everyday runabout all at once. It’s compact, practical, packed with tech and at an estimated £26k/€30k, should be relatively affordable, too.

Kia is positioning the EV2 as its most accessible electric car yet. It sits below the brand’s bigger EV3 and EV5 SUVs but borrows their design language, technology and desirability. Think of it as a punchy YouTube short culled from your favourite long-form vid. The EV2 made its debut at this week’s Brussels Motor Show alongside GT-branded performance versions of the EV3, EV4 and EV5.

Related: Kia’s US EV Sales Collapsed, But It Just Did Something It’s Never Done Before

A circa-4.1m (160 inches) length means it’s suitably city-sized, the design is upright and confident, with vertical lighting signatures, chunky arches and a stance that looks adventurous and cute at the same time. Wheel choices run from 16 to 19 inches, and there’s even a GT line version if you want your small SUV with a side of attitude. Hopefully a full-house GT is in the works.

Up to 278 miles of range

Two batteries are offered, each coming with a different power output. A 42.2 kWh version mated to a 145 hp (147 PS / 108 kW) motor available from launch this spring promises up to 197 miles (317 km) for drivers with few plans to leave town.

Coming later, along with the GT-Line versions, the 61.0 kWh pack aims for 278 miles (448 km) and adds flexibility if you think you might need to take on some longer journeys. Kia hasn’t revealed how much muscle the EV2 with the bigger battery gets, but both models feature a single motor driving the front wheels.

Charging times hover around 30 minutes on DC fast chargers, though like the EV3, EV4 and EV5, the EV2 makes do with slower-charging 400-volt electrics, rather than the lightning-fast 800-volt hardware used in the pricier EV6 and EV9. But it does support both 11 and 22 kW AC charging and offers V2L and V2G, letting you power devices or even send energy back to the grid.

Renault 4-grade space

The EV2’s quoted 2,565 mm (101 inches) wheelbase is 59 mm (2.3 inches) shorter than a Renault 4’s, but Kia promises you won’t be disappointed by the interior space. Buyers get to choose between four- and five-seat configurations, and by sliding and reclining them you can stretch legroom or expand the cargo space depending on your needs. 

With seats slid forward, suitcase room tops out at up to 403 litres (14.2 cu-ft), in the slightly roomier four-seat version, which isn’t far short of the 420 liters (14.8 cu-ft) the Renault 4 delivers. Plus there’s a handy little 15-liter (0.5 cu-ft) frunk for cables that the Renault can’t match.

Big-car tech

The tech is also surprisingly serious for a so-called entry-level EV. You get a triple-screen layout with a digital cluster, climate display and central touchscreen, just like you do in Kia’s pricier cars. But it’s actually a new lower cost ‘lite’ version of the ccNC infotainment system designed for the company’s more affordable cars. 

OTA updates, digital keys and app integration are all part of the deal, as are remote parking, surround view cameras and a long list of driver assistance systems normally reserved for more expensive cars.

Made in Europe for Europe, the Slovakia-built EV2 is shaping up to be yet another big hit for Kia. If it gets the pricing right, this could be one of the most important electric launches of the next few years, because small, sensible and actually affordable sounds bang on trend right now.

Kia

Kia has promised that its entire EV lineup will get a performance variant, and is making it happen at the Brussels Motor Show with the unveiling of the EV3 GT, EV4 GT, and EV5 GT. The models sit at the top of their respective lineups, benefiting from more potent dual-motor powertrains, a dedicated GT drive mode, a sharper chassis setup, and a sportier look inside-out.

For those not familiar with the Kia family, the EV3 is a subcompact SUV, the EV4 is available in hatchback and fastback forms, and the EV5 is a compact SUV. In typical Kia flavor, the full-blown GT variants look very similar to the existing GT-Line trims, with subtle differences and 20-inch alloy wheels.

More: Kia’s EV Sales Collapsed, Yet It Just Did Something It’s Never Done Before

Inside the cabin, we find semi-bucket seats, GT-branded steering wheels, striking neon accents, and ambient lighting that changes depending on the drive mode. Equipment is rich, with features such as the Harman Kardon premium audio, head-up display, and Remote Smart Parking Assist included as standard.

In terms of hardware, all three EVs ride on the E-GMP architecture and share the same 81.4 kWh battery pack. However, there are subtle differences in the output of the dual electric motors. More specifically, the EV3 GT and EV4 GT produce 282 hp (215 kW / 286 PS), while the EV5 GT is slightly more powerful at 302 hp (225 kW / 286 PS).

More: The Kia EV5 Just Launched In Some Markets, And It’s Already Getting A Facelift

According to Kia, the low-slung EV4 GT offers “an even more agile and road-focused interpretation of the GT philosophy”. It is also the fastest of the trio, with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 5.6 seconds.

As for the rest of the pack, the smaller EV3 GT accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.7 seconds, while the bigger and heavier EV5 GT completes the same sprint in 6.2 seconds.

All three models have a dedicated GT drive mode which sharpens up power delivery, steering response, and the standard electronically-controlled suspension. They also benefit from e-torque vectoring, Virtual Gear Shift (VGS), and active sound design systems aiming to make the driving experience a bit more engaging.

Production of the sporty EVs is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of the year. Pricing and details on availability will be announced closer to their market launch.

The EV3, EV4, and EV5 join the EV6 and EV9 in the fully electric GT lineup, that will be completed with a sporty version of the brand-new EV2 which also debuted at the Brussels Motor Show.

Kia

As electric vehicles flood into Australia’s increasingly crowded new car market, the pressure is mounting, particularly from aggressively priced models coming out of China. In response, Hyundai has rolled out some major price cuts to two of its more compelling EV offerings, the compact Inster and the updated Kona Electric.

Starting with the pint-sized Inster, which we drove just a few months ago, price cuts mean buyers can now save upwards of AU$7,288 (equal to US$4,900 at current exchange rates).

The base Inster Standard Range now starts at AU$35,990 (US$24,200), and that figure includes all on-road costs. Even with the adjustment, it’s still undercut by the base BYD Atto 1, which starts from just AU$26,500 (US$17,800) in standard trim, or around AU$30,650 (US$20,600) for the Premium version.

Read: American Brands Shut Out As One Country Dominates World Car Of The Year Finalists

The Inster itself brings a lot to the table in terms of practicality. It makes excellent use of space and comes with a solid feature set for its size. But those strengths haven’t translated into strong sales, largely due to its steep pricing. Between June and December last year, just 467 units found homes in Australia, according to data from CarExpert.

Slashing Prices Across the EV Board

Even more significant price cuts have been made to the Hyundai Kona Electric and Hybrid. The entry-level Kona Electric Standard Range now lists at AU$45,990 (US$30,900), marking a price drop of more than AU$13,000 ($8,700). The Kona Hybrid also sees a notable cut, with prices falling to AU$39,990 (US$26,900).

The price cuts bring the Kona Electric cost to the Geely EX5, which starts at a touch over AU$44,000 (US$29,500). Elsewhere, Hyundai has slashed prices of the Kona Electric Extended Range by AU$13,357 (US$9,000) to $49,990 (US$33,600), including all on-road fees.

The price of the Kona Electric Premium has also been cut by AU$13,857 ($9,300), meaning it’s no longer available from AU$59,990 (US$40,300).

The sales figures reflect the challenges Hyundai has faced. Just 541 Kona Electrics were sold locally last year, making up only 2.4 percent of total Kona sales, hardly the breakout performance the brand had hoped for.

Lowering the barrier to entry not only helps the Kona Electric stay in the game against newer Chinese models, it also clears space for Hyundai’s incoming Elexio.

Built in China and priced from AU$59,990 (US$40,300), the Elexio now occupies the middle ground between the Kona Electric and the more premium Ioniq 5. Hyundai positions it as a rival to the Kia EV5, BYD Sealion 7, and Tesla Model Y, creating a more layered EV lineup with a clearer progression.

If you liked the BMW iX3, but wished it came in a slightly sportier and less practical package, you’re in luck as spy photographers have snapped the new iX4.

Caught undergoing testing in Europe, the electric crossover follows in the footsteps of its more conservative SUV counterpart, the newly lauched iX3. This is clear up front as it adopts a vertical twin kidney grille that is flanked by the company’s new “horizontal light signature.”

Coupe-Inspired Proportions

Changes occur further back as the iX4 has a rakish windscreen that flows into a steeply sloping roof. The sportier design results in new doors and a shrunken down greenhouse. We can also see a rounded shoulder, which contrasts with squared off wheel arches.

More: New BMW iX4 Renderings Envision a Coupe-Back EV

The rear end is unique to the crossover coupe as there’s a special spoiler with an integrated third brake light, which doesn’t appear to be working on the prototype. The model also bucks the iX3 by eschewing a rear wiper.

Shproshots

That being said, the rest of the design appears to echo its counterpart as we can see familiar taillights peeking out from beneath the camouflage. The rear bumper also looks similar, although it’s hard to be certain with all that camouflage.

Also: BMW’s Largest SUV Is About To Get A Lot More Interesting

Spy photographers didn’t get a glimpse inside, but the cabin should echo the iX3 and have a pillar-to-pillar Panoramic iDrive display as well as a 17.9-inch infotainment system. We can also expect a futuristic steering wheel, a 3D head-up display, and an intelligent personal assistant.

What Will It Deliver Underneath?

On the performance front, there should be an iX4 50 xDrive with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque. This enables the iX3 to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.7 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).

The motors are powered by a 108.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which provides a WLTP range of up to 500 miles (805 km). The impressive figures extend to the 400 kW DC fast charging capability, which enables the battery to go from a 10-80% charge in as little as 21 minutes.

We can also expect additional variants, which will be previewed by upcoming iX3 derivatives.

Shproshots

The Volkswagen ID.3 was launched in 2019 as the opening act in VW’s dedicated electric lineup, the ID family. Positioned as a compact hatchback, it received a mid-cycle refresh in 2023. Now, Volkswagen is preparing a more involved update, bringing tweaks to its styling, tech, and battery options.

More: VW’s Entry EV Packs More Power And Space Than You’d Think

According to recent reports, the next-generation electric Golf has been delayed until 2030. That leaves the ID.3 with an extended tour of duty, longer than originally anticipated. Meanwhile, rising pressure from aggressively priced Chinese EVs has set the bar higher for European automakers.

What Is VW Hiding?

Our spy photographers spotted the revised ID.3 undergoing cold-weather testing, ahead of its expected debut in the second quarter of the year. As is often the case with Volkswagen prototypes, the tester wears cleverly applied camouflage to imitate the current model.

Look closely, though, and you’ll notice stickers concealing updated design elements on the grille and headlights. These new front-end components are likely to align with the visual identity of the forthcoming ID. Polo, a model shaped under the guidance of VW’s head of design, Andreas Mindt.

SH Proshots

The side profile and rear of the prototype appear nearly identical to today’s ID.3. That’s not expected to last. As development continues and newer prototypes surface, more visible changes should emerge leading up to launch.

More: VW’s ID. Polo Interior Brings Back Something You Thought Was Gone For Good

Last year, VW’s development boss Kai Grunitz revealed that the updated ID.3 and ID.4 will have a “completely new design language, going back to where we originally came from”. This suggests the revisions will go much deeper than updated LED lighting.

What’s Changing Inside?

Inside, the hatchback will follow the wider VW trend of reintroducing physical buttons and tactile controls, addressing long-standing feedback, echoing the approach taken with the new ID. Polo. Interior quality is also set to improve, with upgraded materials and design elements.

Beyond styling and tech, the MEB-based model will also benefit from technical enhancements, improving its performance, range, and charging times. It’s also likely that the sporty GTX variant will transition to wearing a GTI badge, in line with VW’s evolving branding.

Battery Variety Incoming

The new battery cells won’t be the only option. Volkswagen is reportedly preparing an entry-level variant using a more affordable lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery. That move could help lower the starting price, an important strategy as VW faces off against a flood of budget-friendly Chinese EVs.

More: VW’s Cheapest Electric SUV Steps Out Almost Undisguised

What remains uncertain is whether the updated model will keep the ID.3 moniker. VW’s revamped naming strategy includes the use of traditional nameplates for EVs, as seen with the upcoming ID. Polo hatchback and the closely-related ID. Cross SUV.

Could this signal a switch from ID.3 to ID. Golf, and from ID.4 to ID. Tiguan? It’s possible, though nothing has been confirmed. In any case, the facelifted ID.3 is expected to reach customers in the second quarter of the year, with the larger SUV arriving later. The year 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal one for VW’s electric range, with the rollout of both ID. Polo and ID. Cross models on the horizon.

Few would expect a vacuum cleaner company to roll up to CES with supercars, but that’s exactly what Dreame just did. Chinese tech firm Dreame, best known for producing competitively priced vacuum cleaners, has unveiled three dramatic high-performance cars at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, introduced under the newly formed Kosmera and Nebula Next brands.

As early teasers hinted, Dreame has looked to Bugatti for stylistic inspiration. Even so, while initial renders leaned heavily into Chiron-like mimicry, the finished models veer in their own direction, avoiding full-blown imitation but still bearing more than a few familiar cues.

Read: This Four-Door EV From China Now Looks Like Bugatti’s Rarest One-Off

What many might not know is that Dreame sits within Xiaomi’s sprawling ecological chain. The tech giant has invested in the company and may be lending more than just capital. Xiaomi itself has already become a serious contender in China’s burgeoning EV market, though it remains unclear if Dreame’s pivot is directly tied to Xiaomi’s automotive push.

Bugatti Echoes, Not Clones

The first model under the Kosmera name is described as a super sports car and comes dressed in black. Its four-door configuration immediately sets it apart, but the front end is where things get especially familiar. The grille, framed in carbon fiber, strongly resembles the Bugatti Mistral and Brouillard. Large air intakes flank the front, and the overall fascia feels unmistakably French in its inspiration.

Headlight and DRL placement continue the Bugatti homage, as does the sculpted hood with prominent air extraction vents, a detail nearly identical to the one-off Brouillard.

Autohome

The side profile, however, strikes a different chord. With smooth surfaces and a gradually sloping roofline, it brings to mind a lengthened Porsche Taycan more than anything from Molsheim. Around back, the car adds its own flair with a full-width LED light bar, a fixed rear wing, and a vertical brake light extending down the rear window.

Also: Dreame’s Cullinan SUV Clone Might Be Rolls-Royce’s Worst Nightmare

According to Autohome, this Kosmera sedan houses four electric motors, combining for a total of 1,903 horsepower. Intriguingly, the car reportedly weighs exactly 1,903 kilograms (4,195 pounds), creating a symmetrical 1:1 power-to-weight ratio that sounds almost too perfect to be real.

While most technical details remain under wraps, the car is said to incorporate a complex suspension setup and a number of 3D-printed components.

A Second Concept

Kosmera’s second offering looks quite different. It’s also a sedan, finished in a dark purple paint, but the design is less dramatic. While the front doesn’t look like a Bugatti, the same can’t be said about the rear, as it bears a resemblance to the Chiron, including its taillights, the shape of the fascia and decklid, and the split rear window. As for specs, Dreame hasn’t released anything about this model’s capabilities just yet.

Autohome

Rounding out the trio is the Nebula Next 01, the only car not wearing a Kosmera badge. This is the model Dreame teased earlier. Painted green, it has the most supercar-like design of the trio, but surprisingly, it is also a four-door. It rocks loads of exposed carbon fiber parts, including the front splitter and rear diffuser, and also has similar Bugatti-inspired headlights to the first of the Kosmera cars.

See: Remember Dreame’s Rolls-Royce Clone? It’s Got A Bentley Brother

Local media claims the Nebula Next 01 is powered by the same four-motor setup with 1,903 horsepower. If accurate, it should rocket from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 1.8 seconds. As of now, Dreame hasn’t confirmed whether and when this concept will reach production.

Autohome

It’s been more than two years since Caterham introduced its all-electric Project V concept, and while the wait hasn’t exactly flown by, the project is edging closer to production. The car is now on display at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and later this week, a working prototype will debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon. For American sports car fans, there’s also some promising news on the horizon.

Read: Caterham Won’t Let Go Of Its EV Dream Even If The World Already Has

Caterham has long been a niche name outside Europe, but that’s about to change. Speaking at CES, Justin Gardiner, the company’s overseas representative, confirmed that Caterham plans to bring the Project V to the US market. And it’s not a half-measure.

“You Guys Are All Loaded”

“We have ignored America as a market for 50 years, and that’s ridiculous, because you guys are all loaded,” Gardiner told Car and Driver. “We’re going to take America very seriously as of this week. We are looking to sell a lot of these over here.”

The Project V will be sold alongside the iconic Caterham Seven, but Gardiner notes that the firm needs to “future-proof” itself, preparing for the day when it’ll no longer be able to build the Seven.

Electric, but on Caterham’s Terms

Staying true to its purist driving ethos, Caterham has engineered the Project V to feel nimble and alive behind the wheel. Instead of adopting a typical skateboard battery layout, the company went with a more unconventional approach.

Two liquid-cooled battery packs from Xing Mobility are mounted at the front and rear of the car, helping distribute weight in a way that echoes the dynamics of the Seven. Together, the packs provide just over 27 kWh and feed a 268 hp electric motor sourced from Yamaha.

“Whereas every other EV manufacturer tends to put the batteries in the skateboard, we have absolutely deliberately put the driver’s seat as close to the ground as possible,” Gardiner told the magazine.

“While every other car manufacturer wants [the weight] all the way to the middle, we’ve deliberately pushed it all the way to the front and the back, because that’s the way it is in the Seven, and that’s what makes the Seven fun to drive. Polar momentum is the term, and we’re deliberately putting polar momentum into this car.”

Priorities Behind the Powertrain

The battery setup is cooled using a dielectric liquid, which helps manage heat under aggressive driving conditions. Despite a relatively modest charging cap of 100 kW, Caterham isn’t particularly concerned with rapid top-ups.

As Gardiner puts it, the focus is on how quickly the battery can discharge, not how fast it can recharge. The target buyer isn’t thinking about long-distance commutes, they’re more interested in how hard they can push the car on a back road or track session.

As for pricing, there’s still no firm number for the US, but Gardiner expects the Project V will land somewhere around $135,000 when it arrives.

Caterham

A growing number of Chinese electric vehicles are drawing comparisons to the Porsche Taycan, but a new contender might be the most convincing lookalike yet. While Xiaomi’s SU7 has already been called out for its resemblance to the sleek German sports sedan, another EV is preparing to enter the scene that arguably takes it a step further.

This new model, the Z7, is being developed by HIMA and will be sold under the SAIC nameplate, also known domestically as Shangjie.

Read: VW And SAIC Extend Deal To 2040, Plan New Hybrids And Range-Extender EVs

For those less familiar, HIMA stands for Harmony Intelligence Mobility Alliance. It’s an initiative led by Chinese tech heavyweight Huawei in partnership with several local automakers including Seres, Chery, BAIC, JAC, and SAIC. Vehicles under this umbrella are marketed through several brands, including Aito, Luxeed, Stelato, Maextro, and SAIC itself.

Does This Look Familiar?

An intriguing teaser image released by HIMA reveals that the new Z7’s side profile will also be the spitting image of a Porsche Taycan. Like the German sedan, the Z7 has a sleek and elegant shape with flush door handles and sculpted rear fenders. The shape of the rear, rear window, and taillights looks like the spitting image of the Taycan’s. Heck, even the doors themselves look exactly like the Porsches.

HIMA released a darkened teaser image hinting at the Z7’s design, and it doesn’t leave much to the imagination. The car’s side profile bears a strong resemblance to the Taycan, right down to its smooth, coupe-like roofline, flush door handles, and pronounced rear fenders.

The tail section, including the rear window and light bar, also mirrors Porsche’s design language so closely it borders on mimicry. Even the door shapes look eerily familiar.

For what it’s worth, there are some differences, at least up front. The Z7’s headlights are styled quite differently, and a prominent LiDAR unit sits just above the windshield, suggesting the car may prioritize advanced driver assistance or autonomous capabilities.

An Estate Variant in the Works Too

Chinese automotive site Autohome has also tracked down a camouflaged prototype of what appears to be an estate version of the Z7. Only one image has surfaced so far, but it’s enough to draw clear parallels with the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo. The overall stance, roofline, and rear proportions seem closely aligned.

No specifications for the Z7 have been released, so it remains to be seen how HIMA plans to position the vehicle. It could go head-to-head with Xiaomi’s SU7 in terms of performance, or it may aim for a higher price point, with a more premium market in mind.

Whatever the case may be, the Z7 will almost certainly undercut the Porsche Taycan in price. The Taycan starts at around 1 million yuan, or more than $140,000. In contrast, the Xiaomi SU7 starts at just 215,900 yuan, roughly $30,000. Expect the Z7 to land somewhere in that range, offering the Taycan’s silhouette at a fraction of the cost.

Volvo’s about to drop a crucial new electric car, and it looks like it’s bringing receipts. The EX60 launches later this month but a teaser this week revealed range figures that none of its BMW, Mercedes and Tesla rivals can match, and a hint that it might come with seating for seven.

We’ll have to wait until the debut on January 21 to get the full breakdown of what’s under the EX60’s skin, but the fact that the EX90’s little brother is rated at 503 WLTP miles (810 km) of electric range is enough to generate headlines.

Related: He Built The Volvo You Remember, Now He Has To Fix What It Became

For context, BMW’s brand new iX3 has up to 500-miles (805 km) rating, and the GLC 400 with EQ Technology that debuted at the same Munich Auto Show last September is only good for 443 miles (713 km), Mercedes says. Tesla’s most touring-focused Model Y can’t even crack 400 miles (644 km).

Fast Charging

Volvo also says you won’t have to spend too much time hanging around charging stations when you do eventually need a top-up. Thanks to its 800-volt electrics the EX60 can add 211 miles (340 km) of range in as little as 10 minutes. You also get a 10-year warranty on the battery.

We’ve already had a sneak look at the rear and profile of the EX60 in previous teasers, and along with revealing the electric range, Volvo has now given us a look at the front. The brand’s trademark Thor hammer DRLs are present, made up of segmented LEDs, and we can also make up a pair of ADAS sensors mounted below each door mirror.

Reinventing the Seatbelt

The EX60 is the first Volvo to ride on the company’s SPA3 platform, an upgrade of the earlier SPA2 architecture that underpins models like the EX90. It’ll also be the first of the brand’s cars to get Volvo’s new adaptive seatbelt, which uses sensors to work out the height, weight and shape of a passenger before deciding how much belt force they need in a crash.

Seating for Seven

And unlike its BMW iX3 and Mercedes GLC rivals, which are strictly two-row affairs, it looks like the EX60 could have a small third row of seats stashed under the trunk floor. Though Volvo hasn’t mentioned anything about seven seats, in the image of the trunk it definitely looks like there are two seats folded away.

The picture of the body-in-white also shows mountings for a 50:50 split third-row, and the impression we get is there would still be enough space for a few shopping bags even if the seats were in use. We’ll find out more on January 21.

Volvo

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its website with a statement that a “revamped and modernized Clean School Bus Program” is coming soon.

The five-year, $5-billion fund has been on hiatus since President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office last January, days after the application period for the 2024 Clean School Bus Rebates closed.

But funding ground to a halt, leaving hundreds of school districts waiting to see if their electric and propane school bus projects could continue.

EPA said last summer it has been working with school districts to award rebate and grant awards for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, while holding off on providing details for new funding, pending a program review. The new website statement, reiterated to School Transportation News by the EPA press office, indicates an update on the Clean School Bus Program is in the works.

“EPA is actively reviewing and revamping the Clean School Bus Program in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order Unleashing American Energy to ensure hard-earned American tax dollars are being put to the best use possible and not frivolously wasted as was often the case under the previous administration,” the statement reads. “Under Administrator [Lee] Zeldin’s leadership, EPA is committed to being exceptional stewards of taxpayer dollars and delivering measured results for American families, while still fulfilling Congressional intent. Administrator Zeldin has cancelled roughly $30 billion in wasteful grants and contracts since being confirmed as EPA Administrator. EPA anticipates providing additional information about the revamped and modernized Clean School Bus Program in the near future.”

The EPA website says 1,152 school districts have received 888 awards valued at over $2.62 billion to replace 8,236 school buses. The World Resource Institute’s Electric School Bus Initiative indicates via its Electric School Bus Data Dashboard that over 2,000 of those are electric school buses in operation or on order. Electric school buses have accounted for about 95 percent of Clean School Bus Program awards to date.

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Related: Transportation Director Shares How Propane Buses Benefit Special Needs Routes

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One of the biggest hurdles to electric vehicle adoption is lackluster recharging infrastructure. However, the situation has been improving as the Department of Energy notes there are nearly 17,000 DC fast chargers across the United States.

That being said, there are still wide swaths of the nation with limited access. Kansas, Nebraska and the Dakota’s appear to be in a charging desert, while Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Nevada lack charging infrastructure outside of major cities.

More: Trump Administration Rolls Out Updated EV Charger Program

A startup aims to solve this by making EV chargers easy to install at America’s 150,000+ gas stations. Showcased at CES, ElectricFish’s Turbo Charge aims to eliminate the steep costs and complexity involved with adding DC fast chargers.

As they noted, “conventional fast charger installations require utility upgrades that can run north of $150,000 per port and take 12–18+ months to complete.”

That’s cost prohibitive for a number of gas stations and a giant headache on top. To get around this, ElectricFish developed an interesting Squared charger that has a 400 kWh LFP battery pack as well as two 400 kW charging ports.

The integration of a battery into the charger is notable as it does the heavy lifting during vehicle recharging. The battery can then be slowly recharged using a grid connection, which uses “1/10th to 1/3rd of the typical power draw” of a conventional DC fast charger.

This appears to work out to be 30 kW or less, and this means Turbo Charge units can be deployed in 4–6 weeks instead of 12–18 months. The battery also enables the charger to collect energy when prices are low, and then sell it back to utilities when demand is high.

The company also noted the chargers are designed for gas station usage, which means 8–10 minute charging sessions. These quick stops can reportedly add up to 180 miles (290 km) of range, although the exact number can vary by vehicle.

ElectricFish is trying to keep prices low by using a revenue sharing model. As the company explained, gas station owners provide space and a “modest electrical connection,” while they handle hardware and installation. The two then split charging revenue. ElectricFish said this setup “eliminates the upfront capital barrier that has kept most independent gas stations out of the EV charging market.”

It remains to be seen if the idea will catch on, but the firm appears to have the support of Hyundai’s ZER01NE Ventures. They also noted a charger was installed at Hyundai’s California Proving Ground last year and it reportedly “delivered peak charging power through continuous triple-digit temperatures over a multi-month summer program.”

Crossover design tends to be pretty boring as companies typically go boxy or embrace a few curves. As a result, many models end up looking slightly generic and somewhat similar.

That’s certainly not the case with Ceer’s upcoming model, which looks like nothing else on the road. As you can see in these spy photos, the crossover features a wedge-shaped design with a massive windshield. It’s sourced from Isoclima and the automaker has already revealed it’ll be the “world’s largest windshield.”

More: Saudi Arabia Joins With Foxconn To Create Its Own EV Brand

The companies didn’t mention dimensions, but noted the windshield will have an Infrared Reflective Triple Silver coating to minimize solar heat absorption. That’s pretty important considering Ceer is based in Saudi Arabia.

Furthermore, the windshield will have an acoustic interlayer to improve sound insulation and a “Wide Color Band” in the header area. The latter acts as a tinted sunshade to provide additional protection.

Putting the windshield aside, the model features triangular wheels and what appears to be butterfly or gullwing doors with glass panels. They’re joined by thick side skirts and black cladding.

Baldauf

Elsewhere, we can see slender lighting units and what appears to be digital side mirrors. The model also has an angular rear end with a unique liftgate and a shelf-like license plate recess.

Little else is known about the vehicle at this point, but Ceer was launched in 2022 by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman with money from the country’s Public Investment Fund. They’ll “design, manufacture and sell a range of vehicles for consumers in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, including sedans and SUVs.”

The company is a joint-venture with Foxconn, which was tasked with developing an electrical architecture for the vehicles. At the time, Ceer announced they’d license component technology from BMW and vehicles would arrive in 2025.

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That date didn’t stick, but Ceer has been building a plant in the King Abdullah Economic City and they announced a powertrain deal with Hyundai last year. It will see them use electric drive systems – that combine a motor, invertor, and reduction gear – from the Korean firm.

More recently, the company announced a separate powertrain deal with Rimac Technologies. This is for high-performance drive systems, although specifics are hazy.

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Hyundai has just launched a new electric vehicle in Australia, and it’s quite unlike anything else from the brand. Rather than slotting into the familiar Ioniq family, this one takes a different route entirely. It’s called the Elexio, and it was developed through Hyundai’s joint venture with Chinese partner BAIC.

The result is a model that stands apart from the brand’s existing EVs in both design and intent. Could this be the one to stir things up in the local EV scene?

Where It Fits In

Reaching showrooms this quarter, the new Hyundai Elexio has been announced in a single configuration known as the Elite. Priced from AU$59,990 ($40,500), it is positioned between the Kona Electric and the Ioniq 5, taking aim at popular models like the BYD Sealion 7, Kia EV5, and Tesla Model Y.

Read: Another Chinese SUV Coming To Australia, This Time From Hyundai

That price point puts it in an interesting position. The Kona Electric starts at AU$45,990 ($31,000), while stepping into an Ioniq 5 requires at least AU$71,990 ($48,600). By landing between them, the Elexio offers an alternative that balances size, range, and price.

Still, it’s not the cheapest option out there. The BYD Sealion 7 undercuts it at AU$54,990 ($37,100), and the Kia EV5 starts just below at AU$56,770 ($38,300).

There’s also the question of pricing disparity with the Chinese domestic market. Over there, the Elexio starts at just 119,800 yuan, or a little over AU$25,000 ($17,100 at current exchange rates). That’s less than half what Australians are being asked to pay. But given how aggressively priced Chinese EVs are within their own market, it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison.

The Specs

Underpinning the Elexio is Hyundai’s E-GMP architecture, but unlike other models including the Ioniq 5, it has a 400-volt electrical architecture, rather than an 800-volt one. This means the 88 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery needs 38 minutes to charge from 10-80 percent at a DC fast charger.

Hyundai hasn’t publicized the EV’s peak charging speeds, but says it can travel up to 546 km (339 miles) on a charge per the WLTP cycle, and average 18.2 kWh/100 km.

Power comes from a single front-mounted motor producing 160 kW (214 hp) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque. It’s a front-wheel-drive setup, which helps keep the price down and efficiency up, though it may not appeal to those looking for the dynamics of a rear- or all-wheel-drive EV.

Tailored for Australia

While the Australian-spec Elexio is largely identical to the Chinese version, Hyundai has made one important adjustment. The suspension has been specifically tuned for Australian road conditions, a move that should help it feel more at home.

Standard features are generous. The cabin is anchored by Hyundai’s latest Connect-C infotainment system, presented across a sweeping 27-inch display that covers both infotainment and passenger functions. A head-up display is also included as standard equipment, helping the Elexio stand out in a crowded field of similarly priced electric SUVs.

Some records are about blistering speed. Others, like this one, are more about patience, and perhaps a little self-deprecating humor. If you’ve ever wondered what car holds the title of the slowest vehicle to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife, you can stop guessing. There’s a new champion of leisurely pace, and it hails from a small French company: Ligier.

The brand, once known for fielding its own Formula 1 team, has since shifted focus to tiny, affordable four-wheelers classified as quadricycles. These vehicles are designed to be so unintimidating that you don’t even need a driver’s license to operate one, and in France, you can legally do so from the age of 14.

Read: Ford’s Wild Van Just Proved It Can Outrun The Fastest Corvette At The ‘Ring

It was a pair of French journalists who took on the unlikely challenge of setting a record lap in a Ligier JS50, driving the diesel-powered microcar all the way from Paris to the legendary German circuit.

A Record for the Patient

The JS50, a stubby two-door with just 8 horsepower, is electronically limited to a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). Around the Nurburgring, it completed a lap in a determined 28 minutes and 25.81 seconds. That figure may not impress on paper, but it earns its place in the books.

For context, the previous slowest recorded lap was 16 minutes and 1 second, set by a Trabant P50 way back in 1960, making the Ligier’s time almost comically slow by comparison. At the other end of the spectrum, the fastest production car to lap the Nordschleife is the Mercedes-AMG One, which clocked a blistering 6 minutes and 29.1 seconds.

Not content with a single entry, the team also brought along two electric versions of the JS50. The first, like the diesel, falls under the L6e classification and shares the same 28 mph (45 km/h) limit.

It managed a lap in 27 minutes and 55.58 seconds. The more powerful electric L7e variant, with a top speed of 47 mph (75 km/h), fared a little better with a lap time of 19 minutes and 53.36 seconds.

A Special Edition for a Not-So-Special Lap

Ligier hasn’t released a video of its incredibly slow laps at the Nurburgring, but we’re not disappointed, as it’d probably be more entertaining watching paint dry. What Ligier did do is prepare a special version of the JS50 specifically for its attack on the Nurburgring, known as the Ultimate Racing Experience edition. This model will be sold in Europe throughout 2026.

The special edition wears a tri-color paint job in blue, white, and red, complemented by new black 16-inch wheels wrapped in Nankang RC semi-slick tires. Ligier has added custom touches inside and out. These include a new badge front and rear, unique French flag-themed upholstery, an aluminum gear knob, Alcantara on the handbrake boot, and blue seat belts.

The steering wheel also features matching blue accents, and the dashboard gets a set of celebratory stickers to complete the transformation.

BMW just wrapped up its most successful year ever in the US, with more cars leaving dealership lots than in any other year in the company’s American history. But beneath the record-breaking headline, a more complicated picture is starting to emerge for EVs, as sales momentum falters following the White House’s decision to eliminate the generous federal tax credit that had helped keep demand afloat.

Read: The Sales Battle Between Mercedes And BMW Just Got Embarrassing

In 2025, BMW sold 388,897 vehicles across the country, a 4.7 percent increase from the 371,346 units it delivered in 2024. The gain came even though fourth-quarter sales slipped 3.4 percent, dropping from 117,506 to 113,512 units. MINI also posted growth, with a 9.3 percent year-on-year rise and a total of 28,749 cars sold.

EV Sales Crater

Then there’s the EV situation, which looked considerably less upbeat. BMW sold 42,484 fully electric vehicles in the US last year, down 16.7 percent from the 50,981 it managed in 2024. The decline was particularly sharp in Q4. After the federal government pulled the $7,500 EV tax credit, sales in the final three months collapsed by 45.5 percent to just 7,557 units.

BMW USA Sales 2025

Every one of BMW’s battery-electric models in the US saw a meaningful drop in sales. The i4, which remained the top-selling EV in the lineup, slipped 14.1 percent from 23,403 to 20,114 units. The i5 fell even more sharply, dropping 21.5 percent to 6,877. The i7 was down 15.3 percent to 2,905 units. The iX also struggled, with an 18.2 percent decline that left it at 12,587 sales for the year.

On a more encouraging note for the brand, BMW’s plug-in hybrids gained traction. Sales rose by 30.7 percent, climbing from 19,398 in 2024 to 25,351 in 2025. It wasn’t enough to offset the EV downturn, but it’s a sign that US buyers haven’t turned their backs entirely on electrification.

X Marks the Spot

The X3 led the lineup once again as BMW’s top-selling model, rising 11.3 percent to 76,546 units. That was just enough to slightly edge out the larger and more expensive X5, which posted 76,246 sales, a 5.4 percent increase over 2024.

Several other models also recorded solid gains. The 2 Series, which groups together the mechanically unrelated Gran Coupe and two-door variants, jumped 36.3 percent to 20,975 units. The 3 Series climbed 5.4 percent to 33,031, while the X6 posted a 26.6 percent increase, reaching 12,000 sales. As for the controversial XM, it recorded a 4.9 percent drop in sales compared to 2024.

Buying a new electric car just got even cheaper in Germany, as Europe’s most budget-friendly EV has pulled further ahead of the pack. The all-electric Dacia Spring now starts at just €11,900 (around $13,900), thanks to a massive €5,000 (around $5,900 at current exchange rates) discount. At that price, it’s significantly cheaper in Germany than it is in the UK.

It’s not a government subsidy or rebate through a dealer. The discount is applied straight to the vehicle’s base price, but it won’t last forever. To take advantage of the full €5,000 off, buyers must sign a purchase or lease agreement by February 28. On top of that, the car needs to be registered no later than June 30.

Read: UK’s Cheapest EV Is Made In China, But Doesn’t Wear A Chinese Badge

Beyond the headline price, the Spring comes with a seven-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty as standard. It’s also compact and lightweight, tipping the scales at 995 kg (2,193 pounds) and measuring 3.7 meters (12.1 feet) in length.

What Do You Get For The Money?

Of course, a car this cheap comes with compromises. The Spring is equipped with a 24.3 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery, which powers a single front-mounted electric motor producing just 70 horsepower. It’s also built in China, which helps account for the low cost.

Dacia says it can average a respectable 12.7 kWh/100 km over the combined cycle, offering up to 225 km (140 miles) of driving range. For those who only drive in the Spring in cities, the range can be extended to up to 341 km (212 miles).

Incredibly, this isn’t the wildest deal we’ve seen for the Dacia Spring. As part of a new government scheme in Italy designed to encourage locals to scrap their old ICE cars in favor of EVs, the Spring can be purchased for as little as €3,900 ($4,600).

However, to qualify for the maximum saving of €11,000 ($13,900), locals must scrap a Euro 5 or earlier vehicle, live in an urban area with more than 50,000 residents, and have a family income of less than €30,000 ($35,100).

A school bus carrying Concord High School athletes caught fire Saturday, prompting a multi-agency emergency response, reported My Keene News.

The Keene Police Department and Keene Fire Department responded Jan. 3 to reports of a bus fire. Police officials confirmed all students and coaches safely evacuated the bus before emergency crews arrived.

Firefighters reportedly found the engine compartment of the bus fully engulfed in flames upon arrival. Crews brought the fire under control, and no injuries were reported.

The bus was transporting an out-of-town Concord High School athletic team from a sporting event in Keene. A second bus carrying another group of Concord athletes from the same event transported the displaced students and coaches back to Concord.

Police said via the articleConcord High School administrators implemented a communication plan to notify parents about incidents such as when a school bus catches fire. The bus, owned by Concord School District, was later towed from the scene.

Keene police were reportedly assisted by the Keene Fire Department, New Hampshire State Police and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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