Thomas Built Buses is acting on one of pupil transportation’s most vulnerable part of a child’s school day: The Danger Zone and illegal passing of stopped school buses.

With its recent “If You Pass” campaign, the school bus manufacturer combined direct messaging, community engagement and financial support to elevate awareness and encourage safer driver behavior nationwide. The initiative, launched in October during National School Bus Safety Week, culminated in nearly $6,000 raised for Bryan County Schools in Georgia to support local safety efforts. Thomas Bus announced the award in February.

“The campaign was driven by a critical safety issue: The illegal passing of stopped school buses,” Mario DiFoggio, general manager of dealer channel sales and marketing for Thomas Bus, told School Transportation News last month. “There are an estimated 45.2 million illegal passings of school buses each year, which underscores just how serious and widespread the problem is.”

Rather than relying on traditional messaging, Thomas Bus leaned into a more direct and attention-grabbing approach.

“The If You Pass campaign was intentionally direct because politeness doesn’t stop traffic — awareness does. For a short, three-week campaign, the response exceeded our expectations, and we know these funds will go a long way in supporting the important work Bryan County Schools is doing to protect students and keep this conversation going,” DiFoggio added in a statement.

That approach appeared to resonate. The campaign utilized social media and a limited-edition merchandise line to spark conversation and invite participation. Proceeds from merchandise sales were directed toward safety education, while communities were encouraged to nominate deserving school districts for funding.

DiFoggio said the campaign exceeded expectations.

“The response was overwhelmingly positive,” he noted, indicating strong engagement from drivers, educators, parents and community members. “Many people thanked us for addressing the issue in a bold and memorable way.”

Thomas Bus Awards Georgia District for Making a Public Splash

Bryan County Schools ultimately stood out among nominees due to its grassroots efforts and community involvement.

“Their transportation team actively encouraged participation, which led to a high volume of nominations and broad community involvement,” DiFoggio explained.

For Thomas Bus, supporting the district reflects a broader mission that extends beyond manufacturing school buses.

“While we’re known for building school buses, our responsibility doesn’t end when we hand over the keys,” DiFoggio said. “We see ourselves as partners in student transportation.”

The nearly $6,000 contribution is intended to help Bryan County Schools expand safety education and outreach, though district leaders will ultimately determine how the funds are used.

“Our hope is that the campaign and contribution inspire and encourage the district to amplify their safety education efforts and extend the reach of their impact,” he added.

Related: Seatbelt, Danger Zone Recommendations Highlight NTSB Discussion at STN EXPO East
Related: Children’s Books by School Bus Drivers Double as Safety Education Tool
Related: NHTSA Kicks off Distracted Driving Awareness Month with Campaign
Related: Minnesota Passes Bill to Strengthen Law on Illegally Passing School Buses
Related: Iowa Launches Inaugural School Bus Safety Week Poster Contest

The campaign also highlights the role manufacturers can play in addressing safety challenges beyond vehicle design. “It takes a collective effort — manufacturers, drivers, school districts, parents and the general public all play a role,” DiFoggio said.

Thomas Bus plans to continue building on the initiative, with future outreach tied to National School Bus Safety Week in October and beyond.

“We see this as an ongoing effort, not a one-time initiative,” DiFoggio said.

His advice for districts and communities aiming to improve school bus safety awareness is to be straightforward, bold and consistent.

“This is a serious issue, and sometimes it takes a message that truly stands out to change behavior,” he said.

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A semi-truck driver says his brakes failed moments before he rear-ended a school bus carrying about 30 kindergarteners on a field trip April 9, reported News 4 Jax.

According to the news report, the Duval County school bus was transporting students from San Pablo Elementary School to the Jacksonville Zoo. It stopped at railroad tracks when it was struck from behind by the semi.

Four children were reportedly taken to the hospital with injuries. Injuries included two broken legs, cuts to the head and chest pain. Authorities have not released updates on the conditions of those injured.

According to the report, the semi-truck driver told police he saw the bus stopped at the tracks and attempted to brake but said his, “brakes were not working.” The driver swerved in an effort to avoid the collision but was unable to stop in time. He was cited for careless driving. Investigators noted he was not distracted at the time of the crash.

Investigation Into Vehicle Records

Dalya Farah, an attorney representing the families of three injured students, said the focus now shifts to the truck’s condition and maintenance history.

“We will most likely inspect the truck. There’s a lot of information on semi-trucks that we can’t obtain otherwise,” Farah said via the article.

She added that inspection records and maintenance logs will be critical in determining whether mechanical failure played a role or if other factors contributed. “When it comes to a semi case, there could be a lot of factors that go into fault,” she said.

Records reviewed by local news reporters show five other crashes linked to the trucking company, Universal Logistics Holdings, over the past two years. It is unclear whether the same semi-truck driver was involved or who was at fault in those incidents. The company has also undergone 74 inspections during that period, though that figure may include its entire fleet.

A company manager declined to comment when contacted by local news reporters, the article states.

Investigators continue to examine whether mechanical issues, including possible brake failure, contributed to the crash.

Written with assistance from AI.

Related: Oregon School Bus Driver Charged in Fatal Field Trip Crash
Related: Florida Man’s School Bus Crash Claim Highlights Limits of Government Immunity
Related: Pennsylvania School Bus Driver Dies as Result of Crash
Related: West Virginia School Bus Driver Faces Sentence After DUI Crash

The post Semi-truck Driver Says Brakes Failed Before Florida School Bus Crash appeared first on School Transportation News.

DENVER, Colo. —EverDriven, the leading provider of alternative student transportation solutions, today released new caregiver survey data demonstrating high levels of satisfaction, trust, and reliability, reinforcing EverDriven’s role as a critical partner for school districts navigating ongoing transportation challenges.

As districts across the country face persistent school bus driver shortages, increasing demand for individualized transportation, and rising expectations around safety and reliability, caregiver trust has become a clear measure of whether a transportation solution is truly working. EverDriven’s latest data shows that its model doesn’t just meet student needs; it earns the confidence of the families it serves

Based on 2026 feedback from nearly 600 caregivers, over 80% of caregivers say they would recommend EverDriven to others, a strong indicator of trust in the company’s safety-first approach and consistent service delivery. Beyond satisfaction, these results underscore the essential role transportation plays in a student’s daily experience, including consistent attendance, stability and better overall student outcomes.

Real Caregiver Experiences
“As a single mother, I am big on my kid’s safety. I had been skeptical about putting my kids in a stranger’s vehicle without me. But EverDriven changed all of that,” said Angie Nelson of Iowa. “The staff are kind, helpful and very understanding. The EverDriven VIP App allows me to track my kids from the second they get into the vehicle to when they arrive at school. EverDriven provides safety and gives caregivers comfort their kids are safe every day.”

“My child has gone through EverDriven for the last two years, and as a parent, my experience with the company has been amazing,” said Caressa Palmer of South Carolina. “The drivers are trustworthy, honest, and understanding. EverDriven is reliable and always on time. I would definitely recommend it to a friend or family member.”

What Caregivers Value Most
The survey data points to four things caregivers say matter most:
Safety and trust: Every driver undergoes rigorous background checks, identity verification, and ongoing monitoring, supported by a culture of accountability and care. Safety protocols are designed specifically for student transportation, not ride-share.
Real-time visibility: The EverDriven VIP app enables caregivers to track their child’s ride in real time, providing end-to-end visibility from pickup through drop-off.
Consistency and reliability: Dedicated drivers and optimized routing support dependable, on-time service and a more familiar experience for students. For students with disabilities, 83% of rides are completed by the same driver, helping build consistency, trust and comfort.
Communication and support: Responsive support teams work closely with families and districts to proactively address concerns and adapt to student needs.

“When a caregiver trusts you with their child, there is nothing more important than getting that right every single day,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “These results reflect the trust families place in us and our unwavering commitment to safety. From the drivers we vet to the technology we provide, everything we do is designed to give caregivers confidence that their children are safe, supported, and cared for from pickup to drop-off.”

Meeting a Growing Need
With ongoing driver shortages, increasing numbers of students requiring specialized transportation, and rising expectations around safety and reliability, districts are under pressure to deliver transportation solutions that work for every student.

In this environment, caregiver trust serves as a critical validation point. When families feel confident in transportation, districts experience fewer disruptions, reduced administrative burden, and greater confidence that students can consistently access their education.

To learn more about how EverDriven helps districts reduce transportation challenges while ensuring safe, consistent access to education, visit everdriven.com.

About EverDriven
EverDriven delivers modern student-centered transportation that’s safe, consistent, and built for those who need it most. EverDriven specializes in routing and transporting students across all ranges of needs — from everyday support to the most complex circumstances — including students with disabilities, students experiencing housing instability, and other high-need populations. Serving more than 800 districts across 37 states, the company completed over 2 million successful trips last year. EverDriven’s deeply human, fully compliant, and AI-powered approach helps districts get students on the road in hours, not days, while maintaining consistent, high-trust rides that complement traditional yellow bus fleets. For more information, visit everdriven.com.

The post When Caregivers Trust the Ride, Students Thrive: New EverDriven Survey Data Shows 8 in 10 Caregivers Would Recommend the Service appeared first on School Transportation News.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., — Zūm, the leader in Connected Mobility Experience (CMX), today announced a $100 million investment from TPG, bringing the company’s total funding to $430 million and valuing Zum at $1.7 billion. TPG is making its investment through The Rise Funds, the multi-sector strategy of its global impact investing platform, and in connection with the investment, Steve Ellis, a Managing Partner of The Rise Funds, will join Zum’s Board of Directors.

The funding follows the introduction of the Zum CMX platform, a Connected Mobility Experience designed to address the fragmentation, delays, and lack of visibility that have long defined student mobility. New research unveiled today quantifies the impact of this antiquated system, identifying that 54% of parents report their child experiences worry or concern about school transportation—contributing to what Zum calls a nationwide “Transportation Anxiety Crisis” — and roughly $15 billion educational loss a year.

Together, these developments reflect a growing recognition that while transportation moves vehicles, mobility is about moving people, and that daily experience has remained largely unchanged for decades.

“Every day, millions of students depend on systems that were never designed to work in real time,” said Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO of Zum. “Zum CMX is our answer — a system we have been building and refining across 4,500 schools that brings visibility, coordination, and reliability to daily mobility. This funding allows us to accelerate what we know works and bring it to every student in America.”

Investor Conviction in a Category-Defining Platform
“TPG invested in Zum because it’s the leading innovator in one of the largest and most underserved critical transportation markets in the country,” said TPG’s Steve Ellis. “By fundamentally redesigning how student mobility is managed in real time, Zum’s fully integrated AI powered system is delivering measurable gains in reliability, efficiency, and outcomes for students, their families, and school districts across the country.”

This is a category-defining movement. Zum is not just improving student mobility —it is fundamentally redesigning how people, vehicles, and operations are coordinated in real time.

Across the $50 billion student mobility market, the largest segment of mass mobility, millions of daily rides are still managed through fragmented systems that lack real-time coordination. Zum CMX addresses this by integrating routing, dispatch, workforce management, safety, and communication into a single, continuous operating system.

Scaling Across School Districts Nationwide
Zum currently operates across more than 4,500 schools in 17 states, serving some of the largest districts in the country, including Los Angeles Unified School District, Boston Public Schools, San Francisco Unified School District, Omaha Public Schools, and Kansas City Public Schools.

The $100 million investment will accelerate:

Expansion of Zum CMX across additional school districts nationwide.
Continued investment in AI-driven coordination and predictive operations.
Scaled infrastructure to support large-scale, real-time mobility system.

Proven Outcomes at Scale
Zum CMX is already delivering measurable results across every district it serves:

98% on-time bus arrival rate on average.
20% reduction in bus fleet size through route efficiency.
4.9 out of 5-star parent satisfaction across more than 1.7 million reviews.
Up to 10% reduction in annual transportation costs for the San Francisco Unified School District.
These outcomes demonstrate how improved transportation reliability directly impacts attendance, learning readiness, and district financial sustainability.

The Transportation Anxiety Crisis
The investment coincides with the inaugural Zum Mobility Symposium in Sunnyvale, where school district leaders, policymakers, and researchers will gather to discuss the future of student mobility. At the event, Zum will formally introduce CMX as a new category and unveil research from NORC at the University of Chicago.

The findings highlight a system that was never designed to operate in real time, in which routing, dispatch, communication, and safety have historically operated in silos, creating anxiety for families and inefficiencies for districts. Zum CMX is designed to eliminate these root causes by bringing visibility, coordination, and accountability to every ride.

About Zum
Zum is revolutionizing mass mobility with its Connected Mobility Experience (Zum CMX) system that connects and coordinates people, vehicles, and operations in real time. In the $50 billion student mobility market – the largest segment of the mass mobility industry – Zum CMX is transforming a daily source of anxiety and disruption into a reliable, transparent, and efficient mobility experience for students and families. Today, more than 4,500 schools rely on Zum CMX. Recognized globally for its innovative approach and operational execution, Zum has been named to Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies, CNBC Disruptor 50 and Changemakers, the World Economic Forum, and the Financial Times’ Fastest Growing Companies lists. Zum is backed by leading investors including Sequoia Capital, GIC, SoftBank, and TPG. Zum, Zum CMX, and associated logos are trademarks of Zum Services, Inc. All rights reserved. Learn more at www.ridezum.com.

About TPG
TPG is a leading global alternative asset management firm, founded in San Francisco in 1992, with $303 billion of assets under management and investment and operational teams around the world. TPG invests across a broadly diversified set of strategies, including private equity, impact, credit, real estate, and market solutions, and our unique strategy is driven by collaboration, innovation, and inclusion. Our teams combine deep product and sector experience with broad capabilities and expertise to develop differentiated insights and add value for our fund investors, portfolio companies, management teams, and communities.

About The Rise Funds
The Rise Funds are a core pillar of TPG’s global impact investing platform. Founded in 2016 by TPG in partnership with Bono and Jeff Skoll, The Rise Funds invest behind impact entrepreneurs and growth-stage, high potential, mission-driven companies that are focused on building and scaling solutions to the world’s most complex challenges. The Rise Funds deliver capabilities and expertise across a wide variety of sectors and countries at scale, focusing on opportunities in climate and decarbonization, education, financial inclusion, healthcare, and impact technology.

TPG’s Impact Platform is the world’s largest of its kind, managing approximately $31 billion in assets across a family of funds that pursue non-concessionary returns and social and environmental impact at scale through growth equity, private equity, and infrastructure investing strategies.

The post Zum Raises $100 Million From TPG to Accelerate Zum’s Connected Mobility Experience (CMX) and for Continued Growth and Expansion appeared first on School Transportation News.

Why is finding qualified school bus drivers, mechanics and fleet managers such a continuous pain point? According to the Transportation Director Summit survey of 82 industry leaders who attended last month’s STN EXPO East, 57 percent ranked driver retention and shortages as their single biggest challenge in 2026.

The labor market remains tight, and the challenge is no longer just “finding people”—it’s competing for them when districts cannot simply raise wages. School board-approved pay scales lock compensation into predetermined steps, often tied to seniority or certifications rather than market demand. Corporate giants like Amazon, Walmart and local logistics firms can adjust to pay overnight while public school districts cannot. So, how do you market your district or company effectively and retain talent when the most obvious lever—higher pay—is off the table?

Marketing for job candidates demands precision and authenticity, not bigger budgets. Instagram, YouTube, TikTok (where district policies permit), and Facebook remain the most cost-effective channels for hyperlocal reach. Paid campaigns now use AI-driven targeting that zeroes-in on CDL holders, retirees seeking part-time stability, stayat-home parents needing mid-day flexibility, military veterans with logistics experience, or gig-economy workers craving predictable routes—all without ever leaving your district’s geographic radius. Organic content is even more powerful because it costs nothing beyond staff time.

“Your current school transportation team members are your best brand ambassadors,” said 2026 STN EXPO East keynote speaker Jim Knight, formerly the head of global training for Hard Rock International. For more than 20 years, Knight built one of the world’s most legendary service cultures by turning every Hard Rock employee from stagehands to executives—into passionate, authentic advocates. He proved that no amount of slick advertising or big-budget campaigns can match the credibility of real people who live the brand every day. The exact same principle applies to school transportation operations. It is especially powerful when pay scales are locked by district policy.

School bus drivers are already the face of your organization. Every morning, they greet families at bus stops. Every afternoon they deliver children safely home. They interact with students, parents and the community in ways no recruitment poster or corporate ad ever could. When these insiders voluntarily share their real experiences—the satisfaction of a flawless pre-trip inspection, the joy of a kindergartner’s first-day high-five, the pride in mastering new safety technology or efficiency tools, or the camaraderie during a snow-day operation—prospects listen with a level of trust that money alone cannot buy.

This internal advocacy is your ultimate competitive advantage. Job candidates today don’t just want a paycheck. They want proof that the job is meaningful, the culture is supportive and the technology makes their day easier. Your team already has those stories. All you have to do is give them a megaphone.

Hiring is only step one. Retention must come from non-monetary levers that you can control. Offering a flexible schedule can be valuable as people demand more work-life balance. Many districts now offer split-shift or four-day route options, mid-day breaks
for drivers, and predictable “no-weekend” commitments that competing employers cannot match. These arrangements often require creative planning and dialogue—not more money.

Technology makes the job easier (most of the time). Mobile apps for real-time schedule changes, instant PTO requests and digital pay stubs reduce frustration. Performance dashboards track on-time performance and safety metrics, then automatically trigger personalized digital “thank-you,” bonus points toward extra vacation days, gift cards or priority shift selection—recognition that feels immediate and data-informed.

Districts succeeding in 2026 need to consider that public recognition events (Driver of the Month with a reserved parking spot and district-wide shout-out) create belonging. Positive reinforcement and safety are tightly linked. Districts using digital recognition platforms report measurable drops in minor incidents and absenteeism because people who feel seen and supported simply drive and maintain equipment more carefully. School transportation leaders do not need unlimited budgets. They need a deliberate, tech-enabled strategy that showcases the job realistically, removes daily friction through smart tools, and builds a culture of appreciation and growth within the financial and policy guardrails that already exist.

Start with your own employees’ stories, amplify them with the platforms and targeting tools available today, and then surround those new hires with technology and human-centered perks that make your operation the place people choose to stay, even when the pay scale stays the same.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the April 2026 issue of School Transportation News.

Related: Technology Improves Driver Recruitment and Retention at Missouri District
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Related: Bus Monitors: Your Next Driver Retention Strategy?

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Formula E will introduce its fourth generation of cars for the upcoming 2026/2027 season, and Porsche has become the latest company to unveil its entrant. Looking more like a concept out of a Tron film than a car that will actually race, the 975 RSE delivers far more downforce than previous entrants, which should slash lap times.

This year, the powertrains used across the Formula E grid will be uprated to deliver 805 hp in Attack Mode with permanent all-wheel drive and new tires ensuring that power is sent to the tarmac efficiently. During regular racing, power will be capped at 604 hp, and all cars will use a 51.25 kWh battery pack. The GEN4 car can sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 1.8 seconds, and the 975 RSE weighs just 2,103 lbs (954 kg).

Read: Liberty Walk Gets Its Hands On A Formula E Single-Seater

Elsewhere, the new cars offer up to 700 kW of recuperation power thanks to the regenerative braking system at the front and rear axles. They also support ultra-fast charging at up to 600 kW. But it’s the design of the GEN4 cars that will really catch the attention of fans of the single-seater, all-electric racing series.

A Racer From The Future

The front end has been overhauled and sports an all-new nose cone with an intricate multi-level splitter and complex aero elements ahead of the front wheels. The aerodynamics have also been revised along the sides, while a flowing wing is positioned at the rear. Importantly, the livery shown is for testing only, and the racer will look a little different when the season starts.

Halfway through the current 2025/2026 season, Porsche leads the current drivers’ and teams’ championships and will look to build on this success for the next season. Porsche also won the teams’ titles in 2024-2025, while current-championship leader Pascal won the drivers’ championship for the brand in 2023-2024.

“The 975 RSE and its competitors are a massive step forward for the sport,” Porsche factory driver Nico Müller said. “I’m a big fan of how aggressively you can drive. Especially in qualifying, when everyone is pushing to the limit, it should be spectacular – particularly because of the strong acceleration out of the corners. I’m glad I was involved in the simulator work from the beginning. Pascal and I share the testing duties. That’s good, because it allows us to tailor the 975 RSE precisely to our needs.”

Honda is preparing to pull the plug on its only fully electric model currently sold in Europe. As part of a rethink of its EV strategy, the automaker will take the e:Ny1 off sale just three years after it arrived. That sounds abrupt, and it is. This is not a full EV retreat, though. The new Super-N hatchback is waiting in the wings, set to step in where the e:Ny1 leaves off, even if it targets a very different slice of the market.

A product of Honda’s joint venture with Dongfeng, the e:Ny1 arrived in Europe in mid-2023 as the electric counterpart to the local-spec HR-V. It looks closely related to the hybrid crossover, but its roots trace back to China, where it has been sold as the e:NS1 and e:NP1 since 2022.

More: Honda’s 1.2 Million-Car China Peak Is Now A 720,000-Car Retreat

As reported by German newspaper Handelsblatt, the e:Ny1 has already disappeared from configurators in several major markets, including Germany, Italy, and Spain. The SUV remains available to order in France and Austria, but Honda is reportedly directing remaining stock toward the UK and Nordic regions, where demand has been stronger.

The model struggled to gain ground against newer, more affordable rivals from both European and Chinese brands. Even after a price cut in Germany from €47,590 ($56,100) to €38,990 ($46,000), Honda managed to sell just 105 units of the e:Ny1 last year.

The e:Ny1 rides on the “e:N Architecture F” platform and uses a single electric motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS). A 68.8 kWh battery delivers a WLTP range of 412 km (256 miles). Compared with the EU-spec HR-V, it features a redesigned front end with a charging port integrated into the grille, clear taillights, and a 15.1-inch portrait touchscreen inside.

Honda Takes A Step Back

This European scale-back mirrors a wider global pivot. Honda recently confirmed it has canceled several planned EVs intended for North America, including the Acura RSX, the 0 Series Saloon and SUV, and the Afeela sedan and SUV from the Sony Honda Mobility joint venture.

More: Honda Plans To Sell 3,000 Rebadged Chinese EVs As The New Insight In Japan

Despite the gloomy outlook for its larger EVs, Honda isn’t pulling the plug entirely. The Super-N will reach UK and Europe shortly after its initial roll-out in Japan. The pint-sized electric hatchback draws inspiration from the Honda City Turbo II, pairing a sporty body kit with a 94 hp motor. Pricing is expected to start below £20,000 (€23,000 / $27,100), aiming to attract buyers with a more accessible entry point and a distinct character.

The rest of Honda’s European lineup is exclusively available with self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, as all ICE-only offerings were phased out in late 2022.

Hot off the back of Honda’s $15.7 billion restructuring costs and a broader EV strategy overhaul announced last month, things aren’t looking good for Honda’s Chinese venture either. At least one of its automobile manufacturing plants in China will be closed by the end of June, according to a recent report.

The plant in question is part of their joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), following Honda’s China sales fall by some 24% in 2025 to just under 647,000 vehicles, roughly half of the 1.2 million sold in 2023.

Read: Honda Went To China, Saw The Future, And Reached Back To The 1960s

According to Reuters, another plant from Honda’s other JV with Dongfeng Motor may be shut soon, as the Japanese automaker tries to keep pace with a rapidly changing market. Demand for traditional petrol vehicles has dropped significantly, and local electric vehicle brands are increasingly taking market share from foreign manufacturers, putting them under increasing strain.

A Turning Point For Honda In China’s Evolving Market 

Honda has six plants as part of its alliances with GAC and Dongfeng, but sustaining ICE production looks increasingly difficult. Estimates indicate that closing a single ICE plant in each joint venture would halve Honda’s petrol car production capacity in China, dropping from 960,000 to approximately 480,000 cars per year. This would also reduce Honda’s total annual vehicle capacity in the country from 1.2 million to around 720,000.

This comes on the heels of a rough year for the automaker in China, where it posted a steep drop in sales. As yet, there have been no official announcements of closures by the company or its partners, but analysts expect some slowdown.

Honda’s ICE offerings have seen some impressive offers, indicative of their poor sales performance. For instance, GAC Honda was offering returning customers a hefty discount of $14,610 (100,000 yuan) off a new Accord e: PHEV earlier in the year.

The bigger picture is to shift investment toward electric vehicles, although Honda’s EV growth in China will likely remain slow, as competitors already outpace them in tech and consumers increasingly prefer cars better optimized for local integration and cutting-edge software.

As the world shifts to electric cars, Toyota has seemingly ruled out an all-electric variant of one of its best-selling SUVs. The move is an indication of a strong course by Toyota, which is opting to invest more in its broader electrification plan rather than turning one of its most successful cars into a battery-powered model.

Review: The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Finally Feels Like The SUV It Was Meant To Be

The report comes despite growing interest in EVs worldwide, particularly in Australia, where the bZ4X has seen a 300% increase in sales.

Toyota Shifts Focus Toward Dedicated EV Platforms

It’s not just the bZ4X that has seen an uptick in numbers. With geopolitical tensions pushing more people towards EVs, Australia, one of many countries hit by rising fuel costs, recorded a record number of new EVs in March, accounting for 14.6 percent of new car sales and representing an 88.9 percent year-on-year increase.

On paper, an EV version of the hot-selling RAV4, which sees 40,000 units shifted in the US each month alone, would seem like a match made in heaven.

But speaking to CarSales, RAV4 chief engineer Yoshinori Futonagane confirmed that we won’t be seeing an all-electric version of his car. Rather, Toyota is concentrating on its purpose-specific electric range under the bZ brand. The models (e.g., the Toyota bZ) are being introduced as core EVs and are designed from the get-go to improve driving range and overall performance.

Designed Without An EV In Mind

Futonagane went on to explain that simply converting the RAV4 to a full EV will not fit within the company’s existing product roadmap. The RAV4 is based on a hybrid and plug-in hybrid platform, and Toyota’s EVs are built on separate bespoke platforms.

Toyota has opted for multiple pathways in its electrification strategy. The car manufacturer has invested heavily in hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen vehicles rather than fully converting to battery-electric cars.

Is Toyota’s strategy the right move, especially against Chinese offerings, such as Jaecoo? Time will tell, but for now, Toyota isn’t in any way rushing to change track.

Hyundai has unveiled a new gateway model for its electric Ioniq range in Europe. The Ioniq 3 develops last year’s Concept Three into a new production model described as an “aero hatchback” though it does come with various crossover styling cues.

More: Hyundai’s Ioniq Concepts Forgot They Were Supposed To Look Like Hyundais, Especially The Lambo One

Measuring 4,155 to 4,170 mm (163.6 to 164.2 inches) in length, depending on the version, the EV is roughly the same size as the Hyundai Bayon. Its 2,680 mm (105.5-inch) wheelbase, however, matches the Elantra. Within Hyundai’s zero-emission lineup, it sits above the Inster and below the Kona Electric, effectively taking on the role of a junior Ioniq 5.

The more experimental bits from the concept have quietly disappeared. No Veloster-style asymmetrical doors here. Just a regular five-door layout that is easier to live with and, more importantly, easier to sell. Up front, split LED lighting is paired with four illuminated dots that echo across the rear, spelling out an “H” in Morse code.

Speaking of the rear, the stubby silhouette flirts with some less flattering comparisons, not least the infamous Pontiac Aztek. A split rear window, bisected by a thick horizontal bar that holds a rear wing, does it no favors, though to be fair, it still comes off better than the much-derided Pontiac effort.

Elsewhere, the production model adds visual weight through chunkier surfacing and more plastic cladding than the concept suggested. Hyundai claims a drag coefficient of 0.263, which is respectable given the shape.

Hyundai showed the range-topping N Line, set apart by sportier bumpers, an integrated diffuser, a rear spoiler, and model-specific 19-inch alloy wheels (base model rides on 16-inch wheels). Those elements are finished in black, tying in with the roof, A-pillars, side skirts, and the cladding around the wheel arches.

Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, said that the Ioniq 3 is “Built for people’s real everyday needs”, combining “segment-leading driving range and aerodynamics with extraordinary levels of space, comfort and practicality”.

High-Tech And Spacious Interior

Inside, the centerpiece is a 14.6-inch free-standing touchscreen, while lower trims make do with a smaller 12.9-inch display paired with a compact digital instrument cluster. Both run Hyundai’s new Google-based Pleos infotainment system, making its debut in a production model. Thankfully, there’s a row of physical switches mounted above the climate vents and additional tactile controls on the N-branded steering wheel.

Hyundai designers integrated the gear lever on the right stalk, freeing up space on the slim two-story center tunnel for cup holders, storage cubbies, and a wireless charging pad. Other highlights include a practical tray on the dashboard, heated and ventilated Relaxation Seats, rear climate vents, a panoramic sunroof, a Bose Premium audio system and a comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense ADAS suite.

More: Hyundai Is Charging Koreans A Fee To Put Pikachu On Their 2027 Kona’s Dashboard

The boot has a double floor with a Ford Puma-style Megabox underneath. Total capacity stands at 441 liters (15.6 cubic feet), which is competitive for something this size.

Two Electric Powertrain Options

Underneath, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 rides on a 400-Volt version of the E-GMP architecture, just like the Kia EV3 and EV4 siblings. At launch, it will be offered in two front-wheel-drive configurations.

The Standard Range model comes with a 144 hp (108 kW / 147 PS) electric motor and a 42.2 kWh battery offering 214 miles (344 km) of WLTP range. The Long Range features a slightly less potent 133 hp (100 kW / 135 PS) electric motor and a larger 61 kWh battery, stretching the range to 308 miles (496 km) on a full charge. Both variants have the same 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque.

What About A Proper Hot Hatch?

For those after something with a bit more edge, Hyundai’s N division is reportedly exploring a baby hot hatch spun from the Ioniq 3. It is an easy leap, given the platform already supports dual-motor setups delivering up to 288 hp (292 PS / 215 kW), as seen in the range-topping Kia EV3 GT-Line.

More: New Elantra N TCR Undercuts The Civic Type R By $7,000 With A Bigger Wing

Besides the extra punch, the Ioniq 3 N will likely benefit from a more aggressive stance along with a unique setup for the chassis and the electronics, borrowing a few tricks from the Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N stablemates.

Market Availability

The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is set to launch in Europe later this year, with production based in Turkey. That also explains its absence from the US market, where tariffs would push pricing beyond what makes sense for a car in this segment.

It will step into a crowded field, going up against electric subcompact SUVs like the Kia EV3, Mini Aceman, Renault 4 E-Tech, Ford Puma Gen-E, Jeep Avenger, Alfa Romeo Junior, Volvo EX30, and Opel Mokka Electric. On the hatchback side, it will also face off against the Renault 5 E-Tech, BYD Dolphin, MG4 EV, and the upcoming VW ID. Polo.

Lynk & Co’s production range has, until now, played it safe with SUVs and sedans. That may be about to change. The Geely-owned brand is preparing to show something with a bit more bite, announcing a two-door GT concept set to debut at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show on April 24, previewed by a single teaser.

The shadowy image suggests a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car, with proportions that land somewhere close to the now-departed Jaguar F-Type. There is a long dash-to-axle ratio, a low, sculpted profile, and planted rear shoulders. A sloping roofline flows into full-width LED taillights, while the rising beltline brings to mind the Lynk & Co 10+ sedan.

More: This Chinese SUV Now Boasts Europe’s Longest Electric Range In A PHEV

Details remain thin, as expected at this stage, but the concept will almost certainly sit on existing Geely architecture. That opens the door to either a fully electric setup or a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Interestingly, the GT appears closer to production than the 2022 Next Day concept, which shared a similarly low-slung, sporty silhouette but stretched things further with a longer body and four suicide scissor doors. If it gets the green light, this new model could find itself taking aim at the Porsche 911 and Mercedes-AMG GT, as well as China’s MG Cyberster.

The GT highlights the racing pedigree of Lynk & Co that has been quite successful in TCR. The company entered the TCR championship in 2019, taking the reigns from the defunct Volvo Polestar racing program.

Volvo Takes Over Sales And Service In Europe

Beyond the showroom floor, Lynk & Co is undergoing a structural shift in its global operations. Volvo Cars and Geely Auto recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see the former take over the commercial and brand operations for Lynk & Co in Europe.

More: Volvo’s Favorite Tuner Just Crossed Over Into China’s EV Scene

Under this new arrangement, Volvo becomes the exclusive importer and distributor for Lynk & Co across the Old Continent, using its retailer and service networks. This means that the Geely-owned brand moves away from its previous subscription-heavy model toward a more traditional retail structure.

Some cars try to dominate the road, but Smart’s greatest hit barely took up half a parking space. Now the brand is teasing its icon’s comeback act with the Concept #2, a preview of the long-awaited successor to the legendary ForTwo, which went out of production in 2024.

Having dropped disguised images of a prototype testing last year, Smart has now released sketches and extreme close-up teaser images of the new concept ahead of a global brand event at the Beijing Auto Show later this month.

Related: Smart’s First Ever Sedan Is Much Bigger Than You Think

While full design and tech details remain hidden, it’s clear from what we can see that the #2’s profile closely echoes the original’s, but that this time the the arches are much fatter. The front end also adopts the family face from other new-generation Smarts like the #1, #3 and #5. Slightly confusingly, the #2 will be much smaller, and probably less expensive, than the #1.

Fashion Inspiration

Smart says the concept uses a matte white and warm gold two-tone finish, along with details inspired by fashion accessories, including buckle-like elements and leather touches. This is definitely no Citroen Ami-style no-frills economy EV.

We can see some of that white and gold coloring in the teaser shots, though whether those “fashion” ideas will find their way onto the production car is another matter. That design direction makes sense, though. The modern Smart brand isn’t selling bare-bones transportation anymore. It now pitches itself as a premium EV maker, with larger models like the #1, #3, and #5 already moving the company far beyond its original microcar roots.

ForTwo Legacy

CEO Tong Xiangbei previously admitted that building a truly tiny EV on a fresh platform is harder than making a larger car. Packaging batteries, safety systems, and decent practicality into something this small is engineering Tetris at expert level. But the #2 matters emotionally. It’s the car enthusiasts actually associate with Smart, the machine that made city motoring weird and fun long before everyone else discovered quirky mobility.

We’ll see the full concept in Beijing on April 22, where it shares the stage with the new China-only #6 EHD fastback sedan. The #6 was designed by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design team, and is shaping up to be a bit like a cut-price Mercedes EQE.

Smart

The Trump administration announced emergency measures to send water from reservoirs high in the river basin to those downstream in the wake of a historically dry Rocky Mountain winter.

"We women are the land guardians and keepers," says Theonila Roka Matbob of Papua New Guinea, recognized for her efforts to repair the environmental and social harms caused by a copper and gold mine.

(Image credit: Goldman Environmental Prize)

The auto industry is at a crossroads with EVs, and this is becoming increasingly evident. Nearly every automobile manufacturer has been forced into some level of self-reflection as far as electric cars are concerned. Some are forging ahead in hope, while others are slowing down and reassessing their plans as market demand fluctuates and prices rise.

Also: These Are The Best-Selling EVs In America This Year So Far

The recent developments in the industry portray the picture of how fragmented everything has become. Some have already abandoned or delayed EV projects since it has emerged that the growth they were envisaging was not that imminent. Others are in the process of doubling down and are taking this as a chance to leapfrog, as competition takes a breather.

Slow And Steady Wins The Race?

Toyota is one of the companies that continues to go on the offensive. It will launch four electric models in the U.S. towards the end of the year, including the bZ, bZ Woodland, C-HR, and a three-row Highlander EV.

Speaking to Automotive News, analysts from iSeeCars and Edmunds expressed positivity on Toyota’s approach. Toyota had attracted criticism for its slow approach towards EVs, but its measured approach seems to have left it in good standing. The ratio of hybrids, gas cars, and EVs the company has had over the years is finally starting to pay off because it will be able to be flexible as the market readjusts.

Pull Backs And Uncertainty

One of the biggest shifts in EV planning has to have been from Honda. The Japanese company has scrapped a number of future electric models and is shifting to hybrids. This move comes with a financial hit, but the company believes that it is a more prudent short-term decision since EV demand has not yet evened out.

Read: Toyota’s bZ Outsold The Prius, And Now A Second US-Made Electric SUV Is Coming

Stellantis is taking the same route, scrapping its electric Ram pickup and delaying other EV plans in Europe. Ford and General Motors are not giving up on electric vehicles, but instead, they are streamlining their production to suit demand rather than overloading it too soon. It is not about quitting but timing things.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen has canceled its production of the US-made ID4 electric crossover. Besides the ID Buzz minivan, there are no plans to expand the VW EV lineup stateside for the next couple of years. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz still plans to introduce more EVs to the US, but their approach will continue to incorporate gas and hybrid options too.

See Also: A 96% Sales Collapse Is Why VW Just Killed US ID.4 Production

These different avenues are reduced down to the situation of the firms, according to industry analysts. Some have the financial cushion to keep on investing, but others are choosing to save and avoid incurring more losses.

We’re seven months out from Black Friday, but Toyota could be forgiven for thinking it’s November already. The automaker was bombarded with 3,100 orders for its new electric sedan in just the first hour after it went on sale, which sounds nuts until you learn how much it costs.

The bZ7 is Toyota’s new flagship EV for China, launched through its GAC-Toyota joint venture. It’s big and full of clever tech, but it’s also ridiculously cheap. Prices begin at ¥147,800, or about $21,500, and rise to ¥199,800, roughly $29,000.

Related: Toyota’s Flagship Electric Sedan Undercuts Tesla Model S By Nearly $96,000 In China

China’s domestic market is so competitive that buyers’s aren’t short of bargains, but even so, the bZ7 looks like incredible value for money. At 5,130 mm (202 inches) long and with a 3,020 mm (118.9 inches) wheelbase, it is bigger than a Tesla Model S, but it’s priced below even the Model 3, which starts at ¥236,500 ($34,500) in China.

More Tortoise Than Hare

The biggest bZ is no Model S Plaid, with a peak power output of 278 hp (282 PS / 207 kW), but battery choices include 71 kWh and 88 kWh LFP packs delivering claimed CLTC ranges of up to 440 miles (710 km) depending on trim. Toyota also says fast charging can add 186 miles (300 km) in 10 minutes.

And although it won’t win many drag races, it will impress plenty of drivers with its tech. Available zero-gravity front seats offer heating, ventilation, and massage functions. A floating 15.6-inch center display dominates the dash, backed by a smaller driver screen and head-up display.

Sensory Overload

The cabin runs Huawei’s HarmonyOS system on a floating 15.6-inch center display, and there’s integration with Xiaomi’s smart-home ecosystem, meaning drivers can interact with household devices from the car. You can also spec a cutting-edge driver assistance pack with roof-mounted lidar, five millimetre-wave radars, 11 high-definition cameras, and 10 ultrasonic radars.

That’s 27 sensors to keep you safe, or just 27 electrical headaches for a used owner a decade down the road, depending on your point of view.

Toyota GAC

We’re seven months out from Black Friday, but Toyota could be forgiven for thinking it’s November already. The automaker was bombarded with 3,100 orders for its new electric sedan in just the first hour after it went on sale, which sounds nuts until you learn how much it costs.

The bZ7 is Toyota’s new flagship EV for China, launched through its GAC-Toyota joint venture. It’s big and full of clever tech, but it’s also ridiculously cheap. Prices begin at ¥147,800, or about $21,500, and rise to ¥199,800, roughly $29,000.

Related: Toyota’s Flagship Electric Sedan Undercuts Tesla Model S By Nearly $96,000 In China

China’s domestic market is so competitive that buyers’s aren’t short of bargains, but even so, the bZ7 looks like incredible value for money. At 5,130 mm (202 inches) long and with a 3,020 mm (118.9 inches) wheelbase, it has a similar footprint to a Tesla Model S, but it’s priced below even the Model 3, which starts at ¥236,500 ($34,500) in China.

More Tortoise Than Hare

The biggest bZ is no Model S Plaid, with a peak power output of 278 hp (282 PS / 207 kW), but battery choices include 71 kWh and 88 kWh LFP packs delivering claimed CLTC ranges of up to 440 miles (710 km) depending on trim. Toyota also says fast charging can add 186 miles (300 km) in 10 minutes.

And although it won’t win many drag races, it will impress plenty of drivers with its tech. Available zero-gravity front seats offer heating, ventilation, and massage functions. A floating 15.6-inch center display dominates the dash, backed by a smaller driver screen and head-up display.

Sensory Overload

The cabin runs Huawei’s HarmonyOS system on a floating 15.6-inch center display, and there’s integration with Xiaomi’s smart-home ecosystem, meaning drivers can interact with household devices from the car. You can also spec a cutting-edge driver assistance pack with roof-mounted lidar, five millimetre-wave radars, 11 high-definition cameras, and 10 ultrasonic radars.

That’s 27 sensors to keep you safe, or just 27 electrical headaches for a used owner a decade down the road, depending on your point of view.

Toyota GAC

H/t to Car News China

It’s a question that dates back decades. Do you option your fancy sports car with or without visual flourishes like rally or racing stripes? Once you choose, changing your mind isn’t exactly an easy task. Installing or removing stripes is a painstaking process on one’s own and can cost thousands when a professional does the work.

Porsche owners might not have to make that choice in the near future. A new patent would allow them to switch from stripes to no stripes with the push of a button.

More: Tesla Files New Seat Patent For A Supercar That’s Been Sitting Since 2017

According to the newly published patent application that was first spotted by Jalopnik, Porsche’s system would use an “actively controllable, optically variable coating” applied to exterior body panels. When voltage is applied, the coating changes appearance.

The company says the technology could rely on either so-called electronic paper or paramagnetic coatings, both of which can alter their color when electricity is introduced. This kind of tech already exists, but it’s not used in this fashion.

Plenty of automakers use it for glass panels which allows the occupant to make the glass appear transparent or opaque on command. The big change here is using it on a body panel instead. According to the patent, Porsche owners would see the “rally stripes” appear when the car goes into Sport mode. Additional accents could also light up around areas like the diffuser or the side blades behind the rear wheels.

An EV Battery Indicator Too

Porsche says the idea is partly cosmetic, but there is a functional side too. The company notes that racing stripes could help identify one car from another during competition, especially when multiple identical cars are on track at the same time. Porsche also believes the same coating could act as an exterior battery gauge on EVs.

Instead of opening an app or looking at the dashboard, owners could glance at the car and instantly know how much charge remains. A panel might glow green when the battery is nearly full, yellow when it is running low, and red when it is close to empty.

While there’s no way to know for sure if or when Porsche gives this idea the green light, it’s very much the kind of tech we see popping up more and more across the bleeding edge of the industry. Sooner or later, someone will probably put it into production. Here’s hoping Porsche makes it happen and lets other automakers license the tech.

Credit: WIPO / Porsche

Hype and market reality are very different. Just check out the tale of this Porsche Macan Electric. A 2025 MY car in desirable Turbo trim bought for over $120,0000 when the Macan EV was still bathing in the glow of the model’s launch buzz, it stalled at just $88,500 in bids on an auction website this month.

This particular example, finished in Ice Grey Metallic and with just 1,500 miles (2,414 km) on the clock, originally stickered at $121,855 including destination when sold through Porsche Edison, NJ. That’s some serious money for a compact luxury SUV, even one wearing a Porsche badge.

More: Porsche’s Next Gas Macan Is Already Testing In An Audi Disguise

But then it also offers some serious go. The Macan Turbo Electric packs dual-motors pushing around 630 hp (639 PS / 470 kW) and a massive 833 lb ft (1,130 Nm) of torque through all four wheels. It’ll hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.1 seconds and still promises nearly 300 miles (483 km) of EPA range.

RS Wheels And Bottom Coolers

A bare-bones Turbo would have cost $105,300, but this car’s first owner splashed out another $15k on goodies like the 22-inch RS Spyder Design wheels ($3,900), head-up display ($2,630), Sport Chrono package ($980), and $600 of fake engine sounds. It also has a $1,310 Premium Package that included four-zone climate, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.

It’s the kind of EV most of us would love to see on our driveways, but Cars&Bids visitors didn’t like it enough to put in on theirs. The C&B listing shows bidding stopped short of the unknown reserve at $88,500, which would have represented a $33,355 haircut, and that was obviously too much for the seller to handle. The seller, by the way, claims he bought the car 100 miles (160 km) ago, so we don’t know how much he would have lost had the final bid secured a sale.

New Macan Sales Struggling

Macan Electric owners looking to exit aren’t the only one struggling to find buyers for the EV. So are Porsche dealers. Global Macan sales are already sliding, down 23 percent overall, and the electric version is taking an even harder hit. Deliveries dropped 43 percent year over year in Q1, while the combustion version most buyers prefer goes out of production this summer and won’t be replaced until 2028.

Cars&Bids