For most student transportation teams, the day-to-day reality is a short-staffed operation managing complex logistics that families depend on. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report captures exactly that.

In February 2026, Zonar and School Transportation News surveyed 118 transportation professionals across the U.S. The results confirmed what many already know from experience: staffing is stretched, budgets are tight, and the technology teams have isn’t always translating into action.

Join Zonar and a panel of experts for a live walkthrough of the report’s findings. We’ll dig into what the data shows, where the industry is heading, and what it means for your operation this year. Get direct insights from the perspective of providers, districts and consultants.

What we’ll cover:

• Why 75% of transportation professionals still rank driver hiring and retention as their top challenge and what the long-term data tells us about where this is headed
• How safety expectations have evolved: parent communication gaps alongside driver behavior compliance tied as the top student safety challenges at 45% each
• Where technology adoption stands today and why student ridership verification shows the largest gap between current use (41%) and 2026 investment intent
• Why the data problem is a people and process problem: 48% of respondents cite limited staff as their primary data challenge, not technology gaps
• Practical recommendations for transportation leaders on where to focus technology investments for the strongest operational return

Brought to you by Zonar

REGISTER BELOW:

Featured speakers:

Tony Harris
Director of Transportation
Monongalia County Schools

Tony Harris brings more than two decades of firsthand experience to his role as Transportation Director at Monongalia County Schools in Morgantown, West Virginia. He spent 18 years as a school bus driver in Preston County before moving into administration, navigating mountain roads, narrow lanes, and harsh winter conditions before transitioning to overseeing the operation. Today he manages more than130 drivers across over 100 routes, providing daily transportation for roughly 9,500 students across both urban Morgantown and the rural reaches of the county.
Harris has been an active champion of new transportation technology, including piloting electric buses in the district and developing driver recruitment and training programs to address workforce challenges.

Rachel Trindade
Chief Marketing Officer
Zonar

With more than 25 years in marketing and 15+ years in logistics, Rachel has helped companies drive significant growth faster than industry norms. At Zonar, she leads marketing and demand generation.
Before joining Zonar, Rachel served as CMO at FlavorCloud and Extensiv, and led global marketing at Teletrac Navman (Vontier) across four continents. She holds a BBA from the University of Texas at Austin and has been recognized as a leading Woman in Supply Chain by Supply & Demand Chain Executive and named California’s Most Visionary Tech CMO by CEO Monthly.

Tim Ammon
Owner
Ammon Consulting Group, LLC

Tim Ammon has spent more than 25 years supporting transportation and fleet operations, working with more than 500 organizations across three countries. His work focuses on identifying opportunities to improve operational performance through process improvements, technology adoption, and personnel practices, consistently helping organizations bridge the gap between desired and actual performance.
Tim has also provided extensive professional development services in leadership and management, decision-making, organizational resilience, and cost and technical analysis. He holds a Master of Public Administration from American University and certifications in School Risk Management, Operational Risk Management, and Change Management.

The post (Free Webinar) 2026 State of Student Transportation appeared first on School Transportation News.

The School Bus Safety Company announced today they have just completed the recreation and updating of their OSHA Compliance Training Course for both school bus technicians and drivers.

The OSHA Compliance Course is a single source management tool designed specifically for school bus operations. This course will help managers quickly and easily achieve compliance with OSHA regulations. There are many hazards in a bus workshop and the technicians deserve the required safety training to make their workplace safer.

The course provides education and training materials addressing 26 OSHA standards that apply to maintenance facilities and 3 that apply to drivers. The subjects covered are:

Manager and Employee Introduction
Manager and Supervisor Introduction. Maintenance Employees Introduction to OSHA.

Facility Safety
Emergency Action Plan
Fire Prevention/Response Plans
Signage
Confined Island
Fuel Island
Diesel Exhaust
Electrical Hazards
Spray Painting
Lifts, pits, Jacks and Stands
Rails, Stairs and Ladders
Workplace Security

Personal Safety
Hazardous Materials
Personal Protective Equipment
Emergency Eye Wash
First Aid & Infectious Diseases
Slips, Trips and Falls
Fall Protection
Violence in the Workplace

Equipment Safety
Lockout/Tagout
Machine Guarding
Hand Tools
Forklift and Powered Platform Safety
Welding
Single Piece and Multi-Piece Rim Wheels

“The Process Guide includes action plans and checklists with step-by-step instructions detailing what you must do to be in compliance” said Jeff Cassell, president of The School Bus Safety Company. “Simply put, if you follow all the action plans and document the steps taken, you’ll be in compliance and your technicians will be safer.. It’s that simple.”

“School districts in some states are exempt from complying with federal regulations,” said Cassell.“However, many states have similar rules and the safety of the technicians and drivers in every school bus operation deserve the same high level of safety whether it is required or not. Doing the right thing and protecting your employees should be the standard, not the regulations.”

A hard copy of the course on hard drive or thumb drive is only $2,000 and can be used for many years. For online pricing, call 866 275 7272For more information, please visit the web site at www.schoobussafetyco.com

The post School Bus Safety Company Releases Updated OSHA-compliance Training Course appeared first on School Transportation News.

Safety and training are forefront as the NTSB is investigating a Tennessee school bus crash that killed two teenage girls and an Oregon school bus driver was arrested for allegedly transporting students while intoxicated. Plus, new Clean School Bus program details are incoming, just in time for STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada this July.

Jim Levine, founder of the School Transportation Active Threat Response Training, or S.T.A.R.T., joins us to discuss how school bus drivers can serve as the first line of defense against threats by interacting kindly with students and becoming trained on response tactics. His team brings its law enforcement, Secret Service, SWAT and School Resource Officer experience to an upcoming 4-hour training at STN EXPO West.

Read more about security.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Message from School Radio.

Message from RTA.

Stream, subscribe and download the School Transportation Nation podcast on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Spotify and YouTube.

The post (STN Podcast E304) Bus Drivers as First Responders: School Transportation Active Threat Response Training appeared first on School Transportation News.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) offers its customers a broad portfolio of power solutions pursuing many paths forward to meet its customers’ and the planet’s evolving needs today and in the future. For the 2026 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, the company is showcasing its 2027 X15 along with its L9N and X15N natural gas engines. Accelera by Cummins will feature its next generation Advanced LFP batteries and 14Xe eAxle. In addition, the 2027 X10 and 2027 X15 will be featured in the ride and drive, joined by a hybrid simulation truck.

“Our customers depend on Cummins to provide solutions that are dependable, efficient and cost effective. This reputation is rooted in our technical expertise and deep understanding of their business needs and is supported by our global sales and service network,” said José Samperio, Vice President, North American On-Highway Business, Cummins Inc.

Forever Rising with Cummins 2027 X15
The 2027 X15 will be displayed with its integrated transmission and aftertreatment system, advancing the company’s flagship heavy‑duty platform. Built on more than 25 years of X15 architecture, the 2027 engine incorporates familiar components and updated controls that support improved fuel efficiency with similar diesel exhaust fluid consumption. The engine also anchors the company’s Forever Rising Tour fleet, where customers can evaluate drivability, integration and performance in real‑world operation.

Natural Gas Engines Power a Broader Ecosystem
Cummins also will feature the X15N and L9N engines to demonstrate the breadth of its natural gas portfolio. Built for heavy-duty and linehaul applications, the X15N provides power and performance while offering a practical path to reduced fuel costs and lower emissions. The L9N is suited for regional haul, refuse and municipal operations. Together, the engines give fleets multiple options across mixed duty cycles and varying infrastructure conditions.

Cummins Clean Fuel Technologies (CCFT) will highlight its newest product: an internally designed and manufactured all‑composite Type 4 CNG tank with a fully carbon‑fiber‑wrapped polymer liner. The tank is engineered to be light weight and for integration into CCFT fuel delivery systems for heavy‑duty trucks. The product incorporates technology designed and shared by NPROXX, Cummins’ composite pressure vessel design and manufacturing entity based in Europe.

Advancing Commercial Vehicle Electrification
Accelera by Cummins will showcase its next generation 14Xe eAxle, its most versatile electrified axle solution to date. The 14Xe delivers improved energy efficiency alongside increased torque, power and voltage capability to support both heavy- and medium-duty applications. Available with either a 2- or 3-speed twin countershaft transmission or 2-speed planetary configuration, the 14Xe has the ability to reduce the need for wheel-end reductions while enabling greater system flexibility across vehicle platforms. When paired with Accelera’s ELFA 3 high-power inverter, the system can also enhance functional safety and cybersecurity for 6×4 tandem, medium-duty and school bus applications.

Accelera will also feature its highly modular Advanced LFP battery platform, designed to support flexibility, long service life and fast charging. With 102 kWh of energy capacity and up to 840V, the platform leverages advanced LFP chemistry and cell-to-pack architecture to deliver improved energy density, enhanced safety and a strong cost competitiveness for commercial vehicle applications.

Enhanced Digital Experience for the Life of Your Vehicle
Cummins provides a full suite of digital capabilities that connect customers’ day-to-day operations directly to the service and maintenance experience using real-time data.

These features, available in Connected Solutions or via participating OEM portals, include remote diagnostics, predictive service insights, over-the-air software updates and digital maintenance tools that help minimize downtime, optimize fleet maintenance and ensure that vehicles are operating with the latest technology directly from Cummins.

These features and capabilities are enabled by Acumen, Cummins’ advanced computing hardware, or an OEM telematics device.

Ride and Drive: Customer Ready Demonstration Vehicles
In the ACT Expo Ride & Drive, Cummins will feature two vehicles from its Forever Rising Tour: one equipped with the 2027 X15 and another showcasing the new Cummins X10 mid-bore diesel platform designed for vocational, transit, pickup-and-delivery and regional haul operations. The third vehicle, which has been in service with Walmart since November 2025, is a demonstration of both companies’ commitment to advancing hybrid technology development. As part of this effort, Cummins and Walmart have collaborated in evaluating hybrid powertrain configurations under real world operating conditions using a development vehicle that can simulate multiple hybrid architectures without physical hardware changes. The hybrid simulation truck will be showcased publicly for the first time in the ride and drive.

About the Hybrid Simulation Platform
Cummins and Walmart are jointly testing and refining hybrid configurations using engines, components and controls from both Cummins and its zero-emissions business, Accelera by Cummins. Walmart has been operating the vehicle across a range of routes and duty cycles, validating system controls and accumulating mileage to evaluate performance in day-to-day service.

For more information on Cummins’ broad portfolio and the Forever Rising Tour and upcoming stops, visit this site and meet with experts May 4-7 at ACT Expo Booth #2038.

About Cummins Inc.
Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is committed to powering a more prosperous world. Since 1919, we have delivered innovative solutions that move people, goods and economies forward. Our five business segments—Engine, Components, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins—offer a broad portfolio, including advanced diesel, electric and hybrid powertrains; integrated power generation systems; critical components such as aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls, transmissions, axles and brakes; and zero-emissions technologies like battery and electric powertrain systems. With a global footprint, deep technical expertise and an extensive service network, we deliver dependable, cutting-edge solutions tailored to our customers’ needs, supporting them through the energy transition with our Destination Zero strategy. We create value for customers, investors and employees and strengthen communities through our corporate responsibility global priorities: education, equity and environment. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, Cummins employs approximately 67,400 people worldwide and earned $2.8 billion on $33.7 billion in sales in 2025. Learn more at www.cummins.com.

The post Cummins Builds on Many Paths Strategy at ACT Expo  appeared first on School Transportation News.

The National Transportation Safety Board called for alcohol detection systems in all school buses with the release of its final report of a March 2024 school bus crash in Calhoun County, West Virginia, determining a drunk school bus driver caused the incident.

The NTSB stated in the report released April 23 that a 77-passenger, 2022 IC school bus was carrying a driver and 19 students, aged 11 to 18. The crash occurred during the third trip of the day, an activity run, for bus driver Jeffery Allen Brannon, third bus trip. According to video footage from the school bus, Brannon began the run at 5:44 p.m. NTSB stated Brannon arrived at the middle and high school at 5:45 p.m. to pick up students and left the school about 5:47 p.m., after the students boarded the bus.

“About three minutes after the bus left the school, the video footage showed the school bus as it approached a left-hand curve while traveling at a speed of around 42 mph,” the report states, noting the two-lane road has a posted speed limit of 55 mph. “As the [Brannon] executed the curve, the bus departed the right side of the paved roadway. Video from the bus showed that the bus’s speed was 39 mph when it departed the road.”

Upon leaving the road, the bus continued to follow the curve, struck the end of the culvert with its right-front tire, continued south, and then struck a wooden fence. The bus began to yaw counterclockwise as it reentered the roadway. The bus right-rear tire struck the culvert end, and the bus rolled a quarter turn onto its right (loading door) side. The bus came to rest on its right side across both lanes, completely blocking the southbound lane and partially blocking the northbound lane.

Three students were seriously injured, 16 had minor injuries. and Brannon was uninjured.

The NTSB determined the probable cause was Brannon’s alcohol impairment, which led to loss of control, roadway departure and the rollover. Post-crash toxicology tests showed his BAC at 0.161 grams per deciliter about 50 minutes after the crash and 0.127 grams per deciliter about one and a half hours after the crash, NTSB stated in the report.

The 0.161 BAC is over four times the federal limit for commercial drivers.

The agency issued a recommendation to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that all new school buses be equipped with a vehicle-integrated alcohol detection system that prevents or limits operation when driver alcohol impairment is detected.

Brannon was found guilty on three counts of DUI, causing serious bodily injury and 16 counts of child neglect creating a risk of serious bodily injury or death. He was sentenced to between 22 years and 110 years in prison.

Drunk School Bus Drivers an Increasing Problem

An NTSB press release states that a Stateline investigation “found that from 2015 through 2019, 118 school bus drivers nationwide were cited or arrested for operating a bus while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.”

School bus industry trainer Dick Fischer collects news article reports about drunk school bus drivers among other safety topics. He said he found 28 instances of school bus drivers arrested for either driving drunk or under the influence of drugs during the 2024-2025 school year. For this school year so far, August through April, Fischer has recorded 20 instances of school bus drivers being impaired.

Meanwhile, the NTSB also “noted that active and passive alcohol detection technologies already exist that can prevent a vehicle from operating if driver alcohol impairment is detected,” the press release adds. “These systems are being used successfully on school buses in parts of Europe as a preventive safety measure.”

It also found that the lack of passenger lap/shoulder seatbelts on the school bus contributed to injury severity. The report noted that unbelted students were thrown into the bus interior and other students. The agency said students struck seats, windows, sidewalls, the roof area, personal items, and other passengers during the rollover sequence. One serious injury ultimately resulted in a lower-leg amputation.

The agency reiterated that properly worn lap/shoulder seatbelts reduce injuries and that policy must go beyond installing belts, but also districts need to enforce usage procedures. It recommends that West Virginia school bus passengers use seatbelts when available and school districts should establish usage procedures with routine audits. Audits should consist of pre-departure driver instruction, periodic belt-use inspections, video review where cameras exist and training for not only administrations and drivers, but parents and students as well.

Related: Alleged Drunk Driving Lands Oregon School Bus Driver in Jail
Related: West Virginia School Bus Driver Faces Sentence After DUI Crash
Related: West Virginia School Bus Driver Accused of DUI, Accepts Guilty Plea
Related: South Carolina School Bus Driver Charged with DUI While Transporting Students

As part of this crash, the NTSB also examined a similar crash that took place in Dale, Texas, where unbelted students were thrown about the interior of a school bus. In March 2024, a concrete truck driven by Jerry Hernandez struck a Hays CISD school bus, killing 5-year-old Ulises Montoya who. The bus, carrying 44 students and 11 adults, was returning from a field trip. Hernandez, who confessed to using drugs and having little sleep, was sentenced to 18 years in prison but became eligible for parole in April 2026.

Related: Truck Driver Admitted Cocaine Use Before Fatal Texas School Bus Crash
Related: Texas School District Adopts Accelerated Seatbelt Plan Following Fatal Bus Crash

NTSB reiterated to West Virginia that it require all new large school buses to be equipped with passenger lap/shoulder belts at all passenger seating positions.

In the report, the NTSB noted that video cameras were important for investigation and support compliance. The school bus involved in the crash had seven cameras, including interior cameras that showed driver actions, passenger movement, vehicle speed and the crash sequence. It found that weather, roadway condition/signage, school bus speed, mechanical condition, driver licensing/training/experience, non-alcohol drugs, distraction from phone/students/loading doors, Calhoun County Board of Education policies, medical condition and fatigue were not causal or contributory factors.

The post Alcohol Detection Systems in School Buses Among Latest NTSB Recommendations appeared first on School Transportation News.

Over 20 million Polos have found homes since the nameplate launched more than 50 years ago. Now Volkswagen’s rebooting the whole thing as the ID. Polo, a fully electric seventh-generation hatch built on the new MEB+ EV platform with front-wheel drive, up to 283 miles (455 km) of range and a starting price that keeps it firmly in affordable territory.

Pre-sales are already live in Germany, where the entry-level Trend trim kicks off at €24,995. That’s the headline number Volkswagen‘s been keen to shout about, though if you want one right now, the only available order is the mid-spec Life trim, which starts at €33,795. More variants follow in the summer.

Related: VW’s 2026 ID. Buzz Adds 335 HP And Real Buttons, America Gets Neither

There are three power outputs at launch. The 114 hp (116 PS / 85 kW) and 133 hp (135 PS / 99 kW) versions come with a 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery offering up to 204 miles (329 km) of range and DC fast charging at up to 90 kW, with a 10-to-80 charge taking around 27 minutes.

The 208 hp (211 PS / 155 kW) variant steps up to a 52 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt pack, pushing range to a provisional 283 miles (455 km) and accepting up to 105 kW DC charging, shaving that charge window down to roughly 24 minutes. A GTI variant with 223 hp (226 PS / 166 kW) is coming in 2027.

New Front-Wheel Drive Platform

The switch to the front-wheel drive MEB+ platform pays dividends in terms of space because unlike the bigger ID.3 Neo, there’s no motor stashed under the cargo bay floor. Luggage volume jumps 25 percent over the combustion Polo, from 351 to 441 liters, and with the rear seats folded you’re looking at 1,243 liters. The interior also gains 19 mm of extra space that passengers will actually notice, particularly those in the back.

VW’s tape measure says the Polo comes in at 4,053 mm (159.6 inches) long, 1,816 mm (71.5 inches) wide and 1,530 mm tall on a 2,600 mm (102.4 inches) wheelbase. That makes 131 mm (5.2 inches) shorter and 42 mm (1.7 inches) narrower than its most obvious rival, the Renault 5 E-Tech, but as good as identical in size to the Cupra Raval, which like the Skoda Epiq, shares the Polo’s platform and running gear.

On the outside the handsomely chiselled ID. Polo looks almost identical to the 2023 ID.2all concept, right down to its fat five-spoke wheels and blue paint. The rear door handles are hidden near the C-pillar to clean up the lines, and a wide transverse light bar at the tail is crowned with an illuminated red VW roundel to finish what the white lit logo at the front started.

Retro-Digital Interior

Inside, Volkswagen’s “Pure Positive” design language makes its production debut. Chief Designer Andreas Mindt says he wanted the cabin to feel like a familiar friend, and the approach blends a 10-inch digital cockpit with a 13-inch infotainment center touchscreen.

Physical buttons handle climate control, there’s a rotary audio dial between the front seats, and a “retro display” mode transforms the instruments into something that looks straight out of a post-facelift Mk1 Golf, complete with a classic speedo and a power gauge standing in for the rev counter. Nice touch.

Three trim levels cover the range. The Trend gets LED headlights, Side Assist, Lane Assist and a standard 90 kW DC charging capability. Life adds Adaptive Cruise Control, a rear camera, CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless phone charging. Style goes further with IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, 3D tail lights, an illuminated VW logo front and rear, sport comfort seats, two-zone climate and the upgraded ID. Light strip that now runs into the door panels.

Massage Seats

Related: VW Spent Years Removing Knobs From Its Cars, The ID.3 Neo Puts Them Back

Optional tech potentially worth splashing for includes a 425-watt Harman Kardon sound system, a panoramic glass roof and something genuinely unusual for this class: a pneumatic massage function for the electrically adjustable 12-way front seats, with three programs to choose from. That’s a premium-saloon feature in a sub-€25,000 hatchback.

The ID. Polo also supports Vehicle-to-Load as standard, meaning it’ll push up to 3.6 kW out through a Schuko adapter to charge e-bikes or run outdoor kit. Depending on spec, it can tow up to 1,200 kg too.

Cut-Price Charging

On the charging side, Volkswagen’s subsidiary Elli is launching a new city tariff at €0.39 per kWh for public AC charging across more than a million European charge points, aiming to make street charging as predictable and affordable as a home wallbox. A dynamic home tariff called Naturstrom Flex can cut home charging costs by up to 30 percent by automatically charging when electricity prices are lowest.

Aside from next year’s GTI, shown below in disguised form, the ID. Polo lineup feels pretty complete for a launch. It’s practical, it’s priced right, and that retro display alone might sell a few cars.

VW

When Rivian unveiled the production R2 last month, the company briefly mentioned a Launch Package. With production now underway, the automaker has circled back and provided a few more details.

For a “limited time,” the Launch Package comes standard on the R2 Performance and effectively rewards early owners for their vote of confidence. As their way of saying thanks, Rivian throws in a handful of extra features at no-cost.

More: Rivian R2 Goes Into Production As A Make Or Break Electric Vehicle

Most of the upgrades are relatively minor, but consumers will receive a special key fob that resembles a carabiner and features a green anodized finish. It appears to be contrasted by a golden accent on the lower half.

Customers will also find a standard tow package, which is typically an option on the R2 Performance. It enables the electric crossover to tow up to 4,400 lbs (1,996 kg), which is considerably more than the Jeep Recon’s rating of 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg).

One of the biggest upgrades is a lifetime subscription to Autonomy+. This provides Universal Hands-Free driving on over 3.5 million miles (5.6 million km) of roads in the United States and Canada.

Autonomy+ normally costs $49.99 per month or $2,500 as part of a one-time purchase. As a result, it’s free inclusion in the Launch Package is a pretty big deal.

Last but not least, customers can get their R2 in Launch Green. The hue debuted on Launch versions of the R1 and will be an extra cost upgrade. Rivian hasn’t said how much it will cost, but noted the model will also be offered in Esker Silver, Catalina Cove, Half Moon Grey, Glacier White, Midnight, and Forest Green.

As a refresher, the R2 Performance starts at $57,990 and features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 656 hp (489 kW / 665 PS) and 609 lb-ft (825 Nm) of torque. It enables the crossover to accelerate from 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.6 seconds and travel up to 330 miles (531 km) on a single charge.

Other highlights include Matrix LED headlights, integrated tow hooks, and a rear liftgate with drop down glass. They’re joined by Compass Yellow accents and 21-inch wheels.

The interior is available in two colors known as Black Crater and Coastal Cloud. Both feature Birch wood trim and “soft textile accents.” They’re joined by 12-way power front seats with heating and ventilation as well as heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Buyers will also find a nine-speaker premium audio system and a flashlight integrated into the driver’s door.

Hyundai has introduced their “most luxurious electric SUV to date.” It’s the 2027 Ioniq 9 Performance Calligraphy Black Ink and it comes with a spec sheet almost as long as its name.

Designed to appeal to customers seeking “maximum luxury, exclusive design, and top‑tier performance,” the range-topping trim embraces the blackout trend as it sports a black chrome front skid plate, black badging, and black window surrounds. They’re joined by gloss black roof rails and black 21-inch wheels that are exclusive to the model and sport a turbine-style design. If that isn’t black enough, you can order the crossover in Abyss Black Pearl.

Review: The 2026 Ioniq 9 Calligraphy’s Biggest Threat Is Hyundai Itself

The dark theme continues inside, where customers will find a black H-Tex interior with black aluminum trim. Hyundai didn’t say much about equipment, but the crossover has a six-seat cabin with “Relaxation Seats” in the first- and second-row. They feature power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. There’s also a heated third-row.

Other highlights include an eco‑suede headliner, a digital rearview mirror, and a panoramic glass roof. They’re joined by a 14-speaker Bose premium audio system and a 10-inch head-up display.

Customers can also expect a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, and a wireless smartphone charger. Other highlights should include a heated steering wheel and a power liftgate.

Power comes from a 110.3 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 422 hp (315 kW / 428 PS) and 516 lb-ft (699 Nm) of torque. This should enable the model to have a range of approximately 311 miles (501 km) on a single charge. When the battery is low, a 350 kW DC fast charger can take it from 10% to 80% in as little as 24 minutes.

The 2027 Ioniq 9 Performance Calligraphy Black Ink will arrive at dealerships this summer and pricing will be announced closer to launch. However, we can expect the model to be even more expensive than the 2026 Ioniq 9 Calligraphy, which begins at $74,990 before a $1,600 destination fee.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N made the driving experience engaging, playful, and more akin to the experience of a combustion car. After plenty of praise surrounding the fake gearshifts and engine noise used in this model, Hyundai expanded the tech to the 6 N and Ioniq 9. Soon, it’ll find its way into more mainstream Hyundai EVs.

More: Hyundai’s N Rule Was Simple Until The Ioniq 3 Made It Inconvenient

“We really want to have a proper [driving] experience – not just the sound, but a bit of the boost,” Hyundai Europe product vice president Raf van Nuffel told Carsales. What he’s referring to is that Hyundai doesn’t just use fake engine sounds. It manages power so that when drivers call for a ‘gear shift’, the car feels like a clutch engaged and released.

The system can be switched off, so drivers won’t have to use it. That said, it’s a defining feature of models like the 5 N, and most enthusiasts seem to enjoy it. Introducing the feature to the Ioniq 9 and other mainstream cars down the road could help Hyundai stand out from a crowd of otherwise silent contenders. Importantly, the brand says it won’t extend the features to base models, but there’s a reason for that.

“It is not something that we limit to N, but we have certain requirements – we do need a minimum level of power to have this clutch-type feeling. We are not going to offer it across the range, but definitely [there is] more to come without always having to go for 600 horsepower,” van Nuffel said.

There’s little doubt that fake engine sounds have been divisive. Despite that, plenty of automakers use them now, and they’re not just limited to EVs. Combustion cars often pipe in faux exhaust noise to “enhance” the driving experience. Hyundai is taking that approach and adding in more than just audible sensations. Considering that owners can choose if they want them or not, this seems like a win-win.

Top Detroit automaker CEOs like Ford’s Jim Farley and GM’s Mary Barra earn hundreds of times what their company’s line workers do, but they look like they’re living on the bread line compared with Rivian’s boss.

Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe was paid a shocking $403 million last year, company filings reveal. That compares with $27.5 million for Farley and $29.9 million for Barra over the same period. Rivian delivered 42,247 EVs in the United States last year, while Ford moved 2.2 million vehicles, GM 2.85 million domestically, and Tesla sold roughly 1.65 million globally in 2025.

Related: Mary Barra’s $29.9 Million Payday Came In The Same Year GM Lost $7.9 Billion On EVs

That makes Scaringe one of the most highly paid automaker bosses in the world, and means his pay package is thousands of times the size of the one awarded to the men and women who make Rivian’s cars and trucks. It’s not quite up there with Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s pay package, which could net him $1 trillion over the next decade, but it’s still huge.

Sales Down, CEO Pay Up

What makes Scaringe’s pay award all the more shocking is that it comes at a time when Rivian hasn’t exactly been going from strength to strength. Yes, it managed to post its first-ever gross profit in 2025 by cutting costs, and began production of the smaller R2 SUV, but its stock price is still way down from its 2021 peak, and sales slumped last year.

Of course, Scaringe didn’t scoop the whole $403 million in cash. The award consisted of $373.5 million in stock options, $26.6 million in stock awards, and a more modest $1.12 million taken as a salary.

Pay Could Hit $4.6 Billion

Rivian’s board last November voted to scrap a previous performance-related pay structure for Scaringe, laid out in 2021, that was later deemed unrealistically ambitious. Under the terms of the new deal, his salary is set to increase to $2 million, and he could net $4.6 billion through stock options if he grows the company’s stock price to $140 over the next 10 years.

But given that the stock has mostly hovered below $20 for the past three years, down from $130 when Rivian went public in 2021, Scaringe has his work cut out.

Chinese consumer electronics brand turned carmaker Dreame hasn’t even delivered its first vehicle, but it’s already talking about what comes next, and it might have rockets attached.

Dreame unveiled the Nebula NEXT 01 JET Edition during the company’s DREAME NEXT event in San Francisco, and yes it looks just like the Nebula Next 01X EV we’ve reported on before, and which is earmarked for sale in 2027.

Also: The Chinese Vacuum Brand That Built A 1,973-HP Sedan Just Showed Up At Berkeley With It

But compared with the production supercar-shaped four-door sedan, this one looks rather different at the rear. That’s where you’ll find a pair of rocket boosters that give the concept a claimed 0-62 mph (100 kmh) time of just 0.9 seconds.

Dreame says the concept, which explores where the company’s car development could go in future, represents more than a decade of development in autonomous systems, motors, AI, and robotics. It also represents someone in marketing being allowed unsupervised access to caffeine and hallucinogenics.

Twin Jets

The headline feature is that custom dual solid-fuel rocket setup mounted to assist acceleration. Dreame claims the system reacts in 150 milliseconds and produces up to 100 kN of thrust. But there’s plenty of other modern or futuristic tech onboard that isn’t just concept nonsense, including steer- and brake-by-wire, and solid-state batteries with an energy density above 450 Wh/kg that Dreame says is nearing production readiness.

For ADAS duties, the company introduced its DHX1 LiDAR unit. Dreame says it can detect objects from up to 600 m (1,970 ft) away, Autohome reports, and deliver detail clarity rather than traditional rough outlines of obstacles. The plan includes advanced assisted L2+ driving and eventually more advanced L3 autonomy.

Inside, the car is intended to act as a rolling smart-home hub. Dreame’s AI assistant is designed to connect with robots, appliances, and other devices, turning the vehicle into a mobile command center for your gadgets. Perhaps surprisingly for a car from a brand famous for its vacuum cleaner and robot window washers, the car isn’t capable of washing itself.

Dreame says vehicle manufacturing begins in 2027, but don’t expect rockets to be part of the specification when those first cars hit the road.

Dreame

It’s only been a little over two years since Renault pulled the wraps off the all-electric Scenic E-Tech, and already an update is on the way. The model, positioned a rung above the Megane in Renault’s expanding EVs lineup, is in line for some modest visual tweaks ahead of going on sale next year.

This camouflage-clad prototype was recently spotted on the streets of Europe, looking very similar to the refreshed Megane E-Tech we also saw recently. While most of the front fascia is shielded from view, we understand Renault’s designers have tweaked the Scenic E-Tech headlights, although we are rather fond of the current model’s lights.

Read: Renault’s Struggling Electric Crossover Is Getting A Second Chance

It appears that Renault has also adjusted the design of the SUV’s LED daytime running lights, which are stacked vertically below the headlights. The bumper looks slightly different too, though both it and the grille keep much of their current shape and proportion.

No obvious changes have been made to the sides of the SUV, which still sport flush door handles and sharp silver C-pillars. At the rear, there will be new LED taillights, although their final design remains hidden.

What Else Will Change?

Baldauf

The current Renault Scenic E-Tech is based on the firm’s AmpR Medium architecture, also underpinning the Nissan Ariya and Nissan Leaf. Powering the base model is a 168 hp electric motor and a 60 kWh battery, giving it a range of over 260 miles (418 km). A punchier version is also offered, delivering 215 hp and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque, and using a larger 87 kWh battery, boosting range to over 379 miles (610 km).

Given that these figures remain relatively competitive, particularly for the 87 kWh version, we don’t expect to see any significant changes made. With that being said, recent reports suggest the Megane E-Tech will switch from LG-sourced batteries to AESC ones. If this is the case, then it’s possible the Scenic E-Tech could make the same shift.

Baldauf

While the modern era of electric cars has led to the successful establishment of several new brands, such as Rivian and Lucid, many others have tried and failed. One of them is Bollinger Motors, a small company that had wanted to launch a pair of utilitarian, electric off-roaders and a delivery truck.

After struggling to get off the ground, Bollinger officially merged with California-based Mullen Automotive last year, but even that apparently wasn’t enough to save it. A US court recently ordered the auction of Bollinger’s assets because it had failed to pay several suppliers.

Read: Bollinger Gets A Patent For Their Unique Passthrough And Frunkgate

Key manufacturing equipment from Bollinger will be sold through an online auction. This will include battery testing and validation systems used by the car manufacturer, as well as vehicle lifts and tooling. More importantly, 20 examples of the Bollinger B4 Class 4 electric truck that had a list price of nearly $160,000 will be available, along with other vehicles, shop equipment, and inventory.

A Tale Of Troubles

Not only is Bollinger being forced to liquidate its assets, but the company is also being investigated by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity following dozens of complaints about unpaid wages or benefits.

As reported by Crains Detroit, the Michigan Economic Development Corp is also seeking to be repaid roughly $1 million of a $3 million award that was disbursed to the company in 2023. At the time, Bollinger said it’d invest $44 million into the state and create 237 jobs in Detroit.

Bollinger may not be gone forever, though. Last month, company founder and former chief executive Robert Bollinger bought back the intellectual property and prototypes of the original B1 and B2 electric off-roaders for less than $250,000. He was able to buy back these important assets after the company was ordered into receivership by a judge in Ohio. It’s unclear if Robert Bollinger plans to try to revive the B1 and B2, but he recently told The Detroit News that he believes there’s an opening in the EV market for vehicles like them.

Against the backdrop of an energy crisis and a warming planet, more than 50 countries have come to Santa Marta, Colombia, to discuss concrete ways to phase out oil, gas, and coal.

(Image credit: Raul Arboleda)

A parent is calling a kindergarten teacher a hero after he helped children escape a school bus following a crash April 2, near the Jacksonville Zoo, reported News 4 Jax.

Mandy Rubin spoke at a Duval County school board meeting, recounting the moments after a semi-truck rear-ended a bus carrying about 30 San Pablo elementary school students.

Rubin reportedly said teacher Franz Lerch helped keep her son calm and safely freed him from his seat in the chaotic aftermath of the crash.

“Mr. Lerch, in an extreme moment of crisis, was calm and collected, keeping my child calm while he worked to cut him loose from his seat,” Rubin said.

She urged district leaders to formally recognize Lerch, calling his actions selfless and courageous.

“He’s a hero in every sense of that word,” Rubin stated. “I also know that he would not single himself out. I know that any teacher would have acted similarly without thought for themselves. Because, to a public-school teacher, any child is their child.”

Student Injuries Could Have Been Worse Without Hero’s Actions

Her comments reportedly drew applause from those attending the meeting. Duval County Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier also addressed the crash during the meeting, acknowledging staff at San Pablo Elementary School. He recognized the school’s assistant principal for stepping in to help lead the campus while the principal went to the hospital following the incident.

Four children were reportedly injured and taken to the hospital, while a fifth person was also transported. Reported injuries include two broken legs, cuts to the head and chest pain. Officials have not released updates on the conditions of those injured.

According to the article, the semi-truck driver told police he saw the bus stopped at railroad tracks and attempted to brake, but said his brakes were not working. The driver reportedly swerved in an attempt to avoid the bus but was unable to prevent the collision.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing as families and school officials continue to recover from the incident.

Related: New York School Bus Driver Dies After Medical Emergency
Related: Brother and Sister Help Save School Bus Driver During Medical Emergency in Ohio
Related: Massachusetts School Bus Driver Crashes into Trees Due to Medical Emergency
Related: Minnesota Student Radios Help After School Bus Driver Suffer Medical Emergency

Editor’s Note: The article states “cut the seats.” STN inferred the article is relating to seatbelts, especially as Florida law requires the lap restraints. 

The post ‘Hero’ Teacher Praised by Parent Florida School Bus Crash Evacuation appeared first on School Transportation News.

The Transportation Director Summit returns to Nevada this summer for a two-day exclusive leadership event designed to empower student transportation leaders.

The training begins Friday, July 10 at the STN EXPO West conference. The first part of the event features a Welcome Networking Reception and Top Challenges Discussion hosted by STN Publisher and President Tony Corpin. To attend, participants are qualified as leading their transportation operations and must fill out a survey on their leading challenges they face. Corpin will facilitate discussion on those points. The participants will be matched with vendor partners who provide technological solutions that could assist with these operational challenges.

The exclusive leadership event continues Saturday morning in scenic South Lake Tahoe for an all-day networking and leadership training experience. Monday’s keynote speaker Bruce Turkel will provide training modules on “All About Them Leadership Lab: Turning Insight Into Action.” During the day, Turkel will discuss how his signature mindset can be used to strengthen communication with team members and align goals, which improve performance and create lasting leadership impact. Turkel’s four-part training includes learning to understand what people truly value, purposely communicating with clarity, building stronger connections through trust, and guiding teams through uncertainty to create successful results.

A Leadership Networking Retreat

The transportation directors will enjoy breakfast and lunch courtesy the vendor partners sponsoring the event. All participants wlll make new connections, engage in targeted discussions that address their specific challenges, and leave with practical applications and strategies to transform their operations. Transportation will be provided Saturday to and from Incline Village.

Applicants for this exclusive leadership event must hold the position of transportation director or a qualified equivalent and be able to attend both days of the Summit. Email for more information about qualifying for the Transportation Director Summit.

The Early Bird Deadline for main conference registration ends June 5, register at stnexpo.com/west. In addition to the Transportation Director Summit, the STN EXPO West conference features educational sessions, a dynamic keynote speaker, hands-on training and unique networking experiences.

Related: Turkel to Uncover Secrets of Communicating Relevance at STN EXPO West
Related: WATCH: Active-threat Response Training Subject of Opening STN EXPO West Session
Related: STN EXPO West Registration Open for 2026, Features Innovative Conference Experience

The post WATCH: Exclusive Leadership Event Summons Transportation Leaders for Networking, Professional Development appeared first on School Transportation News.

Ian stood patiently at the crowded bus stop when he noticed a nearby woman glaring at him. Is she mad at me? he wondered. A moment of unease settled in, but because he didn’t recognize her, he brushed it off as mistaken identity. Soon after, his normal morning took a frightening turn.

The woman’s aggression escalated to physical assault, leaving Ian shaken. His split upper lip and swollen cheek caught the driver’s attention as he boarded the bus, and she immediately pressed the panic button.

What happened to Ian? How and why did he sustain injuries? The busy driver missed the event as she approached the stop, so the transportation director had many questions. Within minutes, he had answers.

The Solution

ARMOR Software Suite, an advanced, wireless fleet management tool, and an integrated interior/exterior surveillance system enabled the speedy resolution. Two of the suite’s many features played crucial roles: automated event alerts and automated video downloading. These features could be equally effective at streamlining resolutions for your operation. Read on to learn how.

Automated Event Alerts

Seconds after Ian’s driver pressed the panic button, ARMOR auto-generated an alert and sent it to the transportation director’s cellphone. This alert compelled the director to check ARMOR Live’s high-definition views to assess the situation. The views revealed a distressed, injured Ian, but no other details. How did the director gather relevant information so quickly? He clicked over to ARMOR AutoPilot, an archive for auto-downloaded video clips.

Automated Video Downloads

During setup, the director configured ARMOR to download video clips automatically, minimizing trips to manually pull hard drives. He also directed ARMOR to add three minutes of pre- and post-event video to clips flagged by the panic button. These actions facilitated his review and response to Ian’s situation. Here’s how: The pre-event video captured the actual assault and the woman responsible. He immediately identified her as the mother of the classmate who Ian allegedly bullied.

Thanks to ARMOR’s automated capabilities, the transportation director quickly obtained proof of the assault to share with administration and law enforcement. Even more, ARMOR helped minimize investigation time and stress for his operation.

Would you like to minimize hard drive retrieval for your team? Save hours on event resolution? Provide wireless access to fleet data and video via internet-connected mobile devices? The safety and time-saving benefits could be transformative for your operation.

Solution requires additional hardware and specific cellular service/data plans. Ask for details.

Let us show you all the ways ARMOR can simplify fleet management.

Contact us, call 800.228.9275 or connect with your sales rep today.

For more REI solutions, visit: radioeng.com.

The post Event Resolution at the Speed of Automation appeared first on School Transportation News.

While the modern era of electric cars has led to the successful establishment of several new brands, such as Rivian and Lucid, many others have tried and failed. One of them is Bollinger Motors, a small company that had wanted to launch a pair of utilitarian, electric off-roaders.

After struggling to get off the ground, Bollinger officially merged with California-based Mullen Automotive last year, but even that apparently wasn’t enough to save it. A US court recently ordered the auction of Bollinger’s assets because it had failed to pay several suppliers.

Read: Bollinger Gets A Patent For Their Unique Passthrough And Frunkgate

Key manufacturing equipment from Bollinger will be sold through an online auction. This will include battery testing and validation systems used by the car manufacturer, as well as vehicle lifts and tooling. More importantly, 20 examples of the Bollinger B4 Class 4 electric truck will be available, along with other vehicles, shop equipment, and inventory.

A Tale Of Troubles

Not only is Bollinger being forced to liquidate its assets, but the company is also being investigated by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity following dozens of complaints about unpaid wages or benefits.

As reported by Crains Detroit, the Michigan Economic Development Corp is also seeking to be repaid roughly $1 million of a $3 million award that was disbursed to the company in 2023. At the time, Bollinger said it’d invest $44 million into the state and create 237 jobs in Detroit.

Bollinger may not be gone forever, though. Last month, company founder and former chief executive Robert Bollinger bought back the intellectual property and prototypes of the original B1 and B2 electric off-roaders for less than $250,000. He was able to buy back these important assets after the company was ordered into receivership by a judge in Ohio. It’s unclear if Robert Bollinger plans to try to revive the B1 and B2, but he recently told The Detroit News that he believes there’s an opening in the EV market for vehicles like them.

Slate Auto burst onto the scene a year ago as they introduced their affordable electric truck on April 24, 2025. It generated a ton of interest thanks to a starting price of under $20,000 after federal incentives.

Fast forward a year and the company hasn’t said much since then. Sure, they post flashy videos on social media, but there’s a concerning lack of substance for a vehicle that’s supposed to be launched in the coming months.

More: Slate’s $28K EV Truck Is So Basic Even The Repair Network Is DIY

The last update came on April 16, when Slate revealed they received $650 million in funding and have secured over 160,000 reservations. That’s a lot, but you can reserve the vehicle for $50 and the fee is fully refundable. Furthermore, as we’ve seen with the Tesla Cybertruck, a huge number of reservations doesn’t always pan out to be a ton of orders – especially when the price jumps significantly.

Despite a lack of meaningful updates, the company has previously said the truck will have a 52.7 kWh battery that feeds a rear-mounted motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque. That should enable the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in eight seconds, before hitting a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h).

This is said to give the truck a range of 150 miles (241 km), but the company has mentioned an optional 84.3 kWh battery pack that increases the distance to 240 miles (386 km). When the battery is low, a 120 kW DC fast charger can take it from 20-80% in less than 30 minutes.

While we know a number of specifications, additional details are hazy. However, Slate has said the model will have 17-inch steel wheels, crank windows, and a universal phone mount as your smartphone will function as the infotainment system.

The company has also touted a handful of driver assistance systems such as active emergency braking, forward collision warning, and up to 8 airbags. More notably, the truck will be offered with a flat-pack accessory kit that transforms the vehicle into an SUV complete with a roll cage and a rear seat. The company has also promised over 100 accessories and an assortment of wraps.

While the silence is becoming deafening, Slate has promised to reveal more details in June. That’s when final pricing will be announced and when customers can begin pre-ordering the truck.

With the federal tax credit eliminated, Slate now says the model is expected to begin in the “mid-$20,000’s.” That’s significantly more than the original estimate of under $20,000 and it’s roughly on par with the $28,145 Ford Maverick. More worryingly for Slate, the Blue Oval is also working on a $30,000 electric truck, but they’ve been pretty tight-lipped about it themselves.

Hyundai and Kia have built some genuinely impressive electric vehicles over the last few years but one issue continues to plague many owners. A single part called the Integrated Charging Control Unit, or ICCU for short, manages charging between the high-voltage battery and the 12-volt system to ensure both systems work properly and in harmony.

The thing is that when the ICCU fails, the car can largely become a giant brick. Hyundai and Kia have issued recalls to fix ICCU-related issues but now a class action lawsuit claims that the fix is just using more bad parts.

More: Hyundai Fixed His ICCU Then Let Thieves Total The Rest Before He Even Saw It

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, targets Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, Genesis Motor, and Hyundai Kefico, the supplier behind the charging control units. Affected vehicles include the 2022–2024 Kia EV6, 2022–2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5, 2023–2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6, 2023–2025 Genesis GV60, 2023–2025 Genesis Electrified GV70, and 2023–2024 Genesis Electrified GV80.

According to the filing reviewed by Carcomplaints, the central grievance isn’t that these cars have problems. It’s that they allegedly keep having them after a recall was meant to put the matter to rest. Two plaintiffs, Hayes Young of New Jersey and Roy Williams of Kentucky, say their recall service accomplished nothing.

Young says his 2023 IONIQ 5 SEL suffered a dead 12-volt battery in December 2025 that required replacement under warranty. He claims the problem returned, and his dealer allegedly pointed to the ICCU as the cause, yet no replacement was offered.

Williams says his leased 2025 EV6 entered limp mode after a loud bang, requiring a tow to the dealer. After battery charging, software updates, and eventually a battery replacement failed to solve things, the ICCU was reportedly replaced in March 2026.

The lawsuit also cites owner complaints involving charging plug damage during home charging and dashboard warnings like “Check Electric Vehicle System” and “12-volt battery voltage low stop safely.”

Importantly, none of the defendants (Hyundai, Kia, etc) has responded to the suit. Typically in cases like this, the automaker(s) will file a motion to dismiss but it may be several days or longer before the next step in the process takes place.