For as good as the Lucid Air and Gravity are, their price tags keep them out of reach for most buyers. Thankfully, the American brand is working on a more affordable mid-size SUV, and this is our first chance to see it from the rear.

The teaser image arrives almost exactly a year after Lucid first previewed the model’s front, timed to align with an important new partnership with Nvidia.

What Are We Seeing?

The image itself is deliberately dark, but there’s enough light to reveal a three-quarter rear view of what could be named the Earth.

Compared to the Gravity, it’s noticeably smaller, with a roofline that slopes sharply into a compact decklid. The more steeply raked rear glass gives it a sportier silhouette, setting it apart from its larger sibling and bringing it closer in profile to Tesla’s Model Y.

Read: Lucid Teases New Midsize EV That’s Big On Curves, Starting Under $50K

Additionally, Lucid has equipped it with simple horizontal LED taillights, no doubt cheaper than the complex units found on the Air and Gravity.

Other important details visible in this teaser include the newly designed door handle sitting flush with the bodywork and distinctive wheel arches.

Lucid plans to release more than one vehicle on its forthcoming mid-size platform, although details about the others are limited.

We know production of this new SUV will be handled by the carmaker’s AMP-2 factory in Saudi Arabia and should start before the end of next year. It’s expected to hit the market for less than $50,000.

Lucid x Nvidia

The company dropped this teaser of the mid-size model alongside a critical new partnership with Nvidia. Moving forward, Lucid will adopt Nvidia’s Drive AV platform, which promises eyes-off, hands-off, and mind-off Level 4 autonomous driving.

Lucid’s existing DreamDrive Pro system was developed in-house and has already been improved in the Gravity thanks to Nvidia’s systems, allowing for Level 2++ semi-autonomous driving.

To achieve Level 4 driving, Lucid will incorporate Nvidia’s full suite of sensors, including cameras, radar, and LiDAR. Starting with its mid-size models, each vehicle will include two Nvidia Drive AGX Thor accelerated computers running the Nvidia DriveOS operating system.

Lucid says “this next-generation AI computing platform, with its centralized architecture and redundant processors, will unify all automated driving functions, enabling a seamless evolution through the autonomy spectrum.”

The strengthened relationship between Lucid and Nvidia will also bring new automated-driving features to the Gravity via over-the-air software updates.

A webinar hosted by the Propane Education & Research Council outlined the benefits of propane-fueled school buses with transportation professionals that are currently using them in their fleets.

“Blue Bird loves to make buses, and we love to make options,” said Steve Whaley, alternative fuels manager at Blue Bird during the Wednesday webinar. He discussed a comparison with propane to other fuels in terms of cost differential, as he said perception of alternative fuels is that they tend to be more expensive.

With over 20,000 propane buses on the road, Whaley said that savings are significant with average fuel and maintenance costs of about $3,700 per year per bus. As opposed to other clean fuel options and even when compared to diesel, the infrastructure costs are the lowest of any other fuels because propane evaporates leading to fewer regulations from the EPA. Since so much propane is sourced in the U.S., Whaley said transportation departments can avoid the cost instability that comes with outsourcing fuel from outside the country.

Whaley quoted Mike Bullman, director of transportation for the South Carolina Department of Education, as saying, “We don’t need funding for propane, those things pay for themselves.”

To discuss the health benefits of propane, Bailey Arnold from the American Lung Association presented statistics on the high rates of lung cancer in the U.S. As the director of healthy air solutions, Arnold said the organization is committed to fighting the high rates of lung cancer that lead to nearly 125,000 lives lost every year.

He noted that implementing propane is one of the things society can do to combat these mortality rates and health issues as well as high CO2 emissions, explaining that while emissions are commonly measured and analyzed on a yearly basis, “they stack up and have a cumulative effect.”

He said that he would encourage school districts to consider propane now as it will only get more difficult to reduce overall emissions. Arnold referenced a recent NREL study that found that using propane would save 147 tons of carbon emissions in three years, while renewable propane would save 360 tons over the same period.

Amy Rosa, director of safety and transportation at Wa-Nee Community Schools in northern Indiana, is currently running 25 Blue Bird propane buses out of the 56 buses in her fleet that transports 3,000 students. She said losing two parents to lung disease in recent years spurred her passion for cleaner fuels. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen mitigation trust grant funding contributed a lower cost of implementation for the new propane buses. She said her district is always looking to save money to benefit the students and taxpayers, and that propane buses helped do that.

She said the transition was seamless, and that partnerships with the suppliers were supportive. Mechanics and drivers were on board. She said that the drivers appreciate the quieter engines, which “reduces tension with students and drivers” and that these quiet, clean, warm buses are improving student behavioral student issues. In a cold state, she said the quick heating ability of propane buses with no need for auxiliary heaters has been a benefit, and that her drivers have told her, “I love knowing my bus will start no matter how cold it gets.”

Whaley noted that Diane Mikelski, the recently retired director of transportation at Illinois’ Township High School District 211, will be speaking about her experience with propane buses at the upcoming Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference in November on the benefits of a quieter bus on student behavior.

Sam Corson, the bus and automotive maintenance manager at Newport News Community Schools in Virginia, said he has seen immediate positive results from using propane buses. He said with wide city borders, which requires school bus drivers to often log 100 to 200 miles a day, long-range buses are necessary. He said Newport News has had no issues with propane buses doing around 340 miles on one tank.

Corson said that about 80 percent of district routes are covered by the 180 propane buses out of 306 total in the fleet,. Cost savings are evident, with diesel buses costing 38 cents per mile to operate compared to 29 cents on propane.

“I noticed all the things [a propane bus] does not have that I was continuously fixing on a daily basis,” he shared, and continued that he has seen a reduction in bus breakdowns.

Learning maintenance was simple for his team, he said, noting that the local Blue Bird dealership led training for all the mechanics to make sure they were comfortable with the new buses. Corson said that due fewer regulations and overall positive reactions to propane buses, the district decided to not decommission and replace the fuel tank.

Both Rosa and Corson praised the ROUSH CleanTech fueling software that allows them to keep track of fuel levels and that suppliers have been consistent. They also noted that they did not have to invest in new additions for their maintenance facilities when implementing propane.

When asked what she would tell another director who is considering buying propane buses, Rosa said, “No hesitation…the choice is a no-brainer for kids and for your mechanics, for bus drivers. It’s just a really good choice all around. I couldn’t think of any reason why you wouldn’t.”

Corson said his advice is to “jump in 100 percent.”

“I couldn’t see myself buying [another] diesel unless I was forced to,” he continued, adding that maintenance is much simpler on propane buses and any issues that do come up are usually easy fixes.

Watch the webinar on demand.

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Related: Ride and Drive, Technology Product Demos Return to Texas in November
Related: Propane Best Immediate Option For Greening Fleet, Says Rural Missouri School District
Related: Students, Staff at Illinois District Approve of Propane School Buses

The post Webinar Discusses Impact of Propane School Buses on Costs, Health and Maintenance appeared first on School Transportation News.

Amazon already fields thousands of Rivian-built electric delivery vans across the United States, but the next addition to its fleet will be much smaller, lighter, and human-powered. The company plans to deploy new pedal-assist quads from Also, the micromobility firm spun out of Rivian that’s carving its own niche in the urban logistics scene.

The TM-Q quad, unveiled this week alongside the two-wheeled TM-B, will hit the pavement in spring 2026.

Read: Rivian’s Spinoff Brand Also Is Selling A Futuristic Two-Wheeler With Pedals

Just like the TM-B electric bike that you can buy for a hefty $4,500, the TM-Q quad has a small battery, a generator, and two pedals. These pedals help to power the generator, and the pedal-by-wire drivetrain directs power to the rear.

However, whereas the TM-B has just two wheels, the TM-Q has four and can be configured in a variety of different ways. Amazon’s model has been previewed with a large cargo area at the rear that can reportedly hold more than 400 pounds of packages.

Importantly, it remains small enough to legally use bike lanes and could prove to be perfect for last-mile delivery services, particularly in large, densely populated cities. The e-commerce giant will use the T-MQ throughout the United States and Europe.

Rivian holds a minority stake in Also, and its boss, RJ Scaringe, will serve on Also’s board. The micromobility firm has received $105 million in funding from Eclipse and will make use of Rivian’s retail presence, economies, and scale.

Also says that the TM-Q has been designed, engineered, and tested to automotive standards. Consumer-focused versions of the quad will come without the cargo topper like Amazon’s model, and be available with several different rear beds, including one that has bench seating that fits up to four children.

“Amazon already operates more than 70 micromobility hubs in cities across the U.S. and Europe,” said Emily Barber, Amazon’s Director of Global Fleet.

“Micromobility solutions like pedal-assist e-cargo quads allow us to quickly deliver to customers in dense, urban cities, while helping reduce traffic and noise. Similar to our Rivian EDV partnership, working with ALSO provides an opportunity to continue to innovate in this space, building on our delivery logistics experience, paired with their advanced technology, safety, and performance features,” she added.

A number of automakers and suppliers have played around with the idea of using solar panels to charge electric vehicles. This makes a lot of sense as cars spend a lot of time outside, where they could be charging underneath the sun.

Nissan seems to agree, as they’ll use the Japan Mobility Show to introduce a Sakura EV equipped with an Ao-Solar Extender. The device takes the form of a roof-mounted box with a 300W solar panel sitting neatly on top.

However, the real coup de grâce is an expandable section that deploys from the front to reveal an additional 200W panel when parked.

More: Mercedes’ Solar Paint Could Give EVs Thousands Of Miles Of Range Every Year

This means you could easily deploy the panel when you arrive at the office, and then retract it when you’re ready to go home.

While the Ao-Solar Extender’s usefulness would vary by location and weather conditions, the company estimates that owners could capture enough solar power to drive 1,864 miles (3,000 km) annually.

That doesn’t sound like much, but the average American drives less than 40 miles (64 km) per day, so you’re looking at more than a month and a half of range from the sun alone.

Nissan said they studied the usage patterns of Sakura drivers and found that many customers only travel short distances. For some, the Ao-Solar Extender would be able to “virtually eliminate the need for external charging.”

That’s pretty nifty, and Nissan noted that when the panel is extended, it effectively acts as a sunshade. This helps to keep the Sakura’s interior cool, which reduces power consumption by the air conditioner when you return.

And in true Japanese fashion, Nissan has given it one more layer of usefulness, allowing the Ao-Solar Extender to function as a backup power source during emergencies.

The autonomous driving space is always shifting, and today General Motors revealed that buyers of the 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ will be able to drive without watching the road. That’s only one part of the automaker’s new announcements that also include Google Gemini and Vehicle-to-Grid power.

Moving Autonomy Forward

Eyes-off driving is something plenty of automakers have talked about, but few are even close to delivering. General Motors currently sells cars with Super Cruise, a Level 2 system that can accelerate, brake, and change lanes.

However, it can only do this on specific highways and the driver must maintain attention on the road at all times. That said, it’s Super Cruise that is laying the foundation for eyes-off driving.

More: I Tried Out GM’s Smarter Super Cruise And It Feels Promising

So far, GM says Super Cruise has accrued some five million miles without a single accident attributed to it. The car of the future won’t just let you drive without watching the road – it’ll also let you leverage Google‘s AI bot Gemini to do all sorts of things.

That includes changing settings in the car, but it goes further to the extent that it should be able to learn driver preferences. Think of it as a supercharged version of the memory button.

Rather than just remembering seating and mirror position, it could remap the media buttons, change the display layout, automatically pull up navigation to a routine destination, and more.

Launching next year, it’ll even give drivers guidance on one-pedal driving, monitor maintenance, and help with things like finding a place to eat.

Going Beyond Cars

GM isn’t stopping at AI and autonomous driving. It appears to be picking up some of the Tesla playbook as it says it’ll soon offer bidirectional EV charging, solar integration, and a stationary home battery.

In other words, owners will have the opportunity to sell some of their extra juice back to the grid and then purchase it again later when rates are lower.

Apparently, while electric vehicles might not be growing as rapidly as they used to, the technology around them continues to mature – and that can only be good news for consumers.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that China has taken a commanding lead in the global race for electric vehicle and battery innovation. With the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) pulling back on major Biden-era grants, that gap could widen even further

In early October alone, the DOE canceled more than $700 million in awards meant to boost domestic battery and manufacturing projects. The timing and scale of these cancellations have sparked frustration across the industry and in Washington alike.

Behind the scenes, reports suggest this may only be the beginning Recently, a list of projects reportedly being targeted by the DOE has been circulating among lobbyists, indicating that as much as $20 billion in awards could be scrapped.

Included in that list, and recently confirmed by the DOE, were $700 million in grants awarded under the previous administration for battery makers Ascend Elements, American Battery Technology Co, Anovion, and ICL Specialty Products. There was also a grant for glass manufacturer LuxWall.

What’s Behind The Cancellations?

In a statement, DOE spokesperson Ben Dietderich said the projects “had missed milestones, and it was determined they did not adequately advance the nation’s energy needs, were not economically viable, and would not provide a positive return on investment of taxpayer dollars.”

Read: Washington Could Break Biden’s $1.1 Billion EV Promise To GM And Stellantis

As noted by Politico’s E&E, the cancellation of these grants impacts plans to build large factories in states including Missouri and Kentucky.

Of the $700 million in grants, $316 million was awarded to Ascend Elements to support manufacturing components from recycled EV batteries at a $1 billion plant in Kentucky.

Additionally, $57.7 million was bound for American Battery Technology to support the construction of a Nevada plant producing lithium hydroxide for batteries. Elsewhere, $117 million was awarded to Anovion to support the production of synthetic graphite for lithium-ion battery anodes.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright is believed to be spearheading many of the cancellations, noting that “If they’re not in the interest of the taxpayers, if they’re not a good expenditure of the money, you always have the ability to cancel these projects.”

Democrats Hit Back

Unsurprisingly, Democrats quickly voiced their opposition. In a strongly worded letter to Wright, 37 Democratic and independent senators accused the DOE of overstepping its authority.

“The illegality of your cancellations is the only thing as indisputable as the harm your cancellations will wreak,” the letter stated. Lawmakers argued that the department “must expend these funds and faithfully execute the law, including many programs that have strict requirements for the timing of fund expenditure, purposes, and contractual expectations.”

Electric motors may not look like much, as they’re mostly lumps of metal and wires, but the right one can transform how a n EV feels, just like the right set of boring-looking tires can. And Yasa’s new record-busting motor could revolutionize EV performance.

The UK-based firm, which is owned by Mercedes-Benz that plans to use these motors on its next-gen vehicles like the AMG super sedan, has shattered its own world record for power density, pushing output to an astonishing 59 kW (79 hp) per kilogram.

Don’t speak metric? That’s 35 hp (29 kW) per pound, and represents a big jump over the previous record of 26 hp (19 kW) per pound or 42 kW (56 hp) per kg set by Yasa earlier in the summer.

Related: The Baby AMG EV Just Got Real With Three Motors And A Secret Weapon

Small Motor, Massive Output

Specific output is one thing, but what about the total possible output? The new motor weighs a tiny 12.7 kg (28 lb) yet produces a short-term peak rating of 750 kW, or 1,006 hp (1,020 PS). That’s pretty amazing.

And though continuous output is said to be much lower it’s still big by conventional single-motor standards and achievable with a much smaller weight penalty. Yasa talks about a steady 350-400 kW (469-604 hp / 476-612 PS), and from one 28 lb motor, remember.

What’s even more exciting is this isn’t a theoretical computer model. Yasa says the record-breaker is a fully functional prototype generating power on the test bench right now, and built using scalable manufacturing technology and no exotic materials.

That’s critical, because it means this is technology that could one day find its way into production cars rather than staying locked away in a lab.

Founder and CTO Tim Woolmer called the achievement “a major validation” of Yasa’s next-generation axial-flux motor design, which differs from conventional radial units by using thinner, disc-shaped rotors that can deliver more torque and power for a given mass.

“This isn’t a concept on a screen,” Woolmer said. “It’s running, right now, on the dynos.”

Mercedes bought out Yasa in 2021 and will use the Oxfordshire company’s axial flux electric motor technology on its upcoming flagship super-sedan and SUV.

Watch the highly anticipated public safety announcement from the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT) in partnership with ROUSH CleanTech, highlighting awareness of illegal passing of stopped school buses. The video premiered for National School Bus Safety Week and features racecar driver Ryan Preece at the RFK Racing Museum in Concord, North Carolina.

Learn more about the vision behind the project.

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Related: Combatting Illegal Passing with Awareness, Technology
Related: (STN Podcast E267) I Believe in This: Illegal Passing Drops, Michigan Pupil Transportation Leader Speaks
Related: Federal Bill Aims to Increase Awareness of Illegal School Bus Passing

The post WATCH: Michigan Association Releases Illegal Passing PSA for School Bus Safety Week appeared first on School Transportation News.

Waymo’s self-driving vehicles have helped turn robotaxi services from tech demo to daily reality, but like any connected system, these days that same openness invites a bit of mischief, and the occasional abuse.

In San Francisco, a group of pranksters decided to see what would happen if they flooded the service with requests. The result, according to them, was the world’s first Waymo DDOS, short for distributed denial-of-service.

Read: Cops Pulled Over A Driverless Car For An Illegal U-Turn And Couldn’t Write A Ticket

The stunt came to light through an X post by self-confessed tech prankster Riley Walz, who only now shared details of what actually unfolded back in July. The idea was straightforward. Fifty participants gathered at San Francisco’s longest dead-end street and each ordered a Waymo ride at exactly the same time.

What Happens When You Summon 50 Robotaxis?

As you’d expect, a fleet of driverless cars dutifully arrived, clustering at the dead end and clogging traffic. Anyone nearby hoping for a legitimate pickup suddenly had no chance of finding an available Waymo.

According to Walz, no one from the group actually entered any of the vehicles. Each car lingered for roughly ten minutes before departing automatically, charging a $5 no-show fee.

“Waymo handled this well, I assume this isn’t much different than if a big concert had just ended,” said Walz. “Eventually, they disabled all rides within a 2-block vicinity until the morning.”

that was wild pic.twitter.com/dCF6ByDf50

— calvin.sh (@Calvin__Liang) October 13, 2025

How Waymo Handled the Flood

Speaking with Road & Track, a spokesperson from Waymo said the service is able to automatically detect and limit the number of rides to a specific area, meaning it was able to prevent additional vehicles from showing up at the dead-end street.

The company added that simultaneous requests from busy spots are not unusual and that the system is designed to adapt accordingly.

“Waymo provides hundreds of thousands of fully autonomous trips weekly across five and counting cities with over 2,000 vehicles,” the spokesperson said. “We are always refining our system to manage distribution at specific locations, ensuring we balance our service’s physical footprint with the need to deliver an excellent rider experience.”

LIVONIA, Mich.— Boys and Girls Club of Martin County continues to prove the long-term value and reliability of propane bus transportation by operating the original Blue Bird Vision bus equipped with ROUSH CleanTech propane fuel system. This first of its kind propane school bus has continually operated in the organization’s daily operation since 2014.

“Our decision to invest in propane technology stemmed from our commitment to environmental responsibility and economic efficiency,” said David Jones, facility manager of Florida’s Boys and Girls Club of Martin County. “We purchased our first propane bus from Florida Transportation Systems in 2014, and it has served as a critical component of our mission to provide after-school and summer programs for area youth.”

The 2012 model year bus, which first served as a demo bus for FTS, has accumulated 65,000 miles while maintaining performance. Due to the success of the first bus, the Boys and Girls Club purchased a second Blue Bird Vision Propane bus in 2015. Both propane buses operate daily, transporting up to 70 students per trip from local schools to club facilities throughout Martin County.

“Since the inception of ROUSH CleanTech 15 years ago, we’ve been working to create safe, reliable and environmentally friendly propane systems for school buses,” said Todd Mouw, executive vice president of ROUSH CleanTech. “Seeing the enduring success of the Boys and Girls Club’s propane buses is a testament to the durability and value of propane technology in school transportation.”

The Boys and Girls Club maintains its propane buses through general maintenance protocols, with mechanical work performed at FTS. Propane fuel costs remain competitive, with on-site fueling provided through a contract with Palmdale Como.

Including this first propane bus off the production line, there are more than 23,000 propane school buses equipped with ROUSH CleanTech fuel systems operating across North America. These propane buses are saving school districts and operators more than $100 million annually in fuel costs while also significantly reducing harmful emissions for children, drivers and surrounding communities.

About ROUSH CleanTech: ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of advanced clean transportation solutions, is a division of the global engineering company Roush Enterprises. ROUSH CleanTech develops propane autogas technology for medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles and school buses. With more than 50,000 vehicles on the road, the Livonia, Michigan-based company delivers economical, emissions-reducing options for fleets across North America. Learn more at ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH.

The post First-Ever ROUSH CleanTech Propane Bus Efficiently Transporting Children Over a Decade Later appeared first on School Transportation News.

Tesla helped pioneer over-the-air software updates, introducing new features without owners ever having to visit a dealership or service center. It was a move that set the brand apart, positioning its cars as tech products that could evolve long after leaving the factory floor.

Of course, there’s always a “but” with progress, and Tesla’s latest update is no exception.

Read: Elon Musk Tells Companies That Pulled Ads From X To “Go (Explicit) Yourself”

And this time, Tesla’s latest software update has landed with a thud among owners, as it’s essentially an advertisement for the upcoming film Tron: Ares. Welcome to 2025, where your car can double as a mobile billboard.

The update transforms the on-board visualizations found on the central display of the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. Normally, one of Tesla’s vehicles is displayed here, but after installing the update, that image is replaced with an Tron bike, just like the ones featured in the film.

Owners can access the new animations by heading into the App Launcher, opening Toybox, and enabling it. Admittedly, the Tron bike does look quite cool, particularly since it leaves a trail of red light behind it.

However, it somewhat reeks of desperation for the company to add a feature like this, and has raised questions whether Disney is compensating Tesla for featuring its latest blockbuster so prominently inside customer vehicles.

The grid has expanded to your Tesla — Tron: Ares update rolling out now pic.twitter.com/oQvYSAFuLM

— Tesla (@Tesla) October 10, 2025

Tesla vs Disney

Tesla boss Elon Musk has had a strained relationship with Disney over the past few years. In late 2023, he decried Disney’s decision to stop advertising on X after he supported an antisemitic post. He also called for Disney chief executive Bob Iger to be fired, and soon after, had Tesla remove the Disney+ app from its infotainment system.

Evidently, Tesla’s relationship with Disney has improved over the past couple of years, or else this wouldn’t be happening.

Had someone asked Musk in late 2023 whether Tesla cars would one day promote a Disney movie, he likely would have laughed off the idea. Yet here we are, two years later, watching the worlds of Silicon Valley and Hollywood collide once again, this time on your dashboard.

Lithium is a critical mineral used in batteries for electric vehicles, grid storage, and a host of personal electronics. It is also relatively scarce, so being able to efficiently isolate it from various host minerals is very important. Canada holds substantial stores of lithium: It’s estimated we have 5.7 million tons in total reserves (including …

The post Optimizing the recovery of lithium appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

Toyota has come under plenty of criticism in recent years for not making the shift to electric powertrains as quickly as some of its competitors. However, the world’s largest car manufacturer continues to invest heavily in EV technologies, doubling down on its commitment to launch new models with all-solid-state batteries in 2027-2028.

Since 2021, Toyota has been working with Japanese mining company Sumitomo Metal Mining on the cathode materials needed for solid-state batteries. These batteries, primarily composed of a cathode, anode, and solid electrolyte, have long been considered the holy grail of electric vehicles.

Smaller, Lighter, Faster

Beyond improving range, solid-state batteries are expected to be smaller, lighter, and charge faster than today’s lithium-ion packs. The technology is also said to deliver higher output and longer life.

Toyota recently signed a new agreement with Sumitomo Metal Mining to accelerate the mass production of these cathode materials, taking another step toward commercializing the technology.

Read: Toyota Partners With Japanese Petroleum Giant To Develop Solid-State Batteries For EVs

Toyota and Sumitomo say that through the use of powder synthesis technology, they have been able to develop a “highly durable cathode material” that can be mass-produced for these batteries. The collaboration builds on Sumitomo’s experience supplying cathode materials for existing EVs, now adapted to the stricter requirements of solid-state production.

It’s not just its work with Sumitomo that will allow Toyota to commercialize solid-state batteries. Since 2013, it has also been working alongside Japanese oil product Idemitsu Kosan on the new technology.

Idemitsu Kosan is developing lithium sulfide for use in batteries and plans to build a large plant capable of producing 1,000 metric tons of the material annually. Mass production is expected to start in 2027.

A previous roadmap published by Toyota indicated that its first generation of solid-state batteries launching in 2027-2028 will allow for 1,000 km (621 miles) worth of range, all while having the ability to charge from 10-80 percent in just 10 minutes.

The second generation is projected to exceed 1,200 kilometers (745 miles), signaling a substantial leap in energy density and efficiency.

In a statement, Toyota and Sumitomo said they are currently focusing on improving the “performance, quality, and safety of cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries, as well as reducing costs for mass production.” They aim to “achieve the world’s first practical use of all-solid state batteries in BEVs.”

Global Race For Solid-State Supremacy

While Toyota hopes to lead the transition, several global automakers are pursuing the same goal. BMW, Honda, Stellantis and Mercedes are investing heavily in solid-state technology, with some already testing prototype vehicles. Recently, MG launched the second-generation MG4 with semi-solid-state batteries that use around five percent liquid electrolyte.

Note: For anyone wondering, the opening image shows a pear-shaped lab flask containing a sample of solid-state battery material. Toyota included the photo in a release about its all-solid-state battery program.

Despite online jokes about the shape, it’s actually a standard scientific container used for drying and storing chemical samples during testing and production. The powder inside is cathode or electrolyte material destined for Toyota’s next-generation solid-state EV batteries.

Long charging times have long been considered one of the biggest disadvantages of electric vehicles, particularly when compared to how quickly you can refuel an ICE-powered car. However, Chinese automaker Zeekr has just unveiled an updated version of the 001 shooting brake, turning it into one that appears to be the fastest-charging EV on the planet.

Now, when we say the 001 charges as quickly as it takes to refuel a combustion-powered car, don’t rush to take a stopwatch to verify it, but it’s close enough to be quite impressive.

Lightning-Quick Refill

Thanks to the implementation of a new 900-volt electric architecture and Zeekr’s ‘Golden Brick’ battery, one version of the 001 can be charged from 10-80 percent in just 7 minutes.

Read: Zeekr 007 EV Can Get 80% Charge In Just Ten Minutes

That figure is particularly remarkable given that this model has a reasonably sizeable 95 kWh battery pack, rather than a small one that can charge quickly.

Zeekr claims the new and improved 001 supports charging speeds of up to 1,140 kW. In the US, only Tesla’s Megachargers, developed for the Semi, can deliver those kinds of speeds, but in China, Zeekr has already started rolling out 1,300 kW stations.

Power To Match The Speed

Zekr will sell the new 001 with the 95 kWh pack exclusively in all-wheel drive guise. This version features dual electric motors that combine to deliver 912 hp, allowing for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in a dazzling 2.83 seconds.

The 95 kWh model has a claimed CLTC range of 441 miles (710 km), which is more than adequate even under China’s rather optimistic standards.

A version with a 103 kWh pack, using CATL’s Qilin battery tech, will also be available, boosting range to 437 miles (762 km), but not quite matching the charging speeds of the Golden Brick battery. That’s not to say models with the 103 kWh pack don’t charge quickly. In fact, they can go from 10-80 percent in just 10 minutes.

Plenty of other upgrades have been made to the Zeekr 001. For example, it comes with a panoramic glass roof embedded with individual LEDs that’s designed to mimic the Starlight headliner you’ll find in a Rolls-Royce.

The new model also includes a large infotainment display, a 39.3-inch head-up display, a 13-inch instrument cluster, and an 8-inch display at the rear.

Final pricing details have yet to be announced, but Zeekr has announced that customer deliveries will start in the coming days.

It’s always amusing when we’re writing about collector cars to check the huge sums buyers paid out for optional equipment. Fifty years ago, for example, anyone buying a C3 Corvette had to pay a hilarious $284 ($1,710 in 2025 money) for an AM/FM radio, then a highly desirable and expensive option.

Today, though, it’s something that we expect to see on even the cheapest, most basic modern car. Yet, AM/FM radio is one of the pieces of equipment Tesla has cut from its new entry-level models.

Related: Analog AM Radios In EVs Could Cost Automakers Nearly $4 Billion

Called Standard, the new base Model 3 and Model Y are designed to keep the barrier to entry of Tesla’s EVs low in the wake of federal tax credits disappearing at the end of September.

The Model 3 Standard costs $36,990, against $42,490 for the next trim up, now renamed Model 3 Premium RWD. And the Model Y Standard comes in at $39,990, versus $44,990 for the Y Premium.

The lack of a radio is far from the only difference between the new Standard and Premium Models. Base 3s miss out on the 8-inch second-row touchscreen, ventilated front seats and heated rears, power door mirrors and steering column, Autosteer, and frequency-dependent shocks.

They also downgrade to simple 18-inch steel wheels with covers, need 5.8 seconds instead of 4.9 seconds to reach 60 mph (97 km/h), and the driving range is cut from 363 miles to 321 miles (584-517 km).

Wheels aside (and an upgrade to 19s is available), the Model 3 Standard doesn’t scream “I was too cheap to upgrade!” in the same way its Model Y counterpart does. Because the Y Standard loses the facelifted Y’s front and rear LED light bars, and Tesla covers over the panoramic glass roof (which, in the ultimate insult, is still present) with a conventional headliner.

It also downgrades to textile seat surfaces, loses the adaptive headlights, subwoofer, and HEPA filter, and misses out on various bits of the same kit omitted from the 3 Standard spec.

But performance takes a much bigger hit than it does in the sedan. The boggo Y needs 6.8 seconds to reach 60 mph compared with 5.4 seconds for the Premium, and the range is reduced from 357 to 321 miles (575-517 km).

Test drive reveals more missing features

YouTuber Everyday Chris got his hands on the new Model Y Standard and points out some other differences in his video, including the very basic frunk, trunk, and door pocket liners, lack of electric frunk opener and rear parcel shelf, the single-pane door glass, and the fact that the max charging speed is down from 250 kW to 225 kW. You can also no longer recline the second row of seats from the trunk.

We’re guessing most owners will be more frustrated by that trunk-folding button having disappeared than they are by the radio getting a bullet. Still, according to a 2023 study, cutting the AM unit could save Tesla around $50–70 per car, since it no longer needs to shield radio waves from interference created by the electric motors.

This cost has led several automakers to consider junking radios, though lawmakers want to make AM availability in cars a legal requirement, because it’s viewed as essential for drivers in rural areas. Would you care if your next car didn’t have a radio, or have you never used yours since 2004?

Tesla

The latest generation of the Nissan Leaf has arrived in Japan, marking its official launch in the brand’s home market after making its first appearance in North America earlier this year.

The all-electric fastback crossover retains much of its global character but introduces a few domestic-market distinctions, including an Autech edition that leans more toward a sportier, higher-end feel, within the practical and monetary constraints of the category.

At 4,360 mm (171.7 inches) long, the Japanese Leaf is 44 mm (1.7 inches) shorter than the version sold in the United States. Like its European counterpart, it omits amber indicators, while the rest of the design remains the same. Only the range-topping model gets the distinctive Z-inspired LED taillights, which lend a sharper look to the rear end

More: Nissan Says An AWD Leaf Could Happen, But Isn’t Sure It Should

Inside, the Japanese Leaf comes equipped with twin 12.3-inch displays, though it skips the larger 14.3-inch setup offered elsewhere. What it lacks in screen size, it makes up for in equipment, featuring an optional dimming panoramic glass roof, a 10-speaker Bose Plus Sound System, and V2H (Vehicle to Home) capability.

Autech Adds Visual Drama

Nissan’s in-house Autech division has given the Leaf a sportier presence. The bespoke bodykit introduces a prominent splitter with aluminum accents that continue across the side inserts, mirror caps, and rear skirt. A black grille, blue daytime running lights, unique bumper detailing, and Autech badging round out the looks.

Nissan

The Leaf Autech also sits on exclusive 19-inch aluminum wheels and can be specified in Deep Ocean Blue paired with a Super Black roof. Buyers can also choose from Prism White with Super Black or a full Midnight Black finish.

More: Nissan Will Build A Leaf NISMO If Enough Of You Shout Loud Enough

As with most Autech models, the dark-themed interior is more premium than the standard Leaf. It stands out thanks to the black upholstery with blue stitching and piping. It also comes with a unique pattern and Autech embroidery on the seats, special seatbelts, and branded floor mats.

Even without the larger dual-screen cockpit seen in other markets, equipment levels remain generous, including cold-weather amenities such as heated rear seats.

Specifications And Range

At launch, the Japanese Leaf is available exclusively in B7 form, offered in two trims, X and G. Power comes from a single electric motor producing 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 355 Nm (261.8 lb-ft) of torque, sent to the front wheels. The Autech variant shares this setup, meaning there are no added performance or chassis tweaks beyond its sharper styling.

The 78 kWh battery promises an impressive 702 km (436 miles) of range under the WLTC cycle, which tends to be more optimistic than Europe’s WLTP (604 km / 375 miles) and America’s EPA estimate (488 km / 303 miles).

An entry-level B5 model, with a smaller battery and less power, will join the range later, along with a corresponding Autech version for those wanting the look without the higher spec.

Pricing

Pricing for the Japanese-market Leaf starts at ¥5,188,700 (around $34,000) for the B7 X trim, rising to ¥5,999,400 ($39,300) for the top-spec B7 G. The Autech commands a higher entry price at ¥6,513,100 ($42,700), with optional extras pushing it higher still. Deliveries across Japan are expected to begin in early 2026.

In the United States, pricing remains more accessible, with the entry-level S starting at $25,360 and the Platinum+ topping out at $38,990.

Nissan

Many drivers see seamless smartphone integration as essential, but Rivian continues to stand firm on its decision to skip Apple CarPlay on its EVs. The company believes its own infotainment platform can deliver a more cohesive, personalized experience through key app integrations.

It’s not alone in this stance, with Tesla and GM taking similar positions, yet Rivian’s choice remains a point of debate among some customers.

Read: Rivian EVs Just Got Smarter But Apple Users Won’t Be Happy About It

According to Rivian’s chief executive RJ Scaringe, switching between CarPlay or Android Auto and the company’s built-in interface just doesn’t make sense for the experience they want to offer.

As standard, Rivian’s infotainment is based on the Android Automotive operating system, supporting major apps such as YouTube, Spotify, and, since last year, Apple Music.

One System to Rule Them All

“We’ve made the decision, which I’m very confident about, that in the fullness of time, customers will appreciate, which is that we wanted to have a seamless digital experience,” Scaringe said while recently speaking with The Verge.

“To not have the need to jump between CarPlay, which feels obviously like CarPlay, and so it feels the same in every car, and then what we create as a Rivian environment,” he added.

Over the next 18 months, Rivian plans to roll out several updates to its native infotainment setup, each designed to deliver what Scaringe calls a “richer, better experience for you as a driver or occupant of the vehicle.”

These new features will involve connecting different applications, providing “knowledge of ‘what’s the vehicle’s state?’, knowledge of ‘is it in drive, or is it parked? What are the conditions outside the vehicle? What’s your driving history?”

In time, Rivian says that everything a CarPlay user likes using, such as mapping or voice-to-text features, will be added to its own system.

Standing by the Decision

“We’re really convicted on this,” Scaringe said. “For some folks, that means they’re not going to buy a Rivian. We accept that. It’s a decision.” He explained that developing a vehicle involves countless choices, many of which won’t please everyone, but all contribute to the brand’s distinct identity.

“I say this all the time: part of building a product as complex as this is recognizing and being okay with the fact that we have to make a ton of decisions, like the products, like a vehicle has many millions of decisions together. Some of those decisions, not everyone’s going to agree with, and that’s okay.”

When asked about which additional Apple-related features might arrive in future updates, Scaringe mentioned that “messaging” and “vehicle access” access functions are already in development

While carmakers keep tripping over themselves to pack ever-bigger screens and overcomplicated digital gimmicks into their cabins, a handful of budget models seem content to sit that trend out. One Reddit user in Germany stirred a discussion after noticing that the entry-level version of a Stellantis SUV doesn’t have an infotainment system or touchscreen of any kind and, unsurprisingly, their post went viral.

The model in question is the Opel Frontera, a revived nameplate that shares absolutely nothing with its old-school, ladder-frame predecessor based on the Isuzu MU. Instead, this new generation trades toughness for a modern, urban-friendly setup, sharing its platform with the Citroen C3 Aircross.

More: Stellantis’ Rugged SUV Could Rival Dacia’s Budget Off-Roader

According to Opel’s official German configurator, the base Frontera Edition leaves out several features available in the higher GS and Ultimate trims.

Simple Tech For Bigger Savings

Despite its minimalist approach, the most affordable Frontera still includes a 10-inch digital instrument cluster. However, where you’d usually find a touchscreen on the glossy black dashboard, there’s a smartphone holder instead.

The crossover comes with a basic radio, a microphone for voice commands and calls, and two front speakers that only function when a phone is connected via Bluetooth. A USB Type-C port offers quick charging on the move, while the manual air-conditioning system keeps things old-school with rotary dials on the center console.

Buyers who want more can opt for the Tech package, which adds the 10-inch touchscreen, DAB radio, navigation, a rearview camera, wireless charging, and a front armrest with storage. The Comfort package brings heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and automatic climate control, while the Design package adds a white roof, black roof rails, and matching white details for the 16-inch steel wheels.

Pricing The Basics

So how affordable is the entry-level Frontera? In Germany, the Edition trim starts at €24,190 ($28,300) for the Hybrid 110 with the 1.2-liter engine, and climbs to €31,190 ($36,500) for the Electric Extended Range 113 PS model. The optional Tech and Comfort packages add €1,000 ($1,200) each, while the Design pack will set you back another €450 ($525).

More: Stellantis Turns Its Cheapest SUV Into A Tree House With A View

Further up the range, the GS trim adds between €3,500 and €3,700 ($4,100) to the entry-level price, while the Ultimate trim costs only €300 ($350) more than the GS.

Interestingly, in France, the Frontera Edition includes an infotainment display as standard, even with a slightly lower base price of €23,845 ($27,900). Other small Opel models like the Corsa and Mokka also include screens across all trims.

Screen-Less Models Are Trending

Of course, Opel isn’t alone in the “screen-less” concept. Several automakers now offer base trims that rely on smartphone docking stations instead of built-in displays. Dacia has led the charge, with all its models, aside from the Bigster, offered in a basic “Essential” specification without a touchscreen.

Within the Stellantis family, the same philosophy applies to the Citroën C3, C3 Aircross, and Fiat Grande Panda, all of which share the Smart Car platform with the Frontera.

More: Dacia’s Tiny EV Declares War On Europe’s Overpriced Cars

A host of upcoming budget urban EVs, like the VW ID.Up (ID.Every1) and the Renault Twingo, are also expected to let drivers use their smartphones for multimedia and navigation. This will allow automakers to offer them at a lower starting price.

Do You Really Need A Screen?

While many buyers love the look of large infotainment systems, some prefer the simplicity of using their own device, which can be easily updated over time. There’s also a practical advantage: without a screen dominating the dashboard, essential controls like heating and ventilation remain physical, straightforward, and easy to use.

Beyond Europe, you’ll find countless screen-less models in Japan, India, Southeast Asia, and South America. In contrast, Chinese buyers have access to massive screens and high-tech features in the vast majority of passenger vehicles.

Opening Photo: Reddit

The Lone Star State, a long-known global energy hub, is emerging as a cleantech capital. A wave of innovation has rolled in, positioning...

The post The Greenest Red State: A Texas-Sized Cleantech Transformation appeared first on Cleantech Group.

Katrina Morris has wanted to create an illegal passing public safety announcement involving NASCAR for a long time. It wasn’t until she engaged ROUSH CleanTech that her dream became a reality.

With ROUSH’s connections to and history in professional car racing, Morris, the executive director of Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation, explained that in just a month and a half after starting discussions the PSA was in the can, so to speak. MAPT and ROUSH CleanTech partnered on the campaign, set to air during National School Bus Safety Week on Oct. 20. The video will be sent to all national associations with the hope they share it with local media and post it on social media.

The PSA was filmed on Sept. 10 at the RFK Racing Museum in Concord, North Carolina. Participants of STN EXPO East toured the facility last year. In the video, NASCAR driver Ryan Preece speeds past several situations but tells the camera that even he has time to stop for a school bus.

“I could not have envisioned a better way for this to have happened,” Morris said, adding that if it wasn’t for ROUSH’s participation the video wouldn’t have come together. She noted that ROUSH was already thinking of other drivers to expand to the project with.

“It warms my heart because they’re not just thinking, ‘We did this, so now we’re done,’”  added Morris. “[They] want to expand. What can we do to make this grow? What can we do to help this issue that we’re all having and we’re all facing.”

Morris said she was able to speak with Preece about the dangers of illegal passing and the importance of the message he’s sending to motorists everywhere.

“Children’s lives are in danger every day,” Morris recalled telling Preece. “And he looked at me, and I said see, I got your attention … You guys doing this for us and lending us your voice is hopefully going to help us to get that message out even further.”

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Related: (STN Podcast E267) I Believe in This: Illegal Passing Drops & Michigan Pupil Transportation Leader Speaks
Related: Michigan’s Morris Presented with 2025 Grandolfo Award at STN EXPO
Related: NASDPTS Revises Illegal School Bus Passing Count After California Fixes Error
Related: NHTSA Releases Report on Nationwide Illegal School Bus Passing Laws

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In addition to ROUSH and Blue Bird, which provided the school bus, MAPT obtained sponsorships from the Ohio Association of Pupil Transportation, the School Transportation Association of Indiana, Michigan school bus contractor Dean Transportation, the National School Transportation Association, the National Association of Pupil Transportation, First Light Safety Products, National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, BusRight, and Set Seg insurance company. Morris noted all sponsor logos were added to the bottom of the school bus to show appreciation.

“Ensuring the safety of our children is a responsibility we all share,” Todd Mouw, executive vice president of ROUSH CleanTech, said. “For ROUSH CleanTech, being part of this school bus safety campaign is our way of reminding drivers that stopping for a school bus isn’t just the law — it’s a commitment to protecting young lives. Together with NASCAR and Blue Bird, we can broaden our audience reach to spread awareness and make our roads safer for every child.”

Photos of the PSA filming, courtesy of Katrina Morris.

 

The post Michigan Association Films Illegal School Bus Passing PSA with NASCAR’s Preece appeared first on School Transportation News.