A video quickly circulating online showed a father boarding a school bus and telling his daughter to hit another student. The man has now been arrested by local police.

The incident occurred Oct. 9 on a Ferguson-Florissant School District near St. Louis, Missouri. On Tuesday, the Ferguson Police Department identified the father as Maurice Fox, 36, in a statement.

In the video footage released by the department, Fox is seen onboard the bus telling his first-grade daughter to assault another student saying, “This one? Yeah, do what I told you to,” and “Don’t put your hands on my daughter no more because if I find out you’re touching her again, your parents will have to talk to me.” The daughter then begins punching the other student. When she stops, Fox says, “Again, I want her crying.”

Fox later posted on social media that he felt he did what he needed to do to teach his daughter to defend herself from bullies

A news article reported that before Fox was taken into custody, he created an online fundraiser seeking donations for his legal defense. But a spokesperson for GoFundMe said the platform’s terms of service prohibit people charged with violent crimes from raising money for their legal defense. The fundraising page was removed and donations were refunded.

The article also said that according to an affidavit, the school bus driver tried to stop Fox, but “he pushed the driver’s arm out of the way and continued walking.” The video blurs the faces of all others on the school bus, but the school bus driver appears to be seated at the front of the vehicle.

The statement said that Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle confirmed that Fox turned himself and is being held at the St. Louis County Justice Center with a $100,000 bond.

Prior to Fox’s arrest on Monday after turning himself in, police said he was being sought on an at-large warrant from the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s office. Fox is now also facing charges of one count of first-degree harassment, two counts of assault in the fourth degree and trespassing on a school bus.

“This incident is extremely troubling on many levels. As adults, we have a responsibility to model appropriate behavior and teach our children how to resolve conflict peacefully. Encouraging violence among children — especially in such a public and frightening way — is unacceptable. We are grateful this individual chose to turn himself in, and we hope this brings some measure of accountability,” said Police Chief Troy Doyle.

He continued, “No child should ever be exposed to that kind of behavior, especially in a setting that should feel safe, like a school bus,” he said. “We encourage parents and guardians to work with school officials, counselors and community resources when facing conflicts involving their children. Collaboration and communication, not confrontation, are how we keep our kids and schools safe.”

In the comments on the police statement, many people commented on the difficult emotions of knowing a child is being bullied, but that there are better ways to handle the situation.

School Transportation News reached out to Ferguson-Florissant School District for comment and received the following statement from their communications department:

“We fully cooperated with law enforcement as they addressed this matter. Student and staff safety is always our top priority, and we will not tolerate anything that compromises their safety. School buses are an extension of the school campus. Trespassing on a school bus and engaging in the behavior described in this incident are completely unacceptable.”

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Related: School Violence Grant Provides Opportunity for Threat Assessment Training
Related: Florida District Introduces Innovative Safety Training for School Bus Drivers
Related: 9-Year-Old Arrested for Bringing Loaded Gun onto Florida School Bus

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MESA, Ariz.,- Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM), a leading provider of smart mobility technology solutions, continues its commitment to National School Bus Safety Week (October 20-24) by providing a toolkit promoting safe school transportation to communities nationwide.

Passing a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended is illegal in every state, yet nearly one in four drivers are unaware of this law, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As a leading provider of school bus stop arm enforcement technology, Verra Mobility recognizes the importance of education around school bus safety and invites communities nationwide to help spread awareness.

The need for education is urgent. Children are vulnerable to being killed or injured when boarding or deboarding a school bus, and illegal school bus passing violations can lead to devastating consequences. During the 2023-2024 school year alone, victims included a 15-year-old student in Alabama, a 15-year-old student in Texas, and an 8-year-old student in Georgia, all of whom were boarding or exiting their school bus while the school bus’s stop arm was extended with lights flashing.

To encourage communities and organizations to raise awareness around school transportation safety, Verra Mobility created its toolkit with ready-to-share social media posts, educational messaging, and statistics. The toolkit equips communities with ready-to-use resources, including social media posts, digital collateral, educational messaging, and statistics to emphasize the importance of safe driving around school buses.

To download the free materials and share this important safety message, visit www.verramobility.com/national-school-bus-safety-week-toolkit.

“Children – our most vulnerable citizens – must be able to get to and from school safely,” said David Dorfman, senior vice president, Verra Mobility. “This week is a great reminder that we can all make a difference and help improve safety for our children. We’re proud to once again partner with communities nationwide to raise awareness around the importance of safe driving near school buses, and to remind drivers that a child’s life is not worth saving a few minutes.”

One available resource that can help reduce illegal school bus passings is Verra Mobility’s school bus stop arm program which works when the bus’s stop arm is deployed. AI-enabled cameras capture video evidence of vehicles illegally passing the stopped school bus; the violation is then transmitted to a secure platform and reviewed by law enforcement.

These programs have been shown to change driver behavior, with 98% of drivers who are issued a violation for illegally passing a stopped school bus not repeating their behavior, and with some programs experiencing up to a 67% reduction in issued citations when comparing the beginning of the school year to the end.

“Verra Mobility has equipped thousands of school buses across the country with life-saving technology that helps communities improve school transportation safety,” said Dorfman. “This week allows us to highlight the positive impact of these efforts while educating parents and students on how they can prevent school transportation-related tragedies.”

To learn more about the school bus stop arm safety program, visit
www.verramobility.com/government/school-bus-safety/.

About Verra Mobility
Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM) is a leading provider of smart mobility technology solutions that make transportation safer, smarter and more connected. The company sits at the center of the mobility ecosystem, bringing together vehicles, hardware, software, data and people to enable safe, efficient solutions for customers globally. Verra Mobility’s transportation safety systems and parking management solutions protect lives, improve urban and motorway mobility and support healthier communities. The company also solves complex payment, utilization and compliance challenges for fleet owners and rental car companies. Headquartered in Arizona, Verra Mobility operates in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. For more information, please visit www.verramobility.com.

The post Verra Mobility champions student safety during National School Bus Safety Week appeared first on School Transportation News.

PASADENA, Calif. — At RIDE, every mile matters, especially when it comes to the safety of our children. As we celebrate School Bus Safety Week Oct. 20–24, we’re proud to highlight how RIDE 100% battery-electric school buses are redefining safety and sustainability through advanced innovation.

“Safety isn’t just a feature — it’s our foundation,” Patrick Duan, Co-CEO RIDE Mobility said. “Our Blade Battery, built on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology, sets the industry standard as the safest and most reliable battery system available today.”

Designed to withstand extreme conditions and prevent thermal runaway, the award-winning and innovative Blade Battery ensures every school bus ride is as secure as it is smooth. Through rigorous testing, the Blade Battery delivers unmatched protection for children. Parents get the assurance and peace of mind they need, knowing their children are safe on their way to and home from school.

Beyond safety, RIDE’s all-electric, zero-emission buses eliminate tailpipe pollution, creating a quieter, cleaner cabin environment and contributing to a healthier community, directly benefiting the long-term respiratory health of our communities.

Based in Pasadena, California, RIDE is committed to protecting students and giving peace of mind to parents, drivers, and communities across the country. Visit ride.co to learn how RIDE is shaping the future of clean, safe student transportation.

About RIDE:
Headquartered in Pasadena, Calif., with a 550,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Lancaster, Calif., RIDE, founded in 2023, is the US spinoff of BYD. RIDE builds award-winning battery electric school buses, transit buses, motorcoaches and trucks for the U.S. market. RIDE is a union employer with a unique community benefits agreement that offers opportunities to those who have faced previous barriers to employment. A global force in clean energy and transportation, BYD is the world’s leading battery and EV manufacturer. Visit our website RIDE.CO to learn more.

The post RIDE Celebrates School Bus Safety Week appeared first on School Transportation News.

A school bus fire in Bethel, Minnesota, turned into a dramatic rescue earlier this month when a mother helped evacuate 22 elementary students just moments before flames engulfed the vehicle, reported CBS News.

According to the news report, Kari Thorp was waiting for her daughter’s school bus when she noticed smoke and flames coming from underneath the vehicle as it stopped in front of her home. She quickly alerted the driver, Rick Gratton, and the two acted fast to get the children off the bus safely.

“It was crazy. I’m just thankful that he was very calm,” Thorp said via the article.

Thorp’s Ring doorbell camera captured the scene as students from East Bethel Elementary gathered on her lawn, visibly shaken while flames spread rapidly through the front of the bus.

“Kids were crying. Kids were scared and freaking out,” Thorp told local news reporters. “It was quite emotional and kind of frantic.”

The fire escalated quickly. Within 15 minutes, the front of the bus was fully engulfed, and the intense heat even melted part of the road in front of Thorp’s house.

Though some backpacks, lunch boxes and the bus itself were lost in the fire, no injuries were reported. The students’ safe evacuation is being credited to the swift response of Thorp and Gratton as well as the children’s recent school bus safety training.

Both Thorp and Gratton were recognized for their “heroic efforts” in getting all students to safety by St. Francis Area Schools. Thorp reflected on how different things might have turned out if she hadn’t been outside at the time.

“I don’t think he would have gotten very far. And I don’t think we would have been able to get those kids off the bus as fast,” she said via the report. “A lot of little ones sit up front, and that’s where it all started.”

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

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Related: California Student Honored for Quick Thinking During School Bus Fire
Related: Missouri Students Learn School Bus, Fire Safety During Back-to-School Bash
Related: WATCH: Fire Expert to Lead School Bus Evacuation Training at STN EXPO West
Related: Electric School Bus Catches Fire in Montreal, No Injuries Reported

The post Minnesota Mom Helps Evacuate 22 Students from Burning School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

Registration is now open for the 2026 ACT Expo, which returns to Las Vegas, Nevada, in the spring.

The 16th ACT Expo, held May 4-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will feature sessions on AI and autonomy as well as zero-emission vehicles. Originally called the Advanced Clean Transportation, ACT Expo for short, will now be known solely as ACT Expo, which event producers TRC Companies, said reflects the “expanded scope across advanced, autonomous, connected, and clean transportation technologies.”

TRC noted that ACT Expo can no longer “be simply defined as the clean or advanced technology show — it has become so much more.”

ACT now stands for the following:

• Advanced, Autonomous, Alternative, AI, Analytics, Adaptable, Assets
• Clean, Commercial, Connected, Cost-Effective, Compliant, Charged, Carbon-free
• Transportation, Technology, Transition, Trailers, Telematics, TCO, Tires

The event, which annually attracts over 12,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors, “offers end-users the most current insight into the key technology trends driving the market today and in the years ahead, practical lessons from peers, direct access to every major OEM and industry supplier in the market, strategies to boost competitiveness and accelerate the use of high-tech and clean vehicles and fuel, and the relationships that drive long-term success,” a press release on the event states.

The ACT Expo traditionally has hosted one school-bus-specific session each year and features school buses on the trade floor from various manufacturers. This year, however, TRC Companies said ACT Expo will place a greater emphasis on the digital frontier, reflecting industry investment in software-defined vehicles, real-time data collection and analysis via the use of AI and autonomy.

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Related: (STN Podcast E257) The Paths Forward: AI, Clean Energy, Manufacturing Discussed at ACT Expo
Related: ACT Expo Heads Back to Anaheim, Agenda Released
Related: School Bus Wi-Fi Solution Now Available for Districts Left in E-Rate Cold
Related: WATCH: Michigan Association Releases Illegal Passing PSA for School Bus Safety Week

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“Through end-user case studies, the event will highlight how these cutting-edge technologies are improving performance, safety, and ROI, while giving attendees a clear view of where and how they are scaling,” the release states.

In addition to the technologies, the conference will continue to highlight ultra-clean vehicles and low-carbon fuels, spotlighting infrastructure.

“The pace of change and acceleration of advanced technologies in commercial transportation is phenomenal; it’s unlike anything we have seen before,” stated Erik Neandross, president of Clean Transportation Solutions at TRC. “From the boardroom to the show floor, ACT Expo is the one place where C-suite representatives from fleets, OEMs, and infrastructure partners engage directly to shape real-world progress and the future of their businesses. It’s where fleet leaders learn what’s actually working in the field, what’s just around the corner, and where they can better understand proven strategies that can deliver both economic and environmental results.”

School Transportation News is a media sponsor of the event.

The post ACT EXPO Registration Opens, Event Focus on AI and Autonomy appeared first on School Transportation News.

A fire at a Novelis aluminum plant has disrupted operations for several automakers, including Ford and its top-selling F-150. The setback has been costly, but the Blue Oval plans to bounce back next year by ramping up truck production.

Under the plan, the Dearborn Truck Plant will add a third shift with roughly 1,200 employees. This will be supported by more than 90 new workers at Dearborn Stamping as well as more than 80 additional employees at Dearborn Diversified Manufacturing.

More: 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning Solves Its Biggest Flaws For Free

Thanks to these workers and the extra shift, Ford aims to produce an additional 45,000+ F-150s in 2026. They’ll have traditional powertrains as the F-150 Lightning hasn’t lived up to expectations.

Assembly of the electric truck will “remain paused” indefinitely as the company is prioritizing production of models with gas and hybrid powertrains. The automaker added these types of trucks are “more profitable for Ford and use less aluminum.”

Due to the pause, hourly employees at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center will transfer to the nearby Dearborn Truck Plant to join the third shift. The shift will also consist of new hires as well as some transfers from other plants.

To increase production of the popular F-Series Super Duty, the automaker is investing $60 million into the Kentucky Truck Plant. These funds will help speed up the production line, so that one additional truck will be built every hour. That might not sound like much, but it will result in more than 5,000 additional pickups.

The funds will also be used to help train new employees. Speaking of which, the plant is expected to add more than 100 jobs.

In total, the automaker will increase production by more than 50,000 units and create up to 1,000 new jobs. Ford’s Chief Operating Officer, Kumar Galhotra, said “The people who keep our country running depend on America’s most popular vehicle – F-Series trucks – and we are mobilizing our team to meet that demand.”

Novelis Fire Could Cost Ford $1 Billion

Novelis

The announcement to ramp up production comes as Ford revealed the “Novelis headwind” could cost them up to $1 billion in losses between 2025 and 2026.

CEO Jim Farley has already visited the damaged plant and said, “We are working intensively with Novelis and others to source aluminum that can be processed in the cold rolling section of the plant that remains operational, while also working to restore overall plant production.” This has enabled them to “minimize the impact in 2025 and recover production in 2026.”

Given the fallout of the fire, Ford now expects to finish the year with an adjusted EBIT of $6 billion to $6.5 billion as well as an adjusted free cash flow of $2 billion to $3 billion.

It wasn’t all bad news as third quarter revenue reached a record of $50.5 billion. That’s up 9% from a year ago and the company posted a net income of $2.4 billion. Unfortunately, Trump’s tariffs cost the automaker roughly $700 million.

Time flies. Believe it or not, it’s been eight whole years since Tesla first unveiled the second-generation Roadster. Back then, the all-electric sports car was pitched as a new benchmark for EV performance, a car that would silence skeptics and rewrite the rulebook.

Since then, though, plenty of other brands have done the rewriting themselves.

Over the years, the brand has launched the Cybertruck, refreshed the Model 3 and Model Y, and promised real Full Self-Driving several times, while the Roadster feels like its been surpassed at best, vaporware wortse.

According to Tesla’s chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, however, it’s not dead, it’s simply fashionably late.

More: 8 Years Later, Tesla’s Still Taking $50K Roadster Reservations Musk Promised For 2020

Speaking on the Ride the Lightning podcast, von Holzhausen was asked if the long-promised “most epic demo ever” that Elon Musk teased earlier this year is still happening in 2025, he said “We are planning on this year,” suggesting Tesla still aims to showcase the car before the year’s end.

However, with roughly 10 weeks left until New Year’s Day, time is running out. 

Pressed further about when customers might actually take delivery, von Holzhausen replied: “Definitely within two years.” That would put first deliveries somewhere around the end of 2027, assuming nothing slips, which, given Tesla’s track record with timelines, is far from guaranteed. 

When it arrives, Tesla claims the Roadster will be capable of hitting 60 mph in under two seconds, reaching a top speed north of 250 mph, and have up to 620 miles of range, with talk of rocket-style thrusters for good measure.

Those are very lofty numbers, but until someone sees one outside of a studio light, they are just that: numbers.

Read: Ex-Tesla Alums Debut New Electric Roadster Named To Taunt Elon Musk

It’s worth remembering (as if anyone forgot) that Tesla might be as well known for over-promising and under-delivering as it is for actual automotive innovation. The Cybertruck famously showed up late with less range and a higher price than initially promised – and that’s but one example among many.

Right now, von Holzhausen insists the final product will be worth the wait. But as the years go by, the Roadster’s story feels less like a promising sequel and more like a project Tesla simply can’t afford to get wrong. 

Stellantis could soon find itself stepping into unfamiliar territory, as it is reportedly exploring the idea of adding Chinese-built models to its European lineup under familiar badges. According to insider sources, Opel is eyeing the electric Leapmotor B10 as its first possible contender.

German outlet Automobilwoche reports that the Chinese SUV might wear Opel badges as early as next year. Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer partly owned by Stellantis, has been steadily expanding its footprint both at home and abroad.

More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch

The unnamed source notes that while a final decision remains pending, the proposal represents “an interesting opportunity to offer a well-equipped and affordable EV in the compact SUV segment.” For now, Opel has declined to comment on any speculation surrounding its future product plans.

More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch

The Leapmotor B10 was introduced last year as a compact SUV with fully electric and range-extender powertrain options, although the latter has yet to reach the Old Continent.

Built on the LEAP3.5 platform shared with the B05 compact hatchback, it features a high-tech cabin and a full suite of driver-assistance systems that reflect the brand’s growing technical capability.

What Could It look Like?

While the scope of Opel’s redesign remains uncertain, we produced a speculative rendering that applies a few subtle styling tweaks. These include the brand’s Blitz emblem, Vizor grille, and Compass lighting signature to the front of the Chinese model, while the rest of the bodywork stays untouched

In terms of size, the B10 measures 4,515 mm (177.8 inches) long, which makes it 130 mm (5.1 inches) longer than the Opel Frontera and 135 mm (5.3 inches) shorter than the Grandland, so it slots between the two. Rivals in Europe include the VW ID.4, Skoda Elroq, and BYD Atto 3, among others.

The Leapmotor B10 is already available in Europe, but it is currently being imported from China. However, Stellantis is reportedly considering producing it in Zaragoza, Spain starting from 2026. The same factory is where Opel builds two subcompacts, the Corsa hatchback and the Mokka SUV.

More: This Stellantis SUV Without An Infotainment Screen Has Everyone Confused

Local production would also help sidestep the European Union’s steep tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles, which add 20.7 percent in duties on top of the standard 10 percent import fee.

Fighting China with China

The aim, insiders suggest, is to keep pricing competitive, possibly undercutting the current €29,900 ($34,700) starting figure in Germany. For comparison, the electric Opel Frontera begins at €28,990 ($33,700) in the same market.

According to Dataforce, Leapmotor has sold 16,485 vehicles in Europe in the first nine months of 2025. These can be broken down to 11,064 units of the T03 urban EV, 5,080 units of the C10 midsize SUV, and just 313 units of the B10 compact SUV.

The automaker recently passed the one-million-vehicle production milestone and now aims for 50,000 to 60,000 exports this year, a sign that Stellantis’ Chinese partner is becoming a more significant player in global EV manufacturing.

Sources: Automobilwoche

While some Land Cruiser fans are thrilled that Toyota has added a smaller, more affordable model to the lineup with the FJ, many in America were disappointed to learn the new version won’t be sold locally.

Looking through the photos released by Toyota, we couldn’t quite put a finger on what the Land Cruiser FJ reminded us of, aside from the obvious Hilux Champ it’s based on. Then it clicked, after we came across a GM-built model from China that’s now going global.

Read: Toyota’s Baby Land Cruiser FJ Looks Retro Enough To Break Your Heart

The vehicle in question is sold in China as the Baojun Yep Plus and was developed through the GM–Wuling joint venture. It’s not a focused off-roader like the new FJ, nor is it powered by a traditional combustion engine, but rather by an electric powertrain.

Now, we’re not suggesting the FJ copied the Baojun Yep Plus, but it gives off a similar vibe, and to our eyes, it looks every bit as good, if not better, than Toyota’s baby FJ Cruiser.

From the side, the two share a similar silhouette, though the GM model is noticeably smaller at 157.3 inches (3,996 mm) long, 69.3 inches (1,760 mm) wide, and 68 inches (1,726 mm) tall, with a 100.8-inch (2,560 mm) wheelbase, compared with the Toyota’s 180.1 inches (4,575 mm) in length, 73 inches (1,855 mm) in width, and 77.2 inches (1,960 mm) in height, riding on a 101.6-inch (2,580 mm) wheelbase.

Technically, that makes it a baby version of the baby Land Cruiser FJ.

The Yep Plus has the same boxy proportions as the FJ, though its bumpers are smoother and more rounded since it’s not built for off-roading. It also forgoes the Toyota’s jagged wheel arch extensions, while the positioning of the headlights and taillights appears closely aligned.

That said, the FJ’s taillights sit quite high and jut slightly from the body, while the Baojun’s units are more neatly integrated into the rear fascia.

There’s no doubt that weaving retro cues into a new design, as GM and Wuling have done with the Yep Plus, helps it resonate with a wider audience. Toyota has taken a similar route with the FJ, giving it a retro-modern character that plenty of buyers would likely appreciate. It’s just a shame it won’t reach the United States.

Brazil Gets its own Baojun

In July, GM revealed that it would export the Yep Plus to Brazil, rebadging it as the Chevrolet Spark EUV. It will be sold as standard with a 42 kWh battery pack and a single rear-mounted electric motor with 101 hp and 133 lb-ft (180 Nm) of torque, giving it 249 miles (401 km) of range on the CLTC cycle.

While we’re not convinced it would sell in big numbers if launched in the U.S. as an affordable EV, it could find success with a small, efficient combustion engine paired with a more rugged makeover featuring wider fenders and extra plastic cladding. What do you think?

2025 Chevrolet Spark EUV

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

Skoda continues its digital concept series that reimagines past icons through a modern lens. Following reinterpretations of the Felicia Fun pickup, the Favorit hatchback, and the 110 R coupe, the automaker now revisits the 1000 MBX coupe from the 1960s, transforming it into something reminiscent of a Mazda RX-8 in form, though powered by electricity.

More: This Futuristic RWD Coupe Could Have Been Skoda’s Best Throwback Yet

The new concept was created by Skoda designers Antti Mikael Savio on the exterior and David Stingl on the interior. Development took around three to four weeks, beginning with rough sketches on scraps of paper and concluding with a complete 3D digital model.

What Inspired the Look?

The project draws inspiration from the classic 1000 MBX, which was introduced in 1966 as the two-door coupe version of the 1000 MB sedan. Skoda produced a total of 2,517 units, making it a rare sight today.

The modern interpretation keeps a similar bodystyle but adds an extra pair of rear-hinged doors for easier access to the 2+2 cabin, giving the whole design a hint of the now-discontinued Mazda RX-8.

As with earlier concepts in the series, Skoda avoided leaning into retro pastiche. Even so, it nods to the original through carefully chosen details that align with the brand’s Modern Solid design philosophy.

The LED front lighting signature echoes the chrome grille of the classic, while the headlights rise slightly from the hood in a familiar gesture. The C-pillar shape and tail contours also recall the past. A central fin topped with a rearview camera replaces the traditional rear window, lending a futuristic twist.

Antti Savio, who was responsible for the exterior design, explained: “Our concept is sportier overall, yet, still has a friendly look. Modern sports cars often appear overly aggressive, while those from the ’60s and ’70s carried a certain elegance, even endearing charm – and that’s what I wanted to preserve.”

Inside the Cabin

The interior has a 2+2 layout with a front bench seat made possible by the flat floor of the EV architecture, and two individual tip-up seats at the back. The latter can easily move out of the way, creating an open space that can be used to transport a bicycle or other sports equipment.

At the front, a transparent oval-shaped dashboard replaces the traditional setup, and there’s no central console, a design choice inspired by classic interiors.

Interior designer David Stingl said, “This car should encourage its crew to go exploring without a moment of hesitation. It’s not meant to be just a fun weekend coupé or a second car in the family, but a vehicle with genuine everyday usability.”

Electric Vision

Skoda didn’t get into specifics about the fully electric powertrain of the concept, though the designers imagined it with adaptive air suspension capable of adjusting ride height for either a low, sporty stance or greater clearance on rougher ground.

While Skoda fans might wish for a production version of this compact coupe, Skoda has no such plans. The “Icons Get a Makeover” concepts are designed as creative tributes, celebrating the brand’s history while allowing its designers the freedom to explore new ideas without the limits of production requirements.

Skoda

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.

While it might seem like Xiaomi can do no wrong with its much-hyped SU7 and YU7 electric models, the company has been nursing a legal headache since mid-year over one particularly controversial feature: the carbon fiber hood offered for the SU7 Ultra.

What began as a flashy performance upgrade has now turned into a courtroom lesson in customer trust.

Read: Chinese Super Sedan Owners Furious Over Fake Aero Ducts In $6K Aero Hood

Originally touted as a functional component with sizable air ducts designed to improve cooling, the hood turned out to be all show and no substance. Owners soon discovered that the vents had no effect on airflow, and their disappointment quickly became public.

Shortly after news broke about customer concerns, an owner took the Chinese brand to court, alleging it had engaged in false advertising.

They paid 42,000 yuan or $5,800 for the carbon fiber hood, but after removing it and disassembling the front end of the EV, they found its internal structure was virtually identical to the standard aluminum hood.

The Suzhou Intermediate People’s Court in Jiangsu Province has upheld the original judgment ruling in favor of the SU7 Ultra owner, while also dismissing Xiaomi’s appeal.

The consumer electronics giant will now need to refund the 20,000 yuan ($2,800) deposit the owner made for the hood, pay 126,000 yuan ($17,640) in compensation, and cover 10,000 yuan ($1,400) in legal fees.

Other Lawsuits Could Follow

While these figures are just a drop in the bucket for a company like Xiaomi, it’ll no doubt be sweating the prospect of future payouts.

The case in question wasn’t a class action and involved just a single owner. It’s likely that following this judgment, other owners who shelled out for the expensive carbon fiber hood will also sue Xiaomi.

When the dispute first came to light, Xiaomi issued an apology, insisting the hood’s purpose was aesthetic rather than functional, meant to mirror the design of the record-setting SU7 Ultra Prototype.

To placate upset customers, it offered 20,000 Xiaomi reward points to each owner who purchased the hood, worth about 2,000 yuan, or roughly $280. Whether that modest gesture will be enough to prevent more legal action remains to be seen.

Electric momentum in the States has hit a few speed bumps. A mix of the Trump administration’s fuel-friendly policies and the loss of the federal EV tax credit has cooled the pace of electric vehicle growth. As a result, several automakers are rethinking their battery-powered strategies, shelving or scaling back certain projects that once seemed inevitable.

Read: Should Jeep Follow Ram’s Lead And Kill The Recon EV?

Jeep, though, says it isn’t ready to fold. After Stellantis pulled the plug on the Ram 1500 REV, some speculated the same fate might await the Jeep Recon EV. But according to the brand, the project is still alive and headed for production.

When Is It Coming?

Originally teased as a concept in 2022, the Recon EV was supposed to launch in 2024. But then Jeep went quiet. Until now. That timeline has changed, with Jeep chief executive Bob Broderdorf now confirming that the production version will make its debut soon, with sales set to begin next spring.

Built on the STLA Large platform, the Recon will slot just below the Wrangler in Jeep’s lineup of off-roaders. In an interview with Motor Trend, Broderdorf sounded unconcerned about sales figures, suggesting Jeep is treating this model as a learning opportunity rather than a volume play.

“We’ve got a great car. We’ve already built it,” he said. “We should sell it, we should learn. I don’t know how many it will be. I’m not really that worried about it.”

He added it will be built at the Toluca plant in Mexico alongside the Jeep Wagoneer S, Compass, and Cherokee, noting the plant has the flexibility to shift production depending on demand.

“We can shift and move,” he explained. “It is OK if [Recon] is low volume. If I have to sell more Cherokees, so be it.”

What Could Power It?

Key technical specifications about the Recon EV remain uncertain. However, it could share powertrains with the Wagoneer S, potentially including the same 100.5 kWh battery pack and dual-motor, all-wheel drive system.

However, as Jeep is eventually expected to release an all-electric Wrangler, it’s unlikely the Recon EV will match the 600 hp of the Wagoneer S for fear of stepping onto the Wrangler EV’s turf.

As is so often the case, the success or failure of the Recon EV will largely depend on the price. If the Recon EV lands in the right bracket, it could find steady ground among off-road enthusiasts looking for something new. But if it arrives with a steep sticker and limited range, it may struggle to get traction before it even leaves the showroom floor.

As more homes in the UK move away from gas heating systems, the need for a sustainable but effective method of heating and providing hot water for the home has become paramount. Heat pumps are rapidly emerging as a lead player in the game of decarbonised energy systems. But they are more than just efficient …

The post How Heat Pumps Fit Into the Future Grid appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

The Trump administration plans to offer parts of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska for oil and gas drilling. It's part of a larger effort to advance controversial projects in the state that were blocked by the Biden administration.

The Trump administration has finalized a plan to open the coastal plain of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling, renewing long-simmering debate over whether to drill in one of the nation's most sensitive wilderness areas.

(Image credit: Lindsey Wasson)

For National School Bus Safety Week, the West Virginia Department of Education partnered with the state police department to create a video that is a sobering reminder of the dangers of illegal passing. The video shows footage of a student getting off the school bus and nearly being struck by a motorist driving past the stopped bus. Jimmy Lacy, the transportation director for the state’s Department of Education, and Sgt. Travis Bailes of the Charleston Police Department outline the impact on student safety and state regulations regarding illegal passing.

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Related: WATCH: Michigan Association Releases Illegal Passing PSA for School Bus Safety Week
Related: Wisconsin State Police, School Bus Association Promote School Bus Safety
Related: Gallery: National School Bus Safety Week 2024

The post WATCH: West Virginia Releases Illegal Passing Awareness Video appeared first on School Transportation News.

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 no secret that Rivian has had its eye on e-bikes for quite some time. Patents and other leaks have popped up over the years, but now, we’re finally getting a look at the results of that interest. What you see here is the new TM-B, which made its debut today.

It’s the flagship product from Also, a new brand spun off from Rivian. It’s an intriguing new e-bike option coming to a road near you soon, assuming the company can convince buyers to take the plunge on such an unconventional two-wheeler.

What Exactly Is It?

Also’s TM-B is less a conventional bicycle or even ebike, and more of a modular compact vehicle on two wheels. The design centers on a chunky, weatherproof block at the bottom of the frame.

Inside that block, you’ll find the battery, a small generator, and the pedal system. Notably, the pedals do not directly power the rear wheel at all. Instead, pedal strokes power the generator and the pedal-by-wire drivetrain sends power to the rear wheel.

More: The Cheapest Electric Audi e-tron You Can Buy Comes With Pedals

Also offers three distinct riding profiles and a swappable seat system. Buyers begin by choosing if they want the small or large seat. From there, they can add more seat options including a cargo seat and a moto-style bench seat.

They can also choose between an All-Terrain package with knobby tires and two extra drive modes or a Street package with smoother tires. The AT package costs an extra $200 despite it appearing as though the only hardware changes are Kenda mountain bike tires.

A five-inch touchscreen cockpit with a rotatable bezel allows users to get important ride data along with GPS navigation. The bike features full suspension with 120mm of travel but Also doens’t say whether or not you can lock it out for climbing or flat roads.

The brakes are especially interesting as they feature regen technology to feed juice back to the battery and ABS. A special auto-lock system promises enhanced security as it locks the rear wheel, battery, and frame when engaged.

Also says it’ll sell bikes offering between 60 and 100 miles of range (roughly 97 to 161 kilometers) and up to 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque. Payload tops out at 324 lbs (147 kilograms) on higher-spec models.

How Much Does It Cost?

The base TM-B will start at “under $4,000,” but the Launch Edition, available for order now, starts at $4,500 before options. That’s not a terrible price in this segment. No doubt, it’s aimed at people who are casually interested in two-wheeled travel. Hardcore cyclists will likely find it a bit lacking.

It may not replace a traditional bike, and it won’t appeal to every purist, but it does offer a refreshing reinterpretation of a form that’s been part of daily life for more than a century.

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.”