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Jeep isn’t exactly known for keeping secrets, and the latest glimpse of the all-new third-generation Compass proves that trend is alive and well. The updated SUV has made its first undercover appearance in Europe, just weeks before its official debut, which has been confirmed for this spring.

Review: Jeep Avenger Proves ICE And Manual Combo Can Still Be Compelling

The camouflaged prototype was spotted in Italy during what appears to be the final stretch of development testing. Its overall silhouette sticks with familiar SUV proportions, though a few design details are immediately noticeable. Shorter overhangs and a more squared-off stance give it a subtly tougher look compared to the outgoing model.

Slim Lights, Covered Grille, and a Bit of Mystery

Previous teasers pointed to slim LED headlights flanking a redesigned seven-slot grille, which is expected to be illuminated. On the prototype, however, that grille is completely covered, likely hiding final details. The front bumper features a cooling intake with active flaps, a design cue aimed at improving aerodynamics, something that’s always been relevant in the EV era.

According to our spy photographers, the prototype shown here is running a fully electric powertrain, which explains the absence of an exhaust pipe. Jeep has already confirmed that the new Compass will be available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions. That puts it in line with other Stellantis-brand SUVs that share similar platforms and tech.

A Big Platform Upgrade

The next-gen Compass will finally retire its aging FCA-era platform and shift to Stellantis’ more modern STLA Medium architecture. This updated structure is shared with models like the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, Opel Grandland, and the DS 8. It’s also expected to underpin the next Citroen C5 Aircross and DS 7, signaling Jeep’s move toward a more flexible and electrified future.

More: This Stellantis Brand Is Working On A Spicy SUV With An Electric Twist

If the Compass borrows specs from the Peugeot e-3008, we could see up to 321 horsepower (239 kW / 325 PS) from a dual-motor setup, offering all-wheel drive as standard on the top trim. The e-3008 comes with 73 kWh and 97 kWh battery options, both of which would make sense for the Jeep, depending on how the lineup is structured.

Production of the new Compass is slated to begin in Italy later this year, with the European market rollout following soon after. Originally, North American production was planned for 2026 in Canada, but those plans are now on hold. Ongoing uncertainty around US tariffs on imported vehicles has reportedly pushed back Jeep’s North American timeline.

Baldauf

Jeep

The World Car Awards have been presented at the New York Auto Show and they were a truly global affair. So much so, that most of the winners aren’t even available in the United States.

While that’s disappointing, the Kia EV3 was named 2025 World Car of the Year. The model beat the BMW X3 and Hyundai Inster to win top honors, earning Kia their second consecutive World Car of the Year award following last year’s crowning of the EV9.

2025 Kia EV3 Review: Everything We Love About The EV9 Made More Affordable

The EV3 isn’t offered in America, but it’s coming as long as tariffs don’t get in the way. That being said, we tested it earlier this year and came away pretty impressed.

Electric vehicles had a strong showing this year as the Volvo EX90 was named 2025 World Luxury Car. It bested the Porsche Macan and Porsche Panamera to take top honors.

The electric crossover starts at $79,995 and features a 111 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 402 hp (300 kW / 408 PS) and 568 lb-ft (769 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.7 seconds and travel up to 310 miles (499 km) on a single charge.

Moving on, the Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric was named World Electric Vehicle. It’s a pint-sized urban crossover that has 113 hp (85 kW / 115 PS) and is primarily offered in the East.

The EV trend continues as the BYD Seagull / Dolphin Mini was named World Urban Car. The hatchback costs less than $10,000 in China and the Seagull Intelligent Driving Edition offers up to 252 miles (405 km) of range.

World Car Design of the Year, unsurprisingly, went to an EV. It was the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which is interesting as the electric van has been around for a few years now. That doesn’t exactly seem fair, but the model bested the Kia EV3 and Toyota Land Cruiser / Land Cruiser 250 for the title.

Last but not least, there’s the only non-EV to win an award. It was the Porsche 911 GTS, which was named 2025 World Performance Car.

The sports car starts at $169,800 and features a hybridized powertrain that consist of a turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six, an electric motor, and a small battery pack. This gives the model a combined output of 532 hp (397 kW / 539 PS) and 449 lb-ft (608 Nm) of torque. This enables the coupe to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 2.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 194 mph (312 km/h).

Tesla has a lot riding on its Cybercab robotaxi, but the program has hit a major snag, and CEO Elon Musk’s sometimes best buddy, President Trump is to blame. The automaker has been forced to drop its plans to ship essential Cybercab components from China as a result of Trump slapping enormous tariffs on Chinese imports, a report claims.

More: Tesla’s CyberCab Promises 300-Mile Range with Surprisingly Small Battery

The automaker expected to start sending parts to the US from China in the next few months, necessary to begin trial production of both the Cybercab and the Semi truck, the latter of which has so far only been produced in tiny quantities. The plan was to scale up to full production of both models in 2026.

Tariffs Throw a Wrench in the Works

Trump’s announcement of a 34 percent tariff wasn’t great news, but Reuters sources say Tesla was prepared to absorb the financial pain. But when Trump’s tit-for-tat tariffs battle escalated to the point where import duty on Chinese imports had reached 145 percent, Tesla slammed on the brakes.

Exactly how long Tesla will keep its foot on the brakes is unclear, since no one, perhaps not even Donald Trump himself, knows the duration of the massive tariffs. But the US President revealed earlier this week that he was considering making changes to the 25 percent tariff on imported auto parts built in Canada, Mexico, and other regions, and has recently announced an exemption on electronic devices such as iPhones which are made in China.

Tesla’s US Sourcing Strategy

Reuters says Tesla has, for the past couple of years, been increasing the amount of parts it gets from within US borders because it sensed that tariffs might one day come into effect. How quickly Tesla can switch suppliers and get Cybercab and Semi components from America isn’t clear – we’ve asked the question, but don’t expect Tesla to reply.

Tesla unveiled its long-awaited Cybercab last fall, a Honda CRX-shaped pod with scissor doors and no steering wheel, and is currently working on getting approvals to begin testing and operating driverless cars in the US and beyond.

Images: Telsa

It’s no secret that Tesla and its Cybertruck flagship are divisive topics today. Whether it’s the design, the rollout, or the broader image of the brand, reactions are rarely lukewarm. That divisiveness has made the truck a frequent target of protests, and occasionally, more extreme actions. Now, one infamous Cybertruck that went up in flames and was later covered in graffiti is now headed to auction.

The estimated sale price? Around $82,000. And by our extremely scientific calculations, it’ll only cost about $81,999 to fix. A steal, really, assuming you’ve always wanted a post-apocalyptic sculpture that used to be a truck.

More: Bondi Says ‘Tesla Terrorist’ Looking At 40 Years In Jail For Hurling Firebombs

This EV experienced its life-ending event in January in an LA parking lot. Carscoops reported on the situation quickly after it happened. The truck sat idle largely in the same state that you see here. The hood is cut up, the driver’s side has fire damage, broken glass, and holes in the firewall. The tires are burned up, and there is graffiti across the entire car.

It’s unclear how the damage began, but it could’ve been that a fire in the cabin started the cascade. From there, it would make sense that firefighters cut the hood. The high-voltage cutoff is under it and near the windshield. From that point forward, anyone around the scene could’ve added the additional vandalism after the fact.

Notably, the salvage auction does say that an “interior burn” was the primary damage and that vandalism is the secondary damage. To that end, the cabin doesn’t look like it’s in much better shape than the exterior. The steering wheel is gone, the dash is missing some panels, and the infotainment system is reportedly inoperable. Hey, at least the back seats look salvageable.

More: This Is What Tesla’s Doing With All Those Unsold Cybertrucks

As we pointed out in our initial coverage, the truck almost looks like an obscure art piece. No doubt, it could serve as an exhibit that demonstrates the odd time we’re all living in and the way people reacted to this truck and Tesla as a whole. Depending on your point of view, it might even belong in a gallery as a reflection of public sentiment toward Tesla and its polarizing design direction.

So, what do you think? Would you throw in a bid on this fire-damaged, heavily graffitied Cybertruck? If nothing else, it’s a conversation starter. Let us know what you’d pay for it in the comments.

Credit: IAAI

Even in the land of sunshine and startups, being the poster child of electric cars doesn’t guarantee loyalty. Tesla’s hold on California’s EV market is loosening, and the numbers from the first quarter of 2025 make that clearer than ever.

More: EV Sales Are In And One Best Seller Took A Major Hit In Q1

According to data released by the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), Tesla saw a sharp 15.1 percent decline in Q1 sales, falling from 49,875 units last year to 42,322 this year. The company’s market share in the EV segment not only slipped below 50 percent but plummeted from 55.5 percent in Q1 2024 to 43 percent in 2025.

To put that in perspective, total EV sales in California actually grew by 7.3 percent during the same period, from 89,821 units last year to 96,146 in Q1 2025.

EV Winners and Losers

Several automakers made impressive gains, even if their absolute numbers hardly moved the needle. GMC posted a 318 percent increase over last year, reaching 1,041 units. Jaguar, despite selling through leftover inventory, nearly doubled its sales from 485 to 861 units. Porsche jumped 139 percent from 572 to 1,367 units, and Subaru saw a huge 177.8 percent spike from 333 to 925. On the losing side, Audi’s EV sales dropped 20 percent, while Lexus took a more significant hit, falling 43.7 percent to just 485 units, down from 861.

CA EV BRAND SALES Q1

Top-Selling EVs in California

Tesla still had the two best-selling EVs in the state: the Model Y with 23,314 units and the Model 3 with 13,992. They were followed by Honda’s new Prologue at 4,493 units and Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 at 3,762. But Tesla’s declining numbers also dragged on the broader zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) market. California registered its second consecutive quarterly drop in ZEV sales, with market share slipping to 20.8 percent, down from 22 percent in Q1 2024.

That’s important because reaching the California Air Resources Board’s Advanced Clean Cars II target of 35 percent ZEV sales for 2026 model year vehicles will require a 14.2 percentage point jump from current levels. It’s a steep, if not unrealistic, climb, especially considering some 2026 models, like the Tesla Model Y, are already on sale.

CA BEST SELLING EVs Q1 2025

More: Tesla’s Q1 Collapse Fueled VW’s Shock Rise In The EV Race

“Dealers sell what customers want to buy. No mandate can force consumers to choose otherwise,” said Robb Hernandez, CNCDA Chairman and President of Camino Real Chevrolet. “Although the manufacturers we represent are increasing EV sales in California, with the substantial decline in Tesla sales, EV market penetration is largely flat. This puts us well short of EV sales mandates that take effect this year.”

Overall Market Trends

Looking at all vehicle sales regardless of powertrain, the California market grew by a healthy 8.3 percent in Q1, with 463,114 units sold. Hybrids had a particularly strong quarter and now account for 17.9 percent of the market, getting closer than ever to EV figures.

Still, the CNCDA cautions that momentum could slow. Upcoming changes to trade policy and potential tariffs may cause prices to rise, cooling demand. “A rush of buying in March and April, likely ahead of anticipated tariffs, may be short-lived if vehicle prices spike,” the association noted.

California’s Top Brands and Models

Toyota was the top-selling brand in California with 76,625 registrations, capturing 16.5 percent of the market. Honda took second place this quarter with 10.8 percent, while Tesla dropped to third, claiming 9.1 percent, down from 11.7 percent a year ago. Toyota also led the light truck market, with Ford and Honda rounding out the top three.

Brands posting strong growth of 30 percent or more in year-to-date Q1 registrations include Buick, Mitsubishi, Genesis, Chrysler, Cadillac, Land Rover, Nissan, and Hyundai. Meanwhile, Tesla wasn’t the only one in reverse. Maserati dropped 60 percent to just 153 units. Alfa Romeo slid 48.6 percent, Audi was down 14 percent, and Dodge fell nearly 59 percent.

The Tesla Model Y was still the best-selling vehicle overall in the state with 23,314 units. It was followed by the Toyota RAV4 with 16,719, the Tesla Model 3 with 13,992, and the Toyota Camry with 13,792. In the used car market, the Camry led among vehicles four years old or newer with 6,026 units sold, while the Honda Civic topped the list for five- to eight-year-old cars with 5,897 units.

Special editions aren’t usually very special at all once you’ve scraped beneath the surface. Just think of all the pointless Corvette, Mini and MX-5 specials we’ve been subject to over the years. But the Kia EV9 Nightfall Edition is one we’re happy to give house room to because, while it’s not radically different, it really should be a little better to drive than the stock electric SUV it’s based on.

Revealed today at the New York Auto Show alongside the EV4 and K4 hatch, the Nightfall Edition is on the face of it your usual special lashed together by the marketing department to give a model some added appeal once the initial rush of excitement has faded, and tide it over till facelift time.

Related: Kia’s First Electric Sedan Is Here To Beat The Model 3 At Its Own Game

It’s based on the six- and seven-seat mid-range EV9 Land but adds gloss-black exterior detailing on the front grille, skid plates (gloss-black skids plates? yep, highly practical), mirrors, roof rails and mirror caps. There’s also a bespoke paint color available, Roadrider Brown, though we’ve no idea what it looks like because for reasons best known to Kia it issued pictures of a Glacial Pearl White version.

A new design of 20-inch wheels round out the exterior upgrades, but the tweaks continue inside, where the Land’s rather drab gray and black cabin gets a sporty makeover courtesy of an all-black color scheme. Both the headliner and the seats – which feature a much smarter, performance-themed stitching pattern – are black.

It’s Boosted

And that’s where most special editions end, but the Nightfall Edition keeps going. Because the 379 hp (384 PS / 283 kW) dual-motor electric drivetrain inherits the Boost mode normally reserved for the GT-Line EV9 (or available as a $900 Feature-on-Demand on Land models).

That mod bumps peak torque from 443 lb ft (600 Nm) to 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) and drops the zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) time from 5.7 seconds to 5.0 seconds according to Kia’s spec for the Land with and without the FoD. But Kia claims the Nightfall Edition can do the job in 4.5 seconds. Cars always feel faster at night, right?

We like the look and spec of the Nightfall though it’s hard to make a value call on it until Kia tells us how much more it costs than the $69,900 Land. But the Premium can’t be too high because the GT-Line is $73,900.

Subaru’s smaller lineup means it doesn’t have as many debuts in a year as rival automakers, but today the Japanese automaker hit us with three big ones, including the facelifted Solterra and its new big brother, the Trailseeker, with the Outback to follow.

Unveiled at the New York Auto Show, the Trailseeker is like a Solterra for people who want more space and more power. And like the smaller SUV, the Trailseeker has a Toyota twin, though one we’re yet to see.

Related: 2026 Subaru Solterra Gains A Redesigned Face, Alongside More Power And Range

Subaru’s supplied media images, which look badly Photoshopped at best and an AI nightmare at worst, show the Trailseeker looking more like a wagon than an SUV, but it features the same angular design language as the Solterra. The scant spec details reveal the Trailseeker is around an inch (25 mm) taller and six inches longer (150 mm) than the smaller Solterra.

Fastest Accelerating Production Subaru Ever

Where the new Solterra tops out at 338 hp (343 PS / 252 kW), the Trailseeker’s dual-motor setup delivers approximately 375 hp (380 PS / 280 kW). According to Subaru, that’s enough to launch it from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in around 4.4 seconds. For anyone keeping score, that’s more than a full second quicker than both the previous WRX STI and the current WRX TR, which takes 5.6 seconds to hit the same mark. In other words, it’s the fastest accelerating Subaru this side of the pond.

A 74.7 kWh battery slung under the floor (but still allowing the same 8.3 inches/211 mm of ground clearance as the Solterra) delivers “more than” 260 miles (418 km) of range on a single charge, which is dealt with by a NACS port. 

A 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg) towing capacity is claimed, and the X-Mode drive mode system includes Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, plus Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control to keep you out of trouble.

The Trailseeker’s cabin, like its exterior design, borrows heavily from the Solterra and features a 14-inch touchscreen display, the largest ever fitted to a Subaru. Two wireless smartphone charging pads are standard.

As you might have gathered, Subaru has left a lot of gaping holes in its spec sheet, including charging speeds, approach and departure angles, and prices. But no doubt we’ll be able to fill in some of those gaps in the coming weeks and months, by which time we might have a look at Toyota’s own version of the Trailseeker.

Kia might have already unveiled the 2026 EV4 compact electric model in hatchback and sedan guise last February in Spain, but that launch was about models available in European markets. At the New York International Auto Show, the Korean company revealed its North American-spec EV4, which will only be sold as a sedan locally, as the hatch won’t make the trip to the Land of the Free.

The EV4 is Kia’s first global electric sedan and, in America, is meant to take on the Tesla Model 3 starting in Q1 2026. In Europe, the EV4 is slated to go on sale later this year, and it was expected to be available in the States before the end of 2025. The delay may have to do with US production taking place at Kia‘s plant in Georgia to avoid import tariffs and keep it priced competitively against its rivals.

Promises Made – And For Good Reason

Unsurprisingly, the US-spec EV4 sedan is practically identical to the European version that will be built at Kia’s Korean and Slovakian factories. As such, it measures 4,730 mm (186.2 inches) in length and has a 2,820 mm (111-inch) wheelbase, which in theory will provide more than sufficient room for rear passengers. Moreover, the 490-liter (17.3 cu-ft) trunk, while not cavernous, should offer enough cargo space for most occasions.

More: Kia’s Affordable EVs Are Finally Coming To America

The EV4 carries over Kia’s “Opposites United” design language first seen on the EV6 and EV9. Forget the buzzwords about “contrasts across nature and humanity”. What matters is the sharp, low nose with a revised “Tiger Face” front, vertical headlights, and the now-familiar Star Map lighting. Small cube LED headlights with Dynamic Welcome Lights are also available. A fastback roofline leads to a somewhat fussy long-tail rear that tries to echo the front’s boldness.

The vertical taillights and two-piece roof spoiler are supposed to echo the front-end’s design elements and give the EV4 a more sporting character. Moreover, the all-electric sedan comes as standard with 17-inch aero wheels on the Light and Wind trim levels and spoked 19-inch ones on the range-topping GT-Line.

A High-Tech And Aesthetically Pleasing Cabin

The interior’s highlight is the 30-inch screen, which incorporates two 12.3-inch displays for the driver gauges and infotainment and a 5-inch one for the climate controls. This setup is part of what Kia calls the connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) that includes over-the-air (OTA) updates, wireless Apple Car and Android Auto connectivity, an AI-based assistant with improved voice recognition, and the ability for drivers to display available themes across the dashboard.

As for the rest, the cabin has a simple, yet modern, dual-tone aesthetic that looks pleasing while not being as spartan as a Tesla‘s, for instance. Meanwhile, equipment includes dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear A/C vents and an acoustic windshield as standard, while heated/ventilated front seats with driver side memory and a heated steering wheel are also available.

Kia’s new EV comes with a comprehensive ADAS suite whose main feature is the standard Highway Driving Assist (HDA) that can use speed limit information from the navigation system on controlled access roads such as state highways, highways, and federal interstates. Under certain conditions, the system can be set to automatically adjust the EV4’s speed to match the posted speed limit and keep a certain distance from the vehicle in front, which sounds like something that should be relaxing on long trips.

Since it’s not an autonomous system, though, the standard Hands-On Detection system ensures that the driver has their hands on the wheel. Rounding up the safety tech is a list of features that includes Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

Three Versions, Two Battery Packs, One Electric Motor

Based on the brand’s 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV4 will initially be available with a single 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) electric motor that drives the front wheels and two battery options. The entry-level Light trim comes with a 58.3 kWh pack that offers a relatively limited 235-mile range that’s good enough for city use but not so much for journeys. Thankfully, the Wind and GT-Line get a significantly larger 81.4 kWh battery that, in the former, provides a much more useful range of 330 miles (no figure was disclosed for the GT-Line, but we guess it must be lower).

More: Kia EV6 Owner Fed Up After Multiple 12V Battery Failures

When connected to a fast DC charger, the Light trim’s battery can go from 10 to 80 percent in an estimated 29 minutes, while the Wind and GT-Line, despite their noticeably bigger capacity, need just 2 minutes more. In any case, the EV4 comes as standard with a NACS charging port that allows drivers to use Tesla’s wide Supercharger network and is located on the front passenger side.

Driving Engagement And Great Comfort Are Top Priorities

Kia is determined to prove that EVs, and electric sedans in the EV4’s case, need not be boring, thus it made sure that, at least on paper, its new global model has all the right stuff to combine “engaging driving dynamics” with “a high level of ride comfort”, as the company puts it.

That’s a tall order indeed, but the EV4 has a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension as well as a reinforced chassis in key areas. It should be able to deliver on its promises, at least theoretically, but judging from Kia’s other EVs that we’ve reviewed, we’d be surprised if it didn’t.

Why Did Kia Launch An All-New Electric Sedan?

In the last few years, sedans have fallen out of favor with buyers not just in the US, but in most big markets worldwide, so manufacturers axed a great number of them from their lineups and focused on SUVs and crossovers, which sell like hot cakes, instead. At the same time, sales of electric vehicles are on the rise globally, even if not at the rate that almost all automakers, as well as many governments that voted to ban ICE-powered vehicles in the near future, projected.

So why did Kia choose to spend millions to develop and produce a brand new electric sedan? First, it certainly has the SUV/crossover market in all main segments covered, both with EV and ICE models. And second, just because the likes of Ford, GM, and Stellantis may have discontinued their own sedans, this doesn’t mean that there isn’t a pool of prospective buyers who’d rather have one over an SUV. That’s due to high-riding vehicles have become kinda the norm these days, so it’s ironic that a sedan will make you stand out from the crowd.

Another point is that, if it’s tuned the right way, a sedan’s handling and steering are inherently better. See, you can’t really beat physics, no matter how much advanced technology you might employ; a good sports car, thanks to its lower weight and center of gravity, will always handle better than a good sedan, which, for the exact same reasons, will do the same compared to an SUV.

More: Kia Confirms First Midsize Pickup For America

Just look at the most famous luxury brands in the world: as good as the Ferrari Purosangue might be, it’ll never handle as good as the (much cheaper) Roma or 296 GTB. Nor will the Lamborghini Urus compared to the Temerario, the Aston Martin DBX compared to the Vantage or DB12, or the Porsche Cayenne compared to the Panamera, Taycan or Cayman. Kinda stating the obvious, as the SUVs are meant to be more practical by default. However, do you really think anyone buys these models because they offer more passenger and cargo space or are able to venture off the tarmac?

Should Tesla’s Model 3 Worry?

A valid argument is that those brands can’t possibly be compared to Kia by any reasonable person. Maybe we should look at something more mainstream, like Tesla, then. Sure, the Model Y crossover might be its best seller, but the Model 3 sedan, on which the former is based, comes second and is a core pillar of the brand. And that’s despite the platform’s age, which dates back to 2017, which means it should have been replaced by an all-new model by now, according to other (mainstream or luxury) brands’ strategy.

Instead, it just received a facelift in 2023 for the China-built model and last year for the ones made in the US, which introduced many welcome updates to the Model 3 that cost Tesla much less than designing, developing, and building an all-new car.

Of course, at the end of the day, the EV4 will be judged by how many units Kia manages to shift. Even though we’re not so sure about the rear styling, all the rest point to yet another winner for the Koreans, who are on a roll when it comes to new product launches. We’ll give it till December 2026 and see if the EV4 fulfills its maker’s promises, as well as its expectations.

The electric crossover landscape is moving fast, and Subaru is making an effort to stay in the race. The 2026 Subaru Solterra has been unveiled at the New York Auto Show, bringing styling, tech, and mechanical upgrades over its predecessor. The comprehensive facelift helps the EV distinguish itself from the recently updated Toyota bZ4X twin, while also making it more competitive in terms of driving range and available features.

More: Subaru Trailseeker Is Faster Than A WRX STI But No One Knows If It’s A Wagon Or SUV

Starting with the exterior, the redesigned front end adopts a cleaner, more cohesive look with slimmer LED headlights and a toned-down grille. It bears a stronger resemblance to the larger Subaru Trailseeker. The once-controversial plastic cladding is now painted in body color, which makes a noticeable difference in the overall design. Subaru also notes that two-tone color configurations will be available, though they haven’t been shown yet in any official images.

The profile and the tail are largely carried over from the outgoing model that has been around since 2022. The only exceptions are the new wheel designs measuring 18 inches or 20 inches in diameter, and the fresh Subaru lettering on the tailgate.

Inside, the highlight is the new 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The EV also comes standard with wireless chargers, USB-C ports, and a wide range of ADAS from the Subaru EyeSight suite.

Range, Charging, and Battery Improvements

While the design will be the first thing that prospective buyers will notice, the mechanical upgrades are even more crucial for the competitiveness of the EV. The 2026 Subaru Solterra has a range of over 285 miles (459 km) between charges, marking a 25% improvement compared to its predecessor. This was made possible thanks to a new 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted under the floor.

More: Subaru Solterra STI Rumored For 2025 Debut, Let’s Hope It’s Not Like The “Sporty” STe

According to Subaru, the battery can charge from 10-80% in under 35 minutes, when connected to an 150 kW charger. Furthermore, the Solterra is now equipped with a battery preconditioning system for more efficient charging in cold weather, and has a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, providing access to the Tesla Supercharger network.

More Power and Improved Dynamics

The standard AWD powertrain of the 2026 Subaru Solterra has also been significantly upgraded, with a stronger rear electric motor and improved power distribution. The combined output is 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS), which is a healthy increase over the 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) of its predecessor. The extra power allows the crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in under 5 seconds.

The driver has access to the X-Mode system (Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud driving modes), Grip Control, and Downhill Assist Control, as well as 8.3 inches (211 mm) of ground clearance. Besides the new AWD settings, Subaru engineers have also tweaked the suspension and the electric power steering for greater handling.

The 2026 Subaru Solterra will reach US dealerships later this year. Pricing and detailed specifications will be announced closer to the market launch.

Genesis might have already caught our attention with the G90-based X Gran Coupe and Convertible concepts at the Seoul Mobility Show, but it’s not done yet. For the New York Auto Show, the brand is pulling the wraps off another wild card called the X Gran Equator Concept. This off-road SUV combines a futuristic, clean-cut exterior with a surprisingly retro-styled interior, signaling yet another interesting design experiment from Genesis.

More: Genesis Might Kill Its Cheapest Model But It’s Not Sure What Comes Next

The X Gran Equator debuts the latest take on Genesis’ “Athletic Elegance” design language, now interpreted through what the brand calls the “rugged spirit of overlanding.” That means the SUV rides high on 24-inch beadlock wheels wrapped in aggressive all-terrain tires, with a substantial amount of ground clearance for good measure.

A Different Kind of Genesis SUV

The exaggerated proportions include a short front overhang, an extended hood, and a narrow windshield, giving the X Gran Equator a look that’s a clear departure from last year’s Neolun concept. And while the long dash-to-axle ratio hints at classic luxury proportions, the absence of visible front cooling intakes suggests this is a fully electric vehicle.

True to the Genesis design formula, the lighting signature is defined by two parallel lines at both the front and rear, continuing cleanly into the bodywork. The front bumper houses additional LEDs for better nighttime visibility, while the rear features a sleek, minimal design capped off by a split tailgate. Plastic cladding around the wheel arches and bumpers is present, but subtle, reinforcing the vehicle’s premium look rather than detracting from it.

A Cabin Full of Surprises

Inside, Genesis has gone in a very different direction. There’s no infotainment display in the usual sense and instead, the center of the dashboard features four circular screens that mimic the look of classic analog dials. These are customizable digital displays, and they sit alongside a three-gauge digital instrument cluster with a similarly vintage aesthetic.

More: 2026 Hyundai Nexo FCEV Is A Hydrogen SUV That Makes Sense

Physical controls dominate the cabin. The center console is lined with chunky toggle switches, the steering wheel is packed with buttons, and the stalks are satisfyingly oversized. The four-seat layout includes swiveling front seats, multiple sunroofs, and modular storage throughout. The materials are high-end, with bold color combinations and diagonal stitching patterns that give the cabin a sense of tailored detail.

Off-Road Capabilities, Still a Mystery

There is no word on technical specifications, so we don’t know whether the X Gran Equator was based on a unibody architecture or a ladder frame chassis. Still, the company has hinted at the concept’s off-road capabilities, saying it is “engineered to perform in extreme conditions while maintaining a natural sense of grace”.

Will It Actually Be Built?

For now, Genesis says the X Gran Equator Concept is “not confirmed for production.” Still, the automaker has made it clear that design elements like the split tailgate and integrated roof rails are hints at what’s to come. It also points to a broader strategy: expanding further into “lifestyle-oriented vehicles.”

That could mean Genesis is exploring a competitor to the upcoming all-electric Mercedes G-Class or even a zero-emission alternative to the Land Rover Defender.

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The Trump administration is reinterpreting a key word in the Endangered Species Act that could have big consequences for the habitats of species at risk.

(Image credit: Tom Szczerbowski)

After being hunted to near extinction, wolves have made a population comeback in recent decades with the help of conservation efforts. Now, the country with the most wolves in Europe is Italy. Our correspondent in Rome set's out for the Italian forest with an organization that takes small groups to try to see wolves in the wild.

(Image credit: Paolo Picciotto)

Following a lithium-ion battery fire at the Moss Landing plant in Monterey County in California, communities nationwide are expressing concerns about hosting similar plants.

The president signed four executive orders to reverse the trend away from coal-fired electricity in the U.S., but there's little economic incentive for utilities to bring it back when natural gas is so much cheaper.

(Image credit: Anna Moneymaker)

It’s common for technology inside the school bus to talk to one another —  especially when it’s provided by the same vendor. If school buses aren’t already connected, it’s surely a priority for most school districts.

But what if there’s more to the connected technology conversation? A general session at STN EXPO East on March 24 says there is. “School Bus V2X & Transit Planning” by Bob Riebe, the vice president of transit for Applied Information, Inc., discussed a new layer of connected technologies. Technology is connected not just to the vehicle but the surrounding community in the form of stop lights, infrastructure and other vehicles on the road.

Riebe explained that Applied Information’s Glance Transit Signal Priority system combines hardware and software into a solution that gets transit buses where they need to be — on time. School buses can be equipped with this technology, too, which ensures transportation operations are never losing communication with the bus. Applied Information’s Connected School Bus System has already been piloted on Georgia’s Fulton County Schools buses with partners Audi, Blue Bird, and Temple, Inc.

Cellular Vehicle to Everything or C-V2X technologies communicate with motorists driving in school zones. Riebe explained that distraction is at an all-time high and the technology tells motorists if they’re speeding and provides advanced warning that a school bus stop is approaching, right on their dash. (Currently, the technology is only available for a select few vehicle manufacturers, but the TravelSafely app leverages Smart City technology and alerts motorists of upcoming red lights, emergency vehicles approaching, as well as school zones.)

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Additionally, the technology can communicate with stop lights using routing information, as well as speed, time, location and stop information, on when the school bus is supposed to arrive at the stop. The technology is able to communicate with the stop lights, which turns the signal yellow then red for perpendicular traffic and the light green for the approaching school bus. This is beneficial if a school bus is running late. The school bus driver would only experience green lights along their route.

Riebe added this also decreases the amount of time school buses are idling at red lights and reduces fuel consumption and the number of emissions being admitted into the air. These can result in improved on-time performance, additional cost-savings, and increased school zone safety.

The system monitors real-time traffic and knows exactly where the school buses are located and when they would arrive at the stop light. If two school buses approach an intersection and are traveling perpendicular to each other, Riebe said the vehicle green light priority is on a first come, first serve basis. He added that the technology also provides 16 levels of priority, and different school buses could be set at a higher priority than others.

Riebe noted to integrate such a system into cities takes working with officials to allow devices be placed in the stop lights. If interested, he advised to start meetings with the local transit authority and speak with school bus OEMs to learn if they would put transponders on every school bus.

He noted the use case makes the most sense for bigger cities because there is more routes and traffic congestion. Riebe added that the Federal Communications Commission approved the technology to move forward and its use is growing throughout cities and districts.

The post C-V2X Technology Hold Promise of School Bus Time, Cost Savings appeared first on School Transportation News.

A Ridgeview School District bus driver in McLean County, Illinois, is facing charges for allegedly grabbing an 11-year-old student and leaving red marks on the back of his neck and arms, reported 25 News.

The bus driver, identified as 64-year-old Joseph C. Zimmerman, is facing one felony count of aggravated battery to a child than 13 and two misdemeanor battery counts.

According to the news report, police saw a video showing Zimmerman grabbing the boy by the back of the neck. Zimmerman admitted grabbing the boy’s arm but said he does not remember grabbing the child’s neck.

Zimmerman reportedly grabbed the boy for kicking a ball out of the bus. He told police that students are not allowed to have balls in the bus and this particular ball did not belong to the boy.

The article states that a judge released Zimmerman on the condition that he does not have contact outside his house with anyone under 18-years-old. It was unclear if he was fired from his job or suspended pending investigation.

His arraignment is scheduled for May 2.

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The post Illinois School Bus Driver Facing Charges for Felony Battery Against a Student appeared first on School Transportation News.

South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) enters a new phase, with the U.S. withdrawing its support earlier this year. Reaffirmed by existing...

The post Ecosystem Spotlight: South Africa’s JETP, International Partnerships, and Prepping for Large-Scale Innovation appeared first on Cleantech Group.

You will never hear Tesla call the Cybertruck a flop, but by the company’s own projections, that’s exactly what it looks like. At one point, there were claims of nearly 2 million reservations for the electric pickup. As of March, however, Tesla had only built and sold about 46,000. The original plan was to produce 250,000 annually, and Elon Musk once suggested the company could move as many as 500,000 each year. However, it seems Tesla has found a good way to use those Cybertrucks it can’t sell.

Read: What Happened To Musk’s 1 Million Cybertruck Reservations?

Earlier this week, a motorcade of Cybertrucks was spotted cruising through Temple, Texas, and one of those Cybertrucks stood out. It was towing a trailer with a red Tesla Model Y in a glass capsule, proudly advertising the electric SUV as being ‘Made in Texas.’ Desperate times call for desperate measures, and it seems Tesla wants to ensure that as many people as possible can see the new Model Y in person.

A Mobile Billboard, Tesla-Style

A Cybertruck towing the new Model Y around is actually a pretty smart marketing tool. Plenty of car manufacturers pay big bucks to buy advertising space on massive billboards near highways, but Tesla has always shied away from typical marketing campaigns.

In this case, it’s essentially towing around a giant billboard, except it’s not a picture of a car, but the car itself. The Model Y in question is painted in Ultra Red, too, which just so happens to be the best color that Tesla offers.

Now, will the sight of a red Model Y Juniper convince Texans to buy a new Tesla? Who knows, but it’s a good way to drum up some attention for their latest EV. After all, there are already social media posts about it, and we’re writing about it, too. That’s more than can be said for most static billboards from legacy automakers, and it fits with Tesla’s long-running preference for unconventional marketing tactics.

Tesla Model Y on Display in Glass Cage | Spotted in Temple, TX
byu/OshinOfficial inTeslaLounge

Tesla is facing a lawsuit in California from an owner who claims the company’s odometers exaggerate how far its vehicles have traveled. According to the complaint, Tesla allegedly does this on purpose to avoid covering warranty repairs and to accelerate the depreciation of its vehicles.

The lawsuit argues that Tesla does not use mechanical or electronic systems to measure distance. Instead, Tesla reportedly relies on “predictive algorithms, energy consumption metrics, and driver behavior multipliers that manipulate and misrepresent the actual mileage traveled by Tesla vehicles.”

Read: Tesla Finally Launches Cheaper Model Y Juniper In America

By “tying warranty limits and lease mileage caps to inflated odometer readings,” Tesla can allegedly increase repair revenue and reduce its warranty obligations. It can also cause consumers to purchase extended warranties prematurely.

The case was filed by Nyree Hinton, who says they bought a 2020 Tesla Model Y in December 2022 with 36,772 miles on it. Hinton states that from December 14, 2022, to February 6, 2023, they averaged 55.54 miles per day, but between March 26, 2023, and June 28, 2023, this spiked to 72.53 miles per day, just as the Model Y was approaching its warranty expiration. The owner estimates that the average mileage should have been roughly 20 miles fewer per day because of their consistent routine during this time.

Additionally, previous vehicles owned by the plaintiff averaged 6,086 miles over six months, but the Model Y reported 13,228 miles over the same period. The lawsuit claims the mileage shown by Tesla’s odometer can be inflated from 15% to as much as 117%.

The plaintiff notes that while Tesla can measure its vehicles using GPS with incredible precision, a patent from the EV maker apparently says the odometer readings are not direct measurements of distance traveled and use a “miles-to-electrical energy conversion factor” that varies dynamically based on road and traffic conditions.

These Complaints Aren’t New

This isn’t the first time Tesla owners have questioned how mileage is calculated. For years, some have raised concerns about their cars showing unexpectedly high mileage. Some threads on Reddit and Tesla forums claim that these issues have persisted for over two years, with owners trading anecdotes and comparisons that echo the claims in Hinton’s lawsuit.