Attendees of the National Association for Pupil Transportation Annual Conference and Trade Show later this month in Grand Rapids, Michigan, will meet several new officers who won or held onto their seats following this week’s election.

In an email to members on Thursday, NAPT said the newly elected and reelected officers will be sworn in and begin their terms on Nov. 1 during NAPT ACTS. Elections ran from Sept. 30 through Oct. 1, and voters were able to cast their votes online.

Melody Coniglio, director of transportation at West Geauga Local Schools in Ohio, was elected NAPT president-elect. She currently serves as Region 3 director and will transition to her new role for two years before serving as president.

Coniglio ran against Karim Johnson, director of student transportation at Dorchester County School District Four in South Carolina, and Todd Silverthorn, supervisor of transportation services at Kettering City School District in Ohio. A special election will be held to fill the Region 3 Director seat, NAPT noted, which becomes vacant once the new board is sworn in at NAPT ACTS.

Keith Kaup, director of transportation at Pearland Independent School District in Texas, is the current president-elect and assumes the president role, succeeding Teena Mitchell of South Carolina.

Region 1 Director Marc Medina, supervisor of transportation at Farmingdale School District in New York, ran unopposed and succeeds Peter Lawrence, who completed three terms. According to NAPT bylaws, Lawrence had reached his term limit.

“Lawrence’s leadership helped establish a strong foundation for the region and positioned it for continued success,” NAPT said in a statement.

The new Region 5 director will be Dawnett Wright, director of transportation at Peninsula School District in Washington. She succeeds Athena Bartz of Wyoming, who completed one term and chose not to seek reelection.

Meanwhile, affiliate member director Maritza Valentin, the national sales manager for AMF-Bruns of America, was re-elected for a second term. She also ran unopposed. NAPT said Valentin “will continue her work to strengthen connections between industry business partners and members.”

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Related: NAPT Shares Candidate Information Ahead of Next Week’s Elections
Related: NAPT Announces More Annual Award Winners for 2025
Related: Robinson Named Sole 2025 Inductee into NAPT Hall of Fame

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“Elections serve as the heartbeat of our association, reminding us that each member has both a voice and a part in shaping our shared future,” stated Molly McGee Hewitt, NAPT CEO and executive director. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, whether as candidates or voters. Your involvement fuels our progress and sparks innovation. Looking ahead, we are excited to unite our newly elected leaders with those currently serving, forming a strong coalition of leaders dedicated to embracing the NAPT vision of a world where every student has access to safe and efficient transportation.”

Members will vote Oct. 6–10 on proposed bylaw amendments, including changes to the regional structure that will directly impact director representation.

“I commend everyone who ran in this election—you are the foundation of our strength. I look forward to working with the full Board of Directors to keep NAPT moving forward,” added Kaup and the 2025 NAPT nominations chair.

NAPT ACTS will be held Oct. 31 – Nov. 4 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The post NAPT Announces Election Winners Ahead of Annual Conference appeared first on School Transportation News.

MACON, Georgia — IMMI, the trusted global leader in school bus seating, joined Blue Bird Corp. to celebrate the grand opening of its manufacturing facility in Macon, Georgia. IMMI’s 75,000 square-foot plant will support school bus maker Blue Bird after the company announced to equip select model buses with industry-first safety upgrades, including seats with three-point seat belts as standard protection for all student passengers and a steering wheel deployed air bag to safeguard school bus drivers.

“Today, not only do we celebrate safety leadership alongside our partner Blue Bird, we also are thrilled to add 80 good-paying U.S. manufacturing jobs to middle Georgia,” announced Larry Gray, CEO of IMMI. “We are also here to recognize Blue Bird’s continued commitment to advancing school bus safety by being the first school bus manufacturer to make lap-shoulder belts standard on their buses and provide frontal airbags to protect school bus drivers in communities across the United States,” added Norm Gould III, school bus president and IMMI CFO.

IMMI’s 4Front airbag safety system will also be standard safety equipment on Blue Bird’s Vision- model school buses beginning this month.

“Every day, millions of children travel on our buses to school and back home. They are the most precious cargo in the world,” said John Wyskiel, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “For nearly 100 years, Blue Bird has led the way in school bus safety. We partnered with IMMI to bring industry-first, standard student and driver safety systems to school districts in North America. We are thrilled that our joint commitment to safety drives investments, manufacturing expansion, and job growth in our home state and beyond.”

Under the brand SafeGuard, IMMI’s Macon facility manufactures state-of-the-art school bus seats, which help to protect millions of children every day. Blue Bird was the first school bus manufacturer to announce in 2024 that lap-shoulder belts would be standard safety equipment on their school bus seats.

“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have called for school bus manufacturers to provide lap-shoulder belts for the 25 million plus children who ride on buses every year, and Blue Bird has answered that call,” added Wyskiel.

As demand increases for IMMI SafeGuard’s lap-shoulder belt seats, IMMI expects to add more jobs to its workforce in Macon. The company will post open roles on its career website and encourages qualified candidates to apply.

“Illinois recently passed legislation joining eight other U.S. states mandating lap-shoulder belts on new school buses,” said Gray. “We expect other states to follow suit as they recognize that even on the safest vehicles on the road, which are school buses, seat belts continue to save lives and reduce injuries.”

Press Photo/Caption: IMMI’s 75,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Macon, Georgia produces industry-leading school bus seats with three-point seat belts for Georgia-based school bus maker Blue Bird Corporation. Blue Bird is the first school bus manufacturer in the United States to equip select model buses with three-point seat belts as standard protection for all student passengers and a steering wheel deployed air bag to protect school bus drivers. (Image provided by IMMI)

About IMMI

IMMI® is the trusted, global leader of safety solutions, helping to protect millions of lives every day. For almost 60 years, IMMI has led the way in developing, designing, testing and manufacturing innovative safety restraints and systems. IMMI’s safety products are found worldwide on car seats, heavy trucks, school buses, recreational/off road, military, fire/EMS, motor coach, and construction vehicles. Employee-owned, IMMI is headquartered in Westfield, Indiana and operating nine additional global facilities, IMMI is also home to CAPE, the world’s leading state-of-the-art testing facility. For more information, visit https://www.imminet.com.

About Blue Bird Corporation

Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world — 25 million children twice a day — making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.

The post IMMI, Blue Bird Celebrate Opening of New Manufacturing Plant in Macon, Georgia appeared first on School Transportation News.

DENVER — EverDriven, the nation’s leader in Alternative Student Transportation, today announced a strategic partnership with Google Maps Platform to integrate Google Navigation into the EverDriven Driver App.

This collaboration reinforces EverDriven’s commitment to modernize student transportation, elevating safety, consistency, and transparency across every ride, while marking a milestone in the company’s technology vision and growing integration with Google and Woolpert Digital Innovations.

Delivering Enhanced Visibility, Safety, and Efficiency

With Google Maps navigation integrated into the EverDriven Driver App, the benefits will extend across the entire transportation ecosystem:

For School Transportation Leaders: Greater safety and efficiency through a unified, secure platform to visualize the location of our drivers, deliver more accurate ETAs, and improve route oversight enabling districts to monitor routes more accurately and reduce disruptions.

For Families & Caregivers: More reliable and accurate student location information, increased certainty around pick-ups and drop-offs, and stronger trust in the use of Google Maps’ proven navigation technology.

For Drivers: A familiar Google Maps interface built into the EverDriven App improves accuracy with dynamic re-routing, speed-limit compliance alerts, and a seamless in-app experience that keeps drivers focused on the road.

“Integrating Google Navigation directly into the EverDriven Driver App marks a major step forward in our mission to modernize student transportation and deliver on our technology vision,” said Mon-Chaio Lo, Chief Product & Technology Officer at EverDriven. “By bringing world-class navigation into a single, easy-to-use app, we’re creating a safer, more efficient experience for drivers, districts, and caregivers alike — and the first of many innovations we plan to deliver in partnership with Google.”

A Foundation for Continued Innovation

This integration is the latest in EverDriven’s ongoing innovation rollout, already underway with new features launched in August, including real-time vehicle tracking. As the first major milestone under its evolving integration with Google Maps Platform and Woolpert Digital Innovations, it lays the groundwork for future enhancements that further reimagine modern student transportation including historical trip analysis for smarter routing, and automated driver assignment capabilities. These advancements reinforce EverDriven’s continued commitment to setting a new standard for safety, efficiency, and transparency in student transportation.

About EverDriven

EverDriven delivers modern student-centered transportation that’s safe, consistent, and built for those who need it most. EverDriven specializes in transporting students across a wide range of needs — from everyday support to the most complex circumstances — including students with disabilities, students experiencing housing instability, and other high-need populations. Serving more than 800 districts across 36 states, the company completed over 2 million trips last year, 99.99% of them accident-free with 100% safety compliance. EverDriven’s deeply human, fully compliant, and AI-powered approach helps districts get students on the road in hours, not days, while maintaining consistent, high-trust rides that complement traditional yellow bus fleets. For more information, visit everdriven.com.

The post EverDriven Partners with Google to Deliver Best-in-Class Navigation in Driver App appeared first on School Transportation News.

Tesla’s been having a terrible year, but there’s a bit of good news as third quarter deliveries climbed 7.4% from last year. That’s a sizable increase and it’s believed the recently expired clean vehicle tax credit played a significant role in driving consumers to showrooms.

Jumping right into the numbers, Tesla delivered 481,166 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the third quarter. That’s up from 439,975 last year, for an increase of 9.4%.

More: Tesla’s EV Market Share Just Sank Below 40%

However, it wasn’t all roses as the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck continue to underperform. Q3 deliveries dropped from 22,915 units last year to 15,933 vehicles this time around.

In total, Tesla produced 447,450 vehicles and delivered 497,099. One year ago, the company made 469,796 EVs and only delivered 462,890.

2025 Q3 Tesla Production And Deliveries

Digging deeper, Tesla sales have rebounded significantly since Elon Musk’s disastrous foray into politics turned off a number of consumers. Compared to last quarter, deliveries soared an impressive 29.4%. The biggest boost came from the Model 3 and Y, which were up by 107,438 units. Deliveries of “other models” also grew by 53.3% as the company handed over 15,933 of them.

Of course, the sales bonanza is likely over now that the tax credit is dead. This means customers will need to shell out at least $42,490 for a Model 3 or $44,990 for the Model Y. Those prices will likely limit their appeal, although the company is working to address that with a cheaper Model Y.

They’re not the only ones working on more affordable EVs as Hyundai recently slashed prices for the 2026 Ioniq 5. The crossover starts at $35,000, which is $7,600 less than last year’s model. Other trims have steeper reductions and they average $9,155.

Following its debut at the Chengdu Auto Show, Ford has opened orders for the new Bronco Smart Horse / Basecamp, the third model in its Bronco family developed exclusively for China. While that’s not too interesting, the company is sweetening the deal by giving early customers a free ‘one-click roof-lift camping package.’

More: Ford Shows Off Wild Bronco With No Roof, No Doors, And Nothing To Lose

Despite sounding like a pop-up tent, it’s simply a panoramic glass roof that tilts 14.2 inches (360 mm) skyward to provide more headroom above the second-row. This promises to be more comfortable than it sounds as the front seats fold down and have headrests that lower at the push of a button.

Customers can also fold the second-row seats down and apparently cover both rows with a Bronco-branded inflatable mattress.

Tailgate Tricks

The camping theme continues at the rear, where the Basecamp features what Ford calls a “mountain kitchen” on the tailgate. It includes a fold-down table as well as a magnetic strip for holding knives and silverware. There’s also a drinks holder as well as an integrated bottle opener.

While this sounds a little odd, Ford refers to the Basecamp as their “first all-terrain camping SUV.” The company also noted customers can get ¥12,000 ($1,685) worth of free equipment by placing a ¥1,000 ($140) deposit on the vehicle.

Power in Two Flavors

Ford hasn’t said much about the Bronco Basecamp, but the fully electric variant has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 445 hp (332 kW / 451 PS). It’s powered by a 105.4 kWh battery pack, which delivers 404 miles (650 km) of range.

Customers can also opt for an extended-range variant, which has a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, two electric motors, and a 43.7kWh battery pack. This version has 416 hp (310 kW / 421 PS) and an electric-only range of 137 miles (220 km). However, the ICE engine extends the overall range to 758 miles (1,220 km) in the CLTC cycle.

Size Matters

The new SUV rides on a 116.1-inch (2,950 mm) wheelbase, the same as the full-size four-door Bronco in the US and far longer than the 105.1 inches (2,670 mm) of the Bronco Sport. Overall length also stretches to 197.8 inches (5,025 mm), making it larger than both the Bronco at 189.4 inches (4,810 mm) and the Bronco Sport at 173.4 inches (4,400 mm).

For now, Ford has made it clear that the electrified Bronco Basecamp is destined solely for China, with no plans to bring the model to North America.

The Lucid Air may already be known as one of the most advanced electric cars on the road, boasting the longest range of any EV sold in the United States, but the brand itself is still fighting an uphill financial battle. Each vehicle sold continues to come at a steep loss, so its recent tie-up with Uber, along with efforts to lure drivers away from rival brands, could prove critical to securing a stable future.

Read: Lucid’s Next EV Isn’t A Sedan, It’s An Affordable Off-Roader Made In Saudi Arabia

Through its tie-up with Uber, Lucid will receive $300 million in investments, making Uber its second-largest shareholder after the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Uber will purchase 20,000 Gravity SUVs from Lucid and use them as part of an expansive robotaxi fleet that’ll be introduced across the States starting next year.

Big Backer, Big Bet

This deal could not have come at a more crucial time for Lucid. Following the Trump administration’s decision to axe the EV tax credit and eliminate fines for carmakers who don’t comply with emissions regulations, electric vehicle manufacturers face the prospect of falling sales. Even so, Lucid chief executive Marc Winteroff is confident the Uber deal will serve as the start of an important new era for the brand.

“The largest ride-hailing business in the world does a strategic deal and invests,” Winteroff said. “It tells you something… 20,000 is a starting point. The sky’s the limit.”

Lucid is also thinking of innovative ways to make the most of its Uber deal. According to the firm’s leader, it will sell vehicles to fleet managers on the Uber platform, and wants to source revenue from charging on a per-mile basis. Winteroff added that the removal of the tax credit is “a big number of pure profit that we know have to live without,” so it’s understandable why the firm wants to make the most out of the Uber deal.

Taking Aim at Tesla

During the same interview, Winteroff moved beyond the Uber deal and took a thinly veiled swipe at Elon Musk’s company. He said Lucid has noticed a rising number of Tesla owners making the switch, pointing to the brand’s aging lineup and Musk’s political involvement, which has turned off many buyers.

“We have seen an uptick, that’s definitely the case, in Europe and also here in the US,” Lucid’s CEO revealed. “The Model S, nothing has changed in 12 years now… [customers] are actively looking for other options.” However, Lucid has a long way to go before it can truly threaten Tesla when it comes to sales numbers.

Key to Lucid’s future plans is a mid-size SUV. This new model will start at under $50,000 and may be named the Earth. It will take styling cues from the brand’s existing models, and its production is scheduled to start by the end of 2026. It will also spawn a rugged version inspired by the recent Gravity X Concept and be followed up by an additional model, set to launch in 2028.

Hyundai sales surged to record heights in the US last month, thanks in part to a significant increase in demand for its EVs and a few of its SUV and sedan models. And, despite the removal of the federal EV tax credit at the end of September, the Korean carmaker appears confident it can keep the momentum going through the rest of the year and into 2026.

Read: The EV Price War Just Got Real And Hyundai Fired First

In September, Hyundai sold a total of 71,003 vehicles in the US market, a 14 percent increase over the 62,491 sold the same month last year. In addition, Hyundai’s Q3 sales were up 11 percent to 678,349 units compared to the 610,494 sold through the first three quarters of 2024.

EVs Leading the Charge

Several models contributed to the surge in demand last month. The all-electric Ioniq 5 stood out, with sales soaring 152 percent from 3,336 units to 8,408. While many automakers saw a final bump in EV sales before the federal tax credit expired, Hyundai has moved quickly to soften the impact.

The company is now offering a $7,500 cash incentive on 2025 models, along with price cuts of up to $9,800 on 2026 Ioniq 5s. Year-to-date, sales of the Ioniq 5 have climbed 36 percent, from 30,318 units to 41,091.

Hyundai US Sales 2025

Elsewhere, sales of the Ioniq 6 have jumped 36 percent, although it remains a small blip in terms of Hyundai’s overall sales, with just 814 sold in September and 9,132 sold this year. The large, three-row Ioniq 9 sold 4,177 examples.

Demand for the small Venue also soared by 77 percent last month, with 2,836 finding new homes across the country. Hyundai reported a 28 percent rise in Santa Fe sales to 10,114 units. In September, sales of the Elantra increased by 23 percent.

There are some outliers in what has been a very good year for Hyundai. For example, year-to-date sales of the Sonata are down 5 percent to 45,914, Santa Cruz has fallen 18 percent to 20,633, and the Kona is down 11 percent to 57,278.

A new chapter in Fiat’s Panda lineup is beginning to take shape, with fresh variants now undergoing tests on European roads. Among them is a budget-friendly fastback crossover that aims to combine everyday practicality with a more distinctive silhouette, set to be offered with gasoline, mild-hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

The fastback first appeared in concept form in early 2024, shown alongside a hatchback that evolved into the Grande Panda, plus an SUV, pickup, and camper study. The prototype caught in camouflage testing looks toned down compared to the concept, trading some of its flair for more traditional proportions and a simplified glasshouse.

More: Fiat’s Gas Comeback Brings A Manual Transmission To A Car Once Meant To Be EV Only

Up front, the resemblance to the Grande Panda is clear, with boxy LED headlights featuring pixel-style graphics, a closed-off grille, and a single intake low on the bumper. From the side, the longer wheelbase and large-diameter alloys give it a stretched stance. The shape of the windows hints strongly at Citroen design influences, something that makes sense once you look at its family connections.

At the rear, heavy camouflage hides much of the fastback curve, but you can still spot slim taillight elements mounted high and the license plate positioned on the bumper. A discreet exhaust tip tucked beneath the car suggests this particular prototype is running a combustion engine.

The original concept (above) compared to the production version (below).

SH Proshots

An Italian With A French Sibling

Despite its silhouette, the car isn’t related to the the Fiat Fastback that is available in South America since 2022. Instead, it shares DNA with another Stellantis product, the Citroen Basalt, which launched in 2024 for markets including India, Brazil, Argentina, and Indonesia. That model is mechanically linked to the C3 hatchback and C3 Aircross SUV, though it wears a more coupe-like shape.

More: Fiat’s Next Big Thing Is This Small Thing Reviving A Classic

Fiat’s newcomer will sit on Stellantis’ Smart Car platform, the same underpinnings found in the Grande Panda, the European-market Citroen C3 and C3 Aircross, and the Opel Frontera.

Engine choices are expected to include the 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder in both standard petrol and mild-hybrid configurations, alongside a full EV variant. While the default setup is front-wheel drive, there’s a chance an all-wheel-drive version could follow, echoing the planned Grande Panda 4×4.

Fiat has confirmed that the full Panda family will roll out by 2027, with the fastback likely to be the first of the new additions to reach showrooms. An official unveiling is expected within the next few months.

It’s one thing to commission a Rolls-Royce with personalized colors and handcrafted trim, but it’s quite another to turn the world’s most opulent coupe as a shrine to the household dog.

That was the premise behind a one-off Spectre commissioned by a couple in the United States, who decided their Labrador-Golden Retriever mix deserved a tribute on four wheels, executed with the kind of extravagance only Rolls-Royce would entertain. The project became the Spectre Bailey, curated through Rolls-Royce’s invitation-only Private Office in New York.

A Portrait in Veneer

Between the rear seats sits the highlight, a portrait of Bailey, rendered not in paint but in marquetry. More than 180 separate pieces of veneer in 22 different shades were cut, shaped, and assembled for the inlay, a task that consumed over four months of craftsmanship. In other words, the dog’s likeness took longer to complete than the actual car.

More: Rolls-Royce Turns Its $400K EV Into A Cherry Blossom Diorama For Grown-Ups

The rest of the interior is styled to echo Bailey’s fur, an exercise in matching leather to Labrador. Moccasin and Creme Light dominate, with Dark Spice and Casden Tan accents filling in the contrast, all framed by High Gloss Royal Walnut veneer.

Just in case anyone missed the theme, a paw print decorates the passenger side of the dashboard, with more scattered across the Rose Gold treadplates, like a luxury scrapbook of muddy footprints.

The exterior treatment follows the same playbook of canine devotion. The main bodywork wears Crystal Fusion, topped with a bespoke shade called Beautiful Bailey, an iridescent paint mixed to capture the shimmer of fur on the dog’s ear.

More: Spectre Black Badge Is The Most Powerful Rolls-Royce Ever Created

As if that weren’t enough, the coachline carries a hand-painted paw print in Rose Gold, with the same gilded touch given to the Spirit of Ecstasy.

Standard Spectre Beneath

Beneath all the custom flourishes, it remains an ordinary Spectre. Power comes from an electric drivetrain producing 577 hp (430 kW / 584 PS), backed by a 120 kWh battery good for 266 miles (428 km) on a charge. The owners apparently saw no need for the angrier 650 hp Black Badge variant.

Unlike Bailey, whose likeness now adorns half the cabin, the couple behind the Spectre Bailey would rather remain anonymous. After unveiling their rolling tribute, they offered the following statement:

“We are lifelong car enthusiasts, yes, but we are also lifelong animal lovers, and our dog Bailey is a cherished member of our family. When we started our Rolls-Royce Spectre commission, we saw the opportunity to create something beautiful which would remind us of him for decades to come. Working with the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective, we were surprised at every turn with their wonderful ideas – the wood inlay, or the paw prints on the sill – which added so much to the experience. Spectre Bailey is everything we hoped for and more; it’s a joyful tribute to our loyal companion.”

Priceless. For Some

Rolls-Royce has not disclosed the cost of this one-off, though anyone remotely familiar with the brand knows “expensive” is a given. As for Bailey, he remains blissfully unaware that his likeness has been immortalized in marquetry and metallic paint.

What could be our first look at Tesla’s long-rumored entry-level Model Y has surfaced online, sparking plenty of debate about whether it’s the real deal. If it is, then the newcomer appears to take a seriously pared-back approach compared to the Model Y we know today, stripped of many features that define its higher-priced counterparts.

The open question is whether such a cut-down version would help Tesla boost sales across the US and other key markets, or if it risks being seen as too compromised to win over buyers. Of course, much of the answer will hinge on pricing, especially compared with the current base Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, which starts at $44,490 in the States now that the $7,500 tax credit has disappeared.

Simpler Looks

The image comes from TheTeslaNewswire on X, which claims the shot briefly appeared on Tesla’s website before disappearing. In the photo, the the new base Model Y ditches the full-width LED light bar fitted to current crossover and instead wears a pair of narrow headlights that resemble those on the refreshed Model 3. The front bumper has been pared back too, losing its usual air curtains and settling for a plainer black grille along the lower edge.

Read: Tesla’s Budget Model Y Is So Stripped Down It’s Begging For Tips

This entry version, apparently set to carry the Model Y Standard badge, rides on 18-inch wheels with black plastic aero covers. The effect is about as minimal as Tesla has ever gone on its mainstream models.

A No-Frills Cabin

Several changes are also being reported, although official images have yet to appear. The same account that dug through the website’s source code suggests the panoramic glass roof, standard on all current Tesla passenger models, will be dropped in favor of a solid roof, with textile trim pieces added in its place.

A manually adjustable steering wheel will also be part of the package. In the back, the second-row touchscreen has been dropped, replaced with manual air vents. Tesla has removed the HEPA filter as well, a change that lines up with reports from a well-known hacker who mentioned similar cuts last month.

Extract 1:

Model Y Standard","Bring Everyone and Everything","Unparalleled Efficiency","Have More Fun","Virtually Low Maintenance","Built for Safety"],"card_description":[" ","For anybody and every drive.","Load up your friends and family with seating up to five and bring all…

— The Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) October 1, 2025

An extract from Tesla’s website describing the new model was also shared on X by the same account. it says Tesla describes the model as providing “unparalleled efficiency” and having “virtually low maintenance,” which we suspect should say ‘virtually no maintenance.’ Tesla also notes that it doesn’t require “oil changes, tunes ups or smoke checks,” and that all owners will need to do is “refill the washer fluid and rotate your tires.”

When Cheap Isn’t That Cheap

Then there’s the all-important price. Apparently, the Model Y Standard will start at a claimed $39,990 in the United States. That’s only $5,000 less than the current base Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, which doesn’t sound like a good deal, particularly given all the features the Standard version is lacking. Even more so if you consider that just days ago, before the federal EV tax credit was scrapped, buyers could pick up the Long Range RWD for as little as $37,490.

🔥🔥 More affordable Tesla Model Y Standard leaked on the website!

✅ Called Model Y Standard
✅ $39,990 starting price
✅ Redesigned front fascia
✅ Single-part headlights
✅ Front bumper camera
✅ No front light bar
✅ No glass roof (“closed glass roof”)
✅ New 18” Aperture… pic.twitter.com/eGm4QnMxJm

— The Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) October 1, 2025

While most agree that the facelifted Model 3 that was unveiled two years ago is an improvement over the model it replaced, there’s one aspect that many dislike about the new model: the absence of a turn signal stalk. For some unexplained reason, Tesla decided to move the signals to the steering wheel. Others, like Ferrari, have done the same, but Elon Musk’s products are targeting a much wider audience.

Read: Tesla Quietly Brings Back Turn Signal Stalks To Model 3 After Years Of Complaints

However, much to our surprise, traditional stalks are making a comeback, but so far only on Asian-delivered Model 3s in three specific markets. This week, Tesla previewed an updated Model 3 that will be sold in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. In its promotional material, the brand revealed that the tweaked Model 3 includes a stalk for the turn signal positioned on the steering column, just as it should be.

A Quiet Reversal

The reappearance of the stalk isn’t entirely new. Beyond keeping them on the refreshed Model Y, Tesla also quietly brought it back for the Chinese-market Model 3 in August, even offering retrofits for older cars at 2,499 yuan, or about $350. This rollout now extends to three more countries, suggesting Tesla has fully reintroduced the hardware into its production line.

In addition to reintroducing a stalk for the Model 3 in Asia, the company has fitted a front-facing camera on the bumper. It’s a feature Tesla fans have been requesting for years, and it should make squeezing into tight spaces noticeably less stressful.

What About The US?

Despite those changes in cars sold in Asia, Tesla has yet to confirm if it will make the same small additions to American ones, but we think it’d be weird not to. Evidently, it has found suppliers for these parts and has all the tooling to install them, so it’ll simply be a matter of adding them to US-built cars.

🔥 Tesla has launched an updated Model 3 in select Asian countries, featuring:

✅ Front bumper camera
✅ Turn signal stalk
✅ No front logo

Available in:
🇯🇵 Japan
🇰🇷 South Korea
🇹🇼 Taiwan https://t.co/0B0coCN0pc pic.twitter.com/xQJmgMZlbV

— The Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) October 1, 2025

Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said the funding was for projects in 16 states, all of which voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris.

(Image credit: Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP)

The past three summers have been the worst on record for Florida's coral reefs. To try to restore them, scientists are breeding corals that can handle heat better, using coral from other countries.

(Image credit: Lauren Sommer)

Vehicle to-grid charging, while still in relatively early phases, is gaining traction across the school bus industry in both the U.S. and Canada.

The promise of V2G technology was frequently discussed in the early days of electric school bus adoption. However, few operations have been successful in giving power back to the grid at levels first promised, with only a handful of projects making headlines.

One such example is from The Mobility House, which announced a “successful implementation” of a V2G charging system at Fremont Unified School District near San Francisco, California. The company has several V2G projects around the U.S., including in New York and Massachusetts, that follow the same scalable approach.

“We were confident in our approach because of our deep experience in implementing V2G projects worldwide, and in school bus fleet electrification here in the U.S.,” said Alex Macharia, VGI program manager at The Mobility House North America. “It was important to establish trust in the technology and in us as an organization from our first conversations with [Director of Transportation Ernest Epley and Fremont]. Ultimately, we found that we were closely aligned on the mission to go beyond electrification by enabling clean reliable transportation that serves the Fremont USD student body while also improving grid resilience to benefit the community.”

Macharia noted that like all V2G projects, the one with Fremont required careful coordination and planning with utility Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to obtain service expansion and interconnection. One of the recurring challenges with V2G, he said, is the functional compatibility between the vehicle, charger and charge management system, or CMS.

The CMS system at Fremont is developed by The Mobility House. According to a press release, ChargePilot manages daily smart charging of the buses, which the fleet operator can view can via an online dashboard. The market aggregation platform receives notifications from PG&E of an upcoming load reduction event via OpenADR, (a communication standard for utilities to provide control commands to distributed energy resources such as batteries and solar inverters) and suggests optimal charging schedules based on the event and time-of-use electricity prices, the release adds.

ChargePilot also adjusts charging optimization for the bus fleet to discharge power to reduce site load during the emergency event, while continuing to ensure vehicle readiness for departure on their next route, noted The Mobility House.

“We have come a long way in developing standardization within the technical interfaces, and this project will be showcasing methods of V2G deployment using open standards, which will resolve some of the complexity,” Macharia said, adding that the Fremont project is currently deployed under the PG&E Emergency Load Reduction Program with insights expected toward the end of next year.

By then, The Mobility House expects to have a full season of ELRP data.

“Program participants are compensated based on how much energy (kWh) or demand (kW) is reduced as compared to a baseline,” he continued, explaining that other partners included the World Resources Institute, Center for Transportation and the Environment, and Polara. “Thirty to 60 hours of events will be called per season (May to October). Events are one to five hours long called between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.”

Fremont remains in the first phase of the project, with phase two expected to come online this fall. That phase will include the use of six bidirectional chargers.

“As more bidirectional vehicles and chargers come to market, and more utilities begin to offer V2G programs in their territories, The Mobility House will be at the forefront of deploying commercial and residential V2G solutions,” Macharia said.

Meanwhile, Fremont’s Epley said the decision to move toward V2G was driven by both sustainability goals and operational efficiency.

“We wanted to do more than just adopt electric buses. We wanted to maximize their value,” he said. “V2G technology allows us not only to reduce emissions and provide students with a cleaner ride, but also to turn our fleet into a flexible energy resource for the community. That dual purpose, educational and environmental impact paired with fiscal responsibility, was central to our choice.”

He noted that he is not an engineer or utility expert and is instead a “bus driver in a suit who happens to now lead transportation.” Because a project of this size is outside of his area of expertise, Epley said it is important to lean on partners such as PG&E and The Mobility House.

The companies, he added, handled the complex utility upgrades and charger integration, while he was able to continue to focus on daily operations.

“It was about mutual trust. They respected our school mission, and I trusted their technical know-how,” he said. “That’s how we made sure the infrastructure rollout matched our existing buses.

Epley said there were many practical and technical questions to answer. Among them, how would V2G impact battery life? What does the interconnection process look like with the utility? What are the financial models for energy export and savings?

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“The Mobility House brought expertise in energy management, while PG&E provided clarity on grid requirements and tariffs. Together, they demystified the process and gave us the confidence to move forward, knowing the technology was both viable and beneficial long-term,” he added.

It’s too early to track financial outcomes, he said, but by discharging energy back to the grid during peak demand periods and charging during off-peak times, Fremont projects a reduction of net charging costs.

“Just as important, the technology is helping us flatten our energy demand curve, which benefits both the district and the grid,” Epley said, adding that the district’s vision is to scale in a deliberate and sustainable way.

The next two electric school buses and additional chargers are scheduled for 2026.

“Even as funding landscapes shift, we’re positioning [Fremont] to demonstrate that electric school buses are not just a pilot project, but a long-term operational norm,” he said. “The integration aligns with our district’s sustainability plan: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering operating costs and setting an example for students on how innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand.”

Epley shared the response from the community and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with parents appreciating that their children are riding in buses that are cleaner, quieter and healthier for the community.

“Neighbors see us contributing to local grid stability rather than just drawing power” he said. “And students themselves are excited to see their school district at the forefront of clean technology. It becomes a teaching moment. That community support reinforces that we’re not just upgrading buses, we’re helping shape a more sustainable future for Fremont, California.”

Elsewhere, Tucson Electric Power is launching a V2G project this fall. And Fuse Power launched the first V2G electric school bus project in Canada. “Fuse is supplying power back to the grid during peak hours from parked electric trucks and buses. This milestone marks a major step forward in the future of vehicle-to-grid innovation,” according to a company Linkedin post.

The post Strides in Vehicle to Grid Technology Continue appeared first on School Transportation News.

METHUEN, Mass. – Lawrence Public Schools, NRT Bus Inc., Zenobē, and partners today hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the deployment of 35 new electric school buses. Thanks to successful public and private partnerships, Lawrence Public Schools has deployed 25 new electric school buses, supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and 10 minibuses, supported by an initiative led by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), as part of their regular home-to-school operations. The buses are based in Methuen and support clean transportation for Lawrence Public Schools.

“To give students a comfortable, quieter daily bus ride while benefiting public health, the environment and Lawrence taxpayers is a big win for our entire community,” said Lawrence Public Schools Superintendent Ralph Carrero. “This initiative is the power of public-private partnership at its best.”

“As part of our ongoing commitment to reduce emissions and promote cleaner air for our students and schools, we are thrilled to announce the launch of this charging site to support our new electric fleet for Lawrence Public Schools,” said Scott Sheridan, Senior Vice President of NRT Bus. “We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of all our partners from the public and private sector who made this project possible and are helping us power this new fleet for the 2025 school year.”

“We’re drawing on our global fleet electrification experience to bring clean transportation and its many health and climate benefits to NRT Bus, Beacon Mobility and Lawrence Public Schools. This is an excellent example of public-private partnership in action, and we believe projects like this can be as financially sustainable as they are environmentally sustainable and beneficial,” commented Zenobē Executive Vice President of U.S. EV Sales and Marketing Maggie Clancy.

Undertaken as a partnership between the EPA, MassCEC, Beacon Mobility, Zenobē, Sargent & Lundy, National Grid, Liberty Utilities, and the school district, the charging site was completed last summer and is being used to charge and store the 35 new electric buses.

“This investment means healthier air for students, quieter neighborhoods, and cost savings for school districts over the long term,” said Rachel Ackerman, Senior Program Director for Clean Transportation at MassCEC. “Projects like this show how innovative partnerships can deliver immediate community benefits while accelerating the state’s transition to clean transportation. MassCEC is proud to support Lawrence Public Schools in putting these new electric minibuses on the road.”

Electrified by National Grid and Liberty Utilities, the charging station site provides a sustainable hub for recharging the electric batteries that power the new fleet to shuttle Merrimack Valley students and community members to and from school and other local activities.

“At National Grid, we believe fleet electrification is a key component of building a sustainable and diversified energy future,” said Jake Navarro, Director of Clean Transportation, National Grid. “We’re proud to collaborate with a range of stakeholders to invest in and modernize our energy infrastructure to support the customers and communities we serve.”

Lawrence Public Schools deployed the 25 new electric buses as part of the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program in 2022. The school district serves 13,000 K-12 students. The 25 electric school buses alone are projected to reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 1.35 million pounds per year, equivalent to removing 136 gas-powered passenger cars off the road for one year. In addition, the district was awarded $1,670,000 under MassCEC’s ACT School Bus Deployment Program in 2023 which was used to fund the 10 minibuses.

All vehicles were placed in service for the current 2025 school year.

About Zenobē Energy Ltd. (Zenobē):
Zenobē is an EV fleet and grid-scale battery storage specialist, headquartered in the U.K. The company began operations in 2017 and now employs >380 FTEs with a wide range of leading skills including electrical engineering, software development, computer sciences and financing. Zenobē has around a 25% market share of the U.K. EV bus sector and supports over 3,400 electric vehicles across 120 depots globally. The company is the largest owner and operator of EV buses in the U.K., Australia and New Zealand. Zenobē is also the leading owner and operator of grid-scale batteries on the Great Britain transmission network with >1GW of battery storage assets in operation or under construction. Zenobē’s North American headquarters are in Chicago with a subsidiary office in New York and it is actively hiring in Canada and the U.S. For more information visit zenobe.com or LinkedIn.

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RICHMOND, Va.– As concern for energy reliability surges nationwide, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is marking National Propane Day by encouraging school transportation directors to explore propane autogas as a reliable, on-site energy solution that can support greater peace of mind during power outages or severe weather.

October 7 marks the fourth annual National Propane Day, and this year’s theme, “Prepare with Propane,” is a reminder of propane autogas’s reliability. A recent report from the U.S. Department of Energy warns that blackouts in the United States could increase 100-fold by 2030 as the electric grid struggles to meet growing demand. For school transportation directors that rely on a rigid energy source, that could mean the difference in keeping school buses running or grounding the fleet. Because propane autogas is stored on site, never degrades, and isn’t reliant on the power grid for distribution, it remains ready even during widespread power disruptions.

“As someone who spent years managing school transportation, I understand firsthand how critical it is to keep vehicles moving,” said Joel Stutheit, senior manager of autogas business development at PERC. “When a fleet goes down, everything stops. Propane autogas gives transportation directors a level of control that other energy sources can’t. It’s dependable, affordable, and always ready no matter what’s happening with the grid.”

Today, more than 22,000 propane autogas school buses are in operation across the United States at more than 1,100 school districts. The energy source is not only resilient but also clean, producing up to 96 percent fewer nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than diesel. It offers lower fuel and maintenance costs, supports better air quality, and contributes to more consistent uptime.

In addition to propane autogas vehicles, the energy source is also helping electric school bus fleets become more resilient with propane-powered EV charging systems. Powered by a propane generator, and in some cases wind and solar, these off-grid charging solutions can be installed in remote locations, disaster zones, or depots without permanent infrastructure ensuring school buses stay charged even when the grid is down.

Now in its fourth year, National Propane Day is not only a celebration of propane’s energy benefits, but also a moment to recognize the propane professionals who make clean transportation possible.

“From bobtail delivery drivers who make sure customers have energy when they need it to propane autogas service technicians that keep school buses operating safely on the road, National Propane Day is also a celebration of them,” said Joel Stutheit. “We depend on these professionals to keep clean, reliable transportation running every day. And their dedication is what helps fleets stay prepared, no matter what challenges come their way.”

To learn more about propane’s role in providing reliable energy solutions for school transportation, visit propane.com/buses.

About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.

The post Transportation Directors Urged to “Prepare with Propane” Amid Growing Energy Reliability Concerns appeared first on School Transportation News.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -Netradyne, a global leader in AI-powered fleet safety and performance solutions, today announced the launch of the Driver•i D-810. Built to deliver peak safety and efficiency in fleet operations, the D-810 is the first platform to combine 360 AI capabilities with edge intelligence across up to eight cameras. Extending Netradyne’s leadership in fleet safety and performance, the D-810 gives fleets greater visibility into driver behavior and vehicle activity, enabling smarter decision-making and proactive risk management.

With 360° video visibility and collision management, the D-810 strengthens Netradyne’s approach to overcoming the challenges of modern fleet operations—with an integrated platform for fleet operations that enables safety, fuel efficiency, compliance, and vehicle health management.

“At Netradyne, our mission has always been to push the boundaries of what’s possible in fleet safety and performance,” said Avneesh Agrawal, CEO and co-founder of Netradyne. “With the launch of the Driver•i D-810 product, we’re not only advancing innovation through edge intelligence technologies and 360 AI solutions, but we’re also setting a new standard for how fleets can operate safer, smarter, and more efficiently. This launch reflects our commitment to giving drivers the confidence they need, managers the visibility they demand, and the industry a future built on intelligent, comprehensive fleet solutions.”

Next generation of visibility and confidence on the road.

The Driver•i D-810 introduces a new generation of design and driver support. Dual- and quad-lens windshield cameras are over 80% smaller than previous models, reducing obstruction while preserving AI accuracy. A powerful processing hub supports multiple configurations, giving fleets the scalability they need. For drivers, an optional in-cab monitor streams blind spot views during turns, lane changes, and reversing. Paired with automated AI audio alerts, the system functions as a real-time co-pilot—building safer habits and greater confidence behind the wheel.

From real-time alerts to data protection, edge intelligence delivers.

Advanced edge processing delivers instant AI analysis without relying on cloud connectivity, ensuring critical safety alerts are continuously operational, while reducing bandwidth costs and protecting sensitive fleet data with on-device intelligence. This powerful on-device processing means fleets can maintain peak safety performance even in areas with poor connectivity, while sensitive video data remains secure within the vehicle. The result is faster response times, lower operational costs, and enhanced data privacy—giving fleet managers the confidence that their safety systems work reliably anywhere their drivers travel.

Minimum blind spots, maximum safety.

Powered by the D-810, Driver•i 360 AI delivers real-time, edge-based intelligence across up to eight cameras, eliminating blind spots around the cab, sides, rear, and trailer without relying on the cloud. This complete visibility gives drivers confidence through blind spot alerts, real-time recognition, and in-cab coaching. Managers gain instant, searchable video evidence to simplify reviews and investigations, while also benefiting from stronger safety culture, reduced litigation risk, and measurable operational savings.

“The Driver•i D-810 brings together years of AI advancement into a single, fleet-ready platform that delivers real-time intelligence at the edge,” said David Julian, CTO and co-founder of Netradyne. “At the same time, it’s designed to protect our customers’ existing Driver•i investments, following Netradyne’s roadmap that enables current devices to adopt new capabilities and benefit from ongoing innovation without replacement. This approach balances continuous innovation with long-term value for every fleet Netradyne serves.”

About Netradyne
Netradyne provides AI-powered technologies for fleet management and safer roads. An award-winning industry leader in fleet safety and video telematics solutions, Netradyne empowers thousands of commercial fleet customers across North America, Europe, and Asia to enhance their driver performance, reduce risk, and optimize operations. Netradyne sets the standard among transportation technology companies for enhancing and sustaining road safety, with an industry-leading 25+ billion miles vision-analyzed for risk and an industry-first driver scoring system that recognizes, reinforces, and rewards safe behaviors. Founded in 2015, Netradyne is headquartered in San Diego with offices in San Francisco, Nashville, and Bangalore.

The post Netradyne Introduces Industry’s First 360° Platform With Edge AI Across Eight Cameras for Smarter Fleet Management appeared first on School Transportation News.

In the October issue of School Transportation News, STN examined what keeps directors in a certain role and district versus the factors that drive them to switch. To no surprise, it’s culture, administrative support and professional growth that lead the way.

Igor Petrivoc, a 2022 STN Rising Superstar, has been working in transportation for the past 16 years. Prior joining a school district, he started in transportation-related roles working for transit companies, then MV Transportation, where he has worked on a school bus contract since 2009. In 2018, he had the opportunity to join Adams 12 Five Star Schools near Denver, Colorado as the operations manager. However, he only served in that role for a few months before becoming the transportation director.

“Personally, it was a little bit challenging in the beginning just because I was mainly focused on the operations, and I knew that side really well. I had to back off and allow the new operations manager to step into their role so that I could oversee kind of the bigger picture on the district side of things,” he said of becoming the director, adding that the administration made the transition “easy.”

“Because they’re full of support and ensuring that you don’t fail, that you have people there that can help you with the budget, people there that can help you with the bigger projects,” he continued. “They invested a lot in me, and that’s why I’ve stayed with Adams 12 …They ensured that I was successful, both in the role and within the district.”

He explained that his COO at the time would meet with him regularly to provide guidance and support, serving as a mentor for Petrivoc. “He was big on providing leadership books, leadership trainings and courses,” he said, adding that the district also offered training from outside consultants to help with leadership.

One training that stuck with him covered finding one’s voice.

“There are these different voices as a leader that you exhibit, whether you’re a creative, a pioneer, a guardian, and just how to channel those voices into your own leadership style,” he said. “A lot of that was at play in in the early years and still is to this day. Just ensuring that you are continually growing and have resources available to you so that you can expand on your leadership style and your leadership abilities.”

In terms of what he looks for from his administration, he echoed the others in terms of support. He said he want his board to trust his input and value his experience. “They’ve never questioned anything,” he said. “They will certainly have questions, but they are fully supportive of the decisions, the direction that you want to take things in.”

He noted that it’s the support and relationships that keep him at Adams 12. He explained that there have been opportunities within the school district to move up, but he was expanding his family and personally, he said. It wasn’t the right time.

“My hope is to not leave Adams 12. On a personal side, I think everybody makes a decision of where they want to work based on a number of factors. One of those is absolutely the leadership and the support that you get,” he said. “It could not be any better at Adams 12. The other is the family dynamic.”

He said that when becoming a director at the age of 31, pay was at the top of the list in terms of benefits. But now, after having kids and realizing the importance of family, he values the home-work balance.

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Related: STN Launches Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program at 2026 Conferences
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On the flip side, Danny Williams started as a school bus driver in 2005 while he was a senior in high school at Johnston County Schools in North Carolina. His mother, grandmother, uncles and aunts were all school bus drivers. Growing up he knew he would forge a similar path.

After graduation, he worked as a driver for the Public Schools of Robeson County before becoming a site coordinator. He returned to Johnston County as an area supervisor in 2016 before switching districts to Wilson County Schools in 2021 as the assistant director. In August 2022 he was promoted to executive director.

“I kind of knew that if I stayed at Johnston, I was going to be in that assistant director position for quite some time,” he said, noting that his aspirations were to serve as a director. “So, I knew that in order to go up, I had to leave Johnston County.”
That’s how he ended up at Wilson.

“I knew that [a transportation director] would be what I would land,” he said. “Did I think that I would advance as quick as I did, as young as I did? No. but it happened, and I’m grateful for those opportunities that I was granted along the way, and the support and the leadership that I had that molded and groomed me.”

The post Leadership Starts From the Top Down appeared first on School Transportation News.

It’s official. The new Tesla Model Y Performance is rolling out across most global markets, including the US where it comes in at $57,490, as well as Europe. Buyers get more power, more speed, updated styling, and subtle chassis tweaks.

In Britain, the starting figure is £61,925 (around $75,500), which makes it roughly £10,000 more than the Long Range AWD. In the US, the gap is a little narrower at $8,500. Even so, Top Gear argues that the premium is enough for buyers to think twice before ticking the Performance box.

More: New Tesla Model Y Performance Turns Supercar Thrills Into A Bargain Family Affair

Tom Ford from the famous British auto journal drove the updated Performance variant and found that while it delivers excellent performance, the upgrades don’t make it a must-have. The SUV is unquestionably quicker and sharper, but Ford noted that the standard Long Range already accelerates in under five seconds, offers slightly more range, and costs £10,000 less in the UK.

What extras buy you

The Performance gets a handful of changes to justify that price hike, including staggered Arachnid 2.0 21-inch wheels, red-painted calipers, revised bumpers, and a carbon spoiler. Tesla claims it’s cut drag by 10 percent and lift by 64 percent compared to the original Model Y Performance. It also gets a larger 16-inch infotainment system, carbon interior trim, and sport seats with extra bolstering.

Under the skin, it has a lot going for it on paper. The suspension features reinforced parts, stiffer bushings, and adaptive bits as well. It’s good enough that Ford says it’s “class-leading.” Despite that, the sum of its parts doesn’t end up being good enough for an all-out recommendation. “It’s not night and day better than the standard vehicle,” he says.

Everyday reality check

Drilling down further, he gets into the nitty-gritty of the situation for real, everyday buyers. This is, after all, a relatively (if not slightly pricey) mainstream crossover. It’s not a Model X or another flagship of sorts.

As he put it, “A Y is a family SUV, so more go isn’t needed – the fast stuff makes more sense in, say, a Model 3. And then there’s the fact that the standard all-wheel drive long-range car is still sub-five to 62mph, has a smidge more range, doesn’t look much different, and costs a straight £10k less.”

At this point, it sounds like the Model Y Performance is indeed an upgrade over the Long Range in terms of driving engagement. At the same time, it’s not a leap-and-bound sort of improvement.

Could Tesla have done more?

That’s a bit curious considering a few small things, like perhaps simulated gear shifts and some fun faux exhaust or rev noises might have amped up the fun like Hyundai does with the (a lot) more expensive Ioniq 5 N. We’ll have to wait to test one stateside to make our own determination. Until then, what do you think of the latest high-spec Model Y?

The end of the federal EV tax credit has left the industry on edge, and Ford’s top executive is warning of serious consequences. Without the $7,500 incentive, Jim Farley believes demand for electric vehicles in the United States could collapse, with sales potentially dropping by half. It’s a sobering reminder of how much the credit has shaped America’s shift toward electrification.

Read: Jim Farley – “If We Lose This, We Do Not Have A Future Ford”

Speaking at the automaker’s  “Ford Pro Accelerate” event in Detroit, Farley said EVs might soon represent only 5 percent of the overall US car market, a level last seen in 2022 and well below the record 10 to 12 percent share expected this month. That projection paints a far more modest future for electric adoption than many in the industry had anticipated.

A Shrinking Market?

“I think it’s going to be a vibrant industry, but it’s going to be smaller, way smaller than we thought, especially with the policy change in the tailpipe emissions, plus the $7,500 consumer incentive going away,” Farley said. “We’re going to find out in a month. I wouldn’t be surprised that the EV sales in the U.S. go down to 5%.”

According to Farley, Ford’s Model e team is continually analyzing the demand for electrified vehicles. The car manufacturer will also have to change plans and decide how it should make use of excess EV capacity and its battery factories.

Adjusting To New Rules

“We’ll fill them, but it will be more stress, because we had a four-year predictable policy,” Farley noted. “Now the policy changed. … We all have to make adjustments, and it’s going to be good for the country, I believe, but it will be one more stress.”

During the same event, Farley also acknowledged that Ford’s customers are not interested in an expensive electric car. As such, the carmaker will need to make cheaper EVs, but now that the tax credit is gone, doing so will be much more difficult than before.

“Customers are not interested in the $75,000 electric vehicle,” the Ford CEO said. “They find them interesting. They’re fast, they’re efficient, you don’t go to the gas station, but they’re expensive.”