In Alaska, a federal grant that funded seismic data collection in order to warn people about tsunamis is being cancelled. Experts say cuts like this could make tsunami warnings less reliable.
Boston, MA – Last night, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled that Donald Trump’s executive order banning wind projects in the United States was unlawful and vacated the order. Donald Trump issued an executive order on the first day of his administration that paused all leasing, permitting and approvals for wind projects, killing tens of …
The post Federal Judge Vacates Trump’s Unlawful Wind Energy Ban appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.
A terrifying incident unfolded when a Dickson County School District bus burst into flames along Highway 49 East, forcing a quick evacuation of the children on board, reported WKRN.
The Dickson County Sheriff’s Office said the school bus driver noticed smoke coming from his dashboard Dec. 3 and immediately pulled into the lot of a gas station. Within moments of the evacuation, the bus became fully engulfed in flames.
The school bus driver is in his first year on the job and is being called a hero for saving the lives of the 38 students on board a the time.
“I was the first one to get off the bus because I was scared it was going to blow up,” said Asher Winters, a second-grade student at Charlotte Elementary School who was riding the bus, to local news reporters.
His younger sister, Penelope Winters, a first-grader at the same school, proudly told the reporters she “saved everyone because I told the bus driver it was happening.”
According to the news report, fire crews from the Harpeth Ridge Volunteer Fire Department responded swiftly and extinguished the blaze. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported. Images taken after the fire reveal the charred shell of the vehicle, which authorities say is a total loss.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The school bus was a spare as the driver’s normal bus was in the shop that day. A spokesman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol said the bus that caught fire had been inspected in August.
“Wednesday’s bus fire could have ended tragically, but it didn’t because of the bus driver,” added Maj. Travis Plotzer. “He saw danger, he acted fast, and he got every student off the bus before anyone got hurt. His quick thinking and being calm under pressure saved lives, without a doubt. What he did was brave and professional, and he did exactly what we’d hope for in a moment like that.”
Related: California Student Honored for Quick Thinking During School Bus Fire
Related: Missouri Students Learn School Bus, Fire Safety During Back-to-School Bash
Related: North Texas School Bus Engine Catches Fire, Students Evacuated Safely
Related: California Farmworkers Hailed as Heroes After Rescuing 20 Children from Burning School Bus
The post Tennessee School Bus Bursts Into Flames Moments After Children Evacuated appeared first on School Transportation News.
After finishing his afternoon route on Sept. 10, 20-year student transportation veteran Julio Ospina saw a young child walking along the roadway wearing a harness. He immediately relied on his training and intuition.
Ospina, a two-year driver for Wylie ISD located northeast of Dallas, stopped the bus and contacted authorities. He soon learned the child had been reported missing from a neighboring school district that morning. He stayed with the child until police arrived, ensuring the student remained safe and calm.
“Trusting his instincts and training, Julio quickly realized something wasn’t right,” said Martiza Valentin, national account manager for occupant and wheelchair securement manufacturer AMF Bruns America. “That little boy trusted the man in the school bus.
“Thanks to his swift action, the child was safely transported into the care of law enforcement and eventually to relieved family members, preventing what could have been a tragic outcome.”
Valentin continued that stories like Ospina’s are the type AMF-Bruns wants to share.
It was Ospina’s extraordinary moment of heroism that prompted the company to name him its National Special Needs Driver of the Year. The award honors transportation professionals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, professionalism and compassion in serving students with special needs.
AMF-Bruns sponsors the award each year to “highlight outstanding contributions to the safe transportation of people with limited mobility.”
Liz Ospino, Julio’s wife, nominated him.
“This act wasn’t part of his job description, but it is exactly who Julio is,” Liz said. “His attentiveness, quick thinking, and compassion turned a potentially dangerous situation into one of peace and safety.”
Julio Ospino told School Transportation News that winning the award means more to him than he can put into words.
“I am truly humbled. I don’t do this job for recognition, I do it because I care about the children in my care and this child was definitely not in a safe place,” he said. “Knowing that others see value in what I do is incredibly meaningful. I am fortunate to work with an amazing district with the best people.”
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He said having his wife nominate him “means everything.”
“She knows my heart better than anyone, and the fact that she recognized the care I have for these students makes this award even more special,” he added, noting her nomination was a surprise. “Knowing that she believed my actions were worthy of recognition makes this experience incredibly special to me.”
Valentin added that drivers play a vital role in supporting students outside of the classroom.
“The relationships [they] build impact each child’s journey, both academically and personally,” she said.
A celebration in Ospino’s honor was held on Dec. 4, when he was handed a $1,000 check.
The post Texas School Bus Driver Wins AMF Bruns Special Needs Driver of Year appeared first on School Transportation News.
The school bus industry focuses on safety and service amidst students killed by both passing motorists and their own school buses as well as federal shifts in funding and changes to the Department of Education. Plus, we revisit the 2021 murder of a school bus driver and school bus security.
From routing to training, Transfinder President and CEO Antonio Civitella talks top technology trends of 2025 and the upcoming annual Top Transportation Teams competition.
Read more about operations.
This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.
Stream, subscribe and download the School Transportation Nation podcast on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube.
The post (STN Podcast E286) End of Year Review: Safety & Technology Trends of 2025 appeared first on School Transportation News.
After a botched rollout and years of lackluster demand, General Motors announced plans to end production of the slow-selling BrightDrop vans. The announcement was made in October and it appears dealers are having a fire sale to get rid of remaining inventory.
I originally noticed this after a local Chevy dealer was advertising a van for roughly $22,000 below MSRP. However, that’s a drop in the bucket as Chevrolet of Troy, Ohio has knocked $28,315 off a 2025 BrightDrop 400. This means you can get the $68,310 EV for as little as $39,995.
More: GM Kills Electric Van Leaving Over 1,000 Canadian Workers In Limbo
That’s barely more than a Ford Mustang Mach-E, which starts at $37,995. More importantly, it undercuts the Ford E-Transit Cargo by $13,265.
Of course, that’s far from the only example as Miami’s Bomnin Chevrolet has their $69,435 BrightDrop 400 listed for $40,435. That’s a discount of $29,000, which means you can buy a 2027 Chevrolet Bolt with the savings.
Ray Chevrolet of Fox Lake, Illinois isn’t as generous, but they’ve marked their BrightDrop 400 down $28,348. That means you can get the $69,935 delivery van for just $41,587.
If the standard model is too small for your liking, you can always upgrade to the BrightDrop 600. Kool Chevrolet has a very cool discount of $23,600 on theirs, meaning you can get it for $47,450. That’s significantly better than the original MSRP of $71,050.
It’s a similar story at Columbus’ Ricart Chevrolet, which has slashed $25,253 off the price of their 2025 BrightDrop 600. As a result, the $73,430 EV can be had for $48,177.
These huge discounts are made possible thanks to $21,500 in customer cash. The offer requires buyers to take retail delivery by January 2, so you might want to act fast if you want to own a testament to GM’s ill-fated belief in EVs.
According to multiple reports, the European Union is working on a new proposal that would create an “E car” category. These would be small electric vehicles that are less advanced than traditional models.
The details are still in flux, but a draft proposal is expected to be released soon and Nikkei says the “relaxed technical requirements” could help to lower costs for European automakers. This would enable them to better compete with the onslaught of Chinese companies that have invaded Europe.
More: China’s Car Brands Are Quietly Eating Europe’s Lunch
The report suggests a number of currently mandated safety systems could be removed from E vehicles. This could include things like drowsiness detection systems that are designed for use on long distance trips.
If everything pans out, prices of small electric vehicles could drop by 10 percent to 20 percent. This could result in a number of new European EVs priced from €15,000 to €20,000 (equal to around $17,500 to $23,300 at current exchange rates).
While the size and weight of E cars is still to be determined, the publication suggested that some Japanese kei cars could meet the criteria “without any specification adjustments.” This would be a boon to automakers as they could easily export existing models to Europe.
Automotive World reports Stellantis, Renault, and Volkswagen could be the biggest beneficiaries of the move. The companies already offer small electric vehicles and even more are in the works. However, it remains unclear if these upcoming models would qualify for the category.
It’s also important to note that any changes would likely be a ways off. Following the introduction of the draft proposal, we can expect bureaucracy to take hold and slowly advance the idea. At current estimates, it could be a “few years” before E cars are launched, assuming they get approved in the first place.
Subaru introduced the 2026 Uncharted earlier this year, and now the company has announced it will arrive at dealerships early next year for $34,995. That positions the new entry-level EV well below the Solterra, undercutting it by $3,500, and places it a full $5,000 beneath the upcoming Trailseeker.
Kicking things off is the Uncharted Premium FWD, marking the first front-wheel-drive Subaru sold in the United States in decades.
It features an edgy design that is largely identical to the Toyota C-HR. While it won’t win any points for originality, the model sports LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a power liftgate. The crossover also has 8.2 inches (208 mm) of ground clearance and 18-inch alloy wheels with gloss black covers.
More: Subaru’s New Trailseeker Costs $5,000 More Than The Outback
Moving inside, drivers are greeted by a minimalist cabin that has a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The latter screen resides above a stubby center console with a rotary shifter and a dual wireless smartphone charger.
Elsewhere, there are heated front seats with 10-way power adjustment on the driver’s side. The Uncharted also sports an ambient lighting system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. Rounding out the highlights are a six-speaker audio system and digital key technology.
The EyeSight driver assistance system comes standard and provides Adaptive Cruise Control, Front/Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Prevention. They’re joined by Proactive Driving Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Emergency Steering Assist. Other highlights include a Blind-Spot Monitor and Safe Exit Assist.
Power comes from a 74.7 kWh battery pack that feeds a front-mounted motor producing 221 hp (165 kW / 224 PS). It should enable the model to have a range in excess of 300 miles (483 km). When the battery is low, owners can use the NACS port and a DC fast charger to take it from 10% to 80% in as little as 28 minutes.
Uncharted Sport
The Uncharted Sport begins at $39,795 and features a lightly revised exterior with roof rails. Buyers will also find an upgraded cabin with StarTex upholstery and a heated leather steering wheel. The model also has an eight-way power front passenger seat and a driver’s seat memory function.
The mid-level crossover gains additional driver assistance systems as well. They include Lane Change Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and a Surround View Monitor.
The big news is a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS). That’s a huge improvement over the base model and range doesn’t take much of a hit as Subaru predicts the Sport will be able to travel more than 285 miles (459 km) on a single charge.
Uncharted GT
Last but not least is the $43,795 Uncharted GT. It’s notable for having a panoramic glass roof as well as 20-inch wheels with a gunmetal finish. Customers can build on that by getting an optional two-tone paint job for an extra $970.
Interior changes are relatively minor, but the range-topping trim sports heated and ventilated front seats as well as heated rear chairs. They’re joined by an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system and a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink.
While the powertrain carries over from the Sport, the larger wheels and additional equipment conspire to rob the model of range. However, Subaru expects owners will be able to travel more than 270 miles (435 km) between stops.
| Model | MSRP |
| Uncharted Premium FWD | $34,995 |
| Uncharted Sport | $39,795 |
| Uncharted GT | $43,795 |
Lucid Motors has plenty on its plate already. Cash burn, slow production ramps, a delayed Gravity SUV launch, and media stories about drivers being shafted with huge repair costs. Now it can add one more thing to the list: a high-profile lawsuit from its former chief engineer that claims a serious lack of harmony at the Newark, CA, HQ.
Eric Bach, who spent a decade at Lucid and rose to become Senior Vice President of Product and Chief Engineer, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging wrongful termination, discrimination, and retaliation.
What Sparked the Fallout?
At the center of the complaint is a claim that a senior HR executive referred to him as a “German Nazi” during an internal investigation into workplace culture. Bach was born and raised in Germany and says the remark was deeply offensive and discriminatory.
Also: Spilled Water Bricks Lucid, Repair Costs As Much As A Used Corolla
According to the lawsuit, Bach learned about the comment in mid-2025, months after the start of an HR-led culture probe Bach claims was already “tainted by racist beliefs.”
During that investigation, he says he was stripped of key responsibilities, including oversight of Lucid’s electric powertrain division, and excluded from board meetings.
After encouraging a colleague to report the remark through internal channels, Bach claims Lucid confirmed the comment was made, yet failed to act meaningfully.
Pushed Out
Things escalated from there. Bach says the company began pressuring him to resign in October 2025 before firing him outright on November 5. Lucid’s public statement at the time merely said he had “departed,” offering no hint of the brewing conflict behind the scenes.
Lucid, for its part, is having none of it. The automaker issued a blunt response calling Bach’s legal claims “absurd” and says it is confident the facts will show legitimate reasons for his termination.
Company sources have pointed to long-running product delays, quality issues, and execution problems, arguing that leadership restructuring was overdue.
Bach’s responsibilities were partially handed to Emad Dlala, who was promoted to Senior Vice President of Engineering and Digital after Bach’s exit.
Tricky Timing
The lawsuit lands at an awkward moment for Lucid. The company is still trying to ramp production of the Gravity SUV while developing a more affordable midsize EV due in late 2026.
Executive turnover has been relentless, with former CEO Peter Rawlinson resigning earlier this year and multiple vice presidents exiting across different strands of the business.
Also: Lucid Teases $50K Mid-Size SUV As It Readies L4 Autonomous Driving
Bach’s complaint paints a very different picture of his standing, citing praise from board members and repeated salary increases, and even suggestions that he was being groomed for a future CTO role.
He’s now requesting damages and a very public jury trial. For a company built on calm luxury, Lucid’s latest saga is anything but serene.
As the end of the year draws closer, Tesla has rolled out a set of last-minute offers designed to nudge buyers off the fence, something we’ve come to expect from the automaker in the final stretch of the calendar.
Arguably the most notable of these is a new financing deal for the entry-level Model Y Standard, now available with 0 percent APR on a 72-month term. That’s six years of interest-free payments, for anyone keeping count.
Read: Tesla Made The Model Y Standard Cheaper By Adding A Headliner To Hide The Glass Roof
The back-to-basics Model Y Standard was introduced a couple of months ago and prices start at $39,990 before destination and taxes. It’s based on the regular Model Y, but lacks many of its key selling points, including the panoramic glass roof and the front light bar. It also has a simpler interior.
Evidently, Tesla was eager to save as much money as possible when designing the car.
Zero Percent, But Not for All
When first launched, the Model Y Standard wasn’t included in Tesla’s promotional financing, but things have changed. It’s now available at 0 percent APR. However, this financing deal is only available if you’re willing to put down at least $2,069 at signing.
Additionally, you’ll need an excellent credit rating of 720 or above to get the deal. If your credit rating is between 680 and 720, the APR rises to 0.99 percent, or 1.99 percent with a 640-679 credit rating, and 2.99 percent with a sub-640 credit rating.
Tesla is offering the 0 percent financing deal for its 36-, 48-, 60-, and 72-month terms, but not its longest 84-month term.
Extras On the House
But wait, there’s more. Tesla is also tossing in a few extra incentives for EV buyers choosing from existing inventory. Depending on the car, some models are now being offered with one complimentary upgrade. A quick scroll through Tesla’s site shows examples with larger wheels, premium paint finishes, or the optional white interior included at no additional cost.
Whether this last-minute round of offers will give Tesla the year-end bump it’s chasing remains to be seen.
Americans aren’t exactly spoiled for choice when it comes to pint-sized urban runabouts. Those Kei cars from Japan that caught Donald Trump’s attention recently are off-limits, and Europe’s laughably compact quadricycles are considered too tiny to share the road with trucks and SUVs.
Still, Stellantis seems ready to test the limits of what American drivers will accept, choosing to bring over the Fiat Topolino, a vehicle so small, it makes the already diminutive 500 look like a family hauler.
Read: Fiat’s Bringing An EV To America So Small It Makes Kei Cars Look Like Cadillacs
To give you a sense of scale, the Topolino measures just 2.53 meters long (99.6 inches), making it seven inches shorter than the already tiny Smart Fortwo. That car, if you remember, looked like a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe next to your average truck.
Stellantis has been dabbling in the heavy quadricycle category since 2020, starting with the Citroen Ami, followed by the Opel Rocks Electric in 2021, and most recently the Fiat Topolino in 2023. All three share the same platform, and all three are designed with urban mobility in mind rather than highway cruising.
That got us wondering: what if this squat little EV were rebadged as a Dodge, Chrysler, or Jeep? Would American buyers warm up to it with a familiar name on the front?
Officially, Stellantis has no plans to expand the model lineup in North America. But given how freely these micro-EVs swap badges in Europe, it’s not much of a leap to imagine a domestic version. Maybe if it wore the right logo, this pocket-sized commuter could stand a better chance on American streets.
So we sketched out a few ideas: what would it look like if Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler each took a swing at the format?
Jeep TrailBug: Like A Golf Cart For The Apocalypse
Based on the rugged Citroen Ami Buggy – more specifically, the Rip Curl concept with grippy tires, an LED roof bar, frame doors, and other accessories – the Jeep version was an easy win.
Using the Citroen Ami Buggy as a starting point, and specifically, the Rip Curl edition with its chunky tires, roof-mounted LEDs, and open-air doors, we imagined a Jeep-branded version that leans fully into rugged charm.
More: 2025 Citroen Ami Gets Funkier With Bulging Eyes And 2CV-Style Gills
The reworked front fascia includes a five-slot grille (sorry folks, room constraints nixed the full seven), with circular Wrangler-style LED headlights and Jeep-branded alloys. Matte plastic panels and a spartan cabin keep it functional, while the aesthetic reads more off-road pit crew than farmer’s market errand runner.
No, it wouldn’t come with Trail Rated credentials, but the TrailBug could still inject some Jeep attitude into cul-de-sac crawls and campground loops.
Dodge Lil’ Demon: Tiny Muscle Car Attitude
Our Dodge concept starts from the Opel Rocks Electric but pushes it in a more aggressive direction. The front gains a retro-style Cross Hair grille and a sharper lower bumper design.
More: Updated Opel Rocks Is A Mild Refresh Of The Citroen Ami Twin
Other touches pull directly from the brand’s muscle playbook, including Challenger-inspired quad headlights, Charger Daytona wheels, and a red paint scheme with full-length black stripes.
Chrysler AeroMini: A Retro Armchair On Wheels
The Chrysler version stays closest to the Fiat Topolino, as the retro aesthetic works great regardless of badge. We added a Chrysler wing emblem up front, U.S.-spec yellow indicators, chrome disc wheels, whitewall tires, and vintage mirrors.
The result is part mid-century cruiser, part bubble car. Its glossy navy finish paired with satin silver accents looks more like something from an airport lounge in 1958 than a modern EV.
As with their European siblings, all three of our fictional variants would share the same EV drivetrain and hardware underneath.
More: Tiny Jeep Dune Digital Concept Wants To Conquer Your Sidewalks
A single electric motor puts out 8 hp (6 kW / 8 PS), drawing power from a 5.4 kWh battery that offers up to 46 miles (75 km) of range. Hardly numbers that will worry Tesla, but then again, this thing looks more like a powered shopping cart than a proper car , and it performs accordingly.
In the US, these would likely fall into the “Neighborhood Electric Vehicle” category. They’re legal on certain public roads, but only at low speeds. European regulations follow a similar pattern, as under the L6e quadricycle class, models like this are capped at 28 mph and must weigh under 425 kg (without the battery).
So, from our imaginary garage, which of the three would you bring home? Would you take the Jeep TrailBug with its post-apocalyptic vibe, the sporty Dodge Lil’ Demon, or the Chrysler AeroMini channeling the Eisenhower era? Let us know which one you’d most like to wheel down the block.
Who knows, maybe someone from Stellantis is listening.
Not long after carmakers caught a break from former US President Donald Trump, who relaxed stringent fuel economy standards, Ford chief executive Jim Farley has written an op-ed urging the European Union to adopt more pragmatic EV targets. Without them, he warns, the region could be swallowed up by fast-moving Chinese entrants.
Read: Ford’s Jim Farley Was “Shocked” After Tearing Down Chinese And Tesla EVs
In a Financial Times op-ed, Farley accuses European policymakers of crafting unrealistic regulations, only to revise them late in the year, creating what he calls a “recipe for turmoil.”
Ford’s CEO argues this approach costs automakers billions in investment by interrupting the “complex cycle of product design, engineering, and supply chains.”
A New Approach is Needed
While speaking in the White House last week, Farley noted that Biden-era policies were unreasonable and not in line with consumer demand. He’s drawn a direct comparison to the situation in Europe, pointing out that EV market share across the EU has stalled at around 16 percent, well short of Brussels’ 25 percent goal for 2025.
“The approach to regulation – mandate it and they will buy it – has failed,” he writes. “We must align carbon targets with actual market adoption and provide automakers with a realistic and reliable 10-year horizon. This includes giving consumers the option to drive hybrid vehicles for longer, bridging the gap rather than forcing a leap to EVs they aren’t ready to take.”
Farley also notes that Europe’s automakers have already poured hundreds of billions into electrification. In return, he believes governments need to step up with serious purchase incentives and support for charging infrastructure that goes well beyond affluent urban neighborhoods.
China Looms Large
The Blue Oval’s boss isn’t just concerned with government policy. He’s also keeping a close eye on the momentum of Chinese automakers. With massive overcapacity and a strong foothold in battery tech, China is now in a position to flood the European market. Over the past year alone, Chinese EV brands have doubled their market share in the region.
“EU vehicle production is now 3mn units below pre-Covid levels,” Farley notes. “Plants are going dark. In 2024 alone, 90,000 jobs in the automotive industry evaporated. These are the kinds of jobs that sustain European social stability”.
This isn’t a hypothetical threat. Farley argues that a combination of subsidized Chinese EVs and rigid carbon mandates could upend the local industry faster than policymakers anticipate.
“To be clear, the industry is not asking for a bailout,” he adds. “We are not asking for protectionism to shield inefficiency. At Ford, we will continue to do the hard work of restructuring. We have closed legacy facilities, reduced our workforce and slimmed down costs to become more agile….But if Europe wants to avoid becoming a museum of 20th-century manufacturing, we need an urgent reset and a long-term plan.”
“This is not a transition,” he warns. “It’s more like a wind-down of Europe’s automotive industry.”
Without immediate course correction, Farley argues, Europe’s industrial backbone could slip into long-term decline.
Cupra may be gearing up to steal the spotlight in 2026 with the all-new Raval subcompact EV, but it hasn’t forgotten about the car that helped define its electric identity.
Fresh spy shots of a lightly camouflaged Cupra Born prototype show the brand is still hard at work on a mid-life update for its popular electric hatchback, even if the changes aren’t exactly revolutionary.
Related: Cupra’s New EV Troublemaker Looks Like It Has Circular Saw Blades For Wheels
We last caught the refreshed Born testing around six months ago, and judging by these latest images, Cupra’s approach remains firmly evolutionary rather than radical.
That’s probably not a bad thing, as the Born is still one of the better-looking small EVs on the market, and in our opinion, it’s far more dynamic than the VW ID.3 hatch it’s based on.
As before, camouflage is concentrated around the front and rear, hinting at redesigned bumpers and updated lighting graphics. Up front, the lower grille appears taller and more sculpted, flanked by vertical outer vents that should add some visual width and aggression.
It’s a subtle tweak, but one that aligns the Born more closely with Cupra’s latest design language seen on models like the Tavascan and Terramar, plus the Raval.
At the back, the refresh seems equally restrained. The rear bumper appears to house a reworked diffuser with a more pronounced lip at the corners, giving the Born a slightly lower, tougher stance. Again, nothing dramatic, but enough to differentiate the facelifted car from earlier models if you know where to look.
A topped and tailed ID.3
The doors, roofline, and overall proportions appear untouched, which is no surprise considering just how much the Born shares with its Volkswagen ID.3 sibling. In fact, the two cars are so closely related that even the doors are interchangeable, making sweeping body changes impossible without VW Group-wide approval.
Inside, we don’t expect many surprises. Cupra already addressed the Born’s biggest interior weakness in 2024 by fitting VW’s much-improved 12.9-inch touchscreen, and the cabin quality far outshines the ID.3’s, so any further upgrades are likely limited to trim and software tweaks.
Up to 322 hp
Mechanically, the Born lineup should remain familiar. The existing 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) and 228 hp (231 PS / 170 kW) rear-wheel-drive variants will likely carry over, alongside the punchy 322 hp (327 PS / 240 kW) VZ hot hatch introduced last year.
While big power bumps aren’t expected, Cupra may try to eke out a few extra miles of range from the 59, 77, and 79 kWh battery options.
With the Born already capable of up to 369 miles (594 km) on a charge, this refresh looks less about reinvention and more about keeping Cupra’s electric hatch sharp so it still looks and feels on the pace in 2026 when the smaller, front-wheel drive Raval arrives.
There was a time when Europe’s roads were dotted with compact and subcompact minivans, purpose-built to juggle space, versatility, and daily practicality. That era faded fast once SUVs rolled in and pushed the category toward near extinction. But Citroen isn’t quite ready to let the minivan disappear quietly into the past.
The French automaker has unveiled the Citroen ELO, a concept it calls a “laboratory of ideas,” blending a boxy, unmistakably van-like silhouette with a modular six-seat cabin that is, by all accounts, very orange.
Review: We Drove The New C5 Aircross And Lost Our Jeep’s Compass To Citroen’s Comfort
While not a direct preview of an upcoming production vehicle, the ELO hints at where Citroen’s design language may be heading, and perhaps at how the brand still sees a future for vehicles shaped around utility rather than what sells fashion.
The name of the concept originates from the words rEst, pLay, and wOrk, communicating some of its use case scenarios. Measuring 4.10 m (161.4 inches) long, it is about the same size with the discontinued C3 Picasso and the previous generation C3 Aircross. However, it looks nothing like these models, adopting single-box proportions.
Reinventing the Urban MPV
Its name is an acronym of sorts, built from the words rEst, pLay, and wOrk, each pointing to one of the concept’s imagined roles. Measuring 4.10 meters (161.4 inches) in length, it roughly matches the size of the now-discontinued C3 Picasso and the previous C3 Aircross.
In shape, though, it’s a clean break, leaning into a single-box form that has little in common with those models.
More: Citroen Oli Concept Could Inspire Next-Gen C4
Up front, the ELO wears squared-off LED lights and a large, illuminated Citroen badge, bookended by a utilitarian front bumper that’s mirrored around the back. The windshield has a weird curve and is joined by a small glass roof. The profile is dominated by the large greenhouse and the sliding doors that create a 1.92 m (75.6-inch) wide opening.
The concept rides on 21-inch wheels with futuristic covers. There are horizontal cutouts above the fender on the beltline, while the roofline drops towards the rear section. The rear has an asymmetrical door and glass, with split LED taillights mirroring the shape of the headlights.
Four Or Six Seats
Inside, the ELO is configured as a “modular living space,” designed to hold either four or six people. The layout is unorthodox: the driver’s seat is mounted in the center, with two removable passenger seats positioned slightly behind it, and a three-person bench completing the rear row.
The front seat can swivel, creating a living room or a work space for meetings. The rear section of the cabin can transform into a sleeping area thanks to a pair of inflatable mattresses.
These are made of a durable material called Dropstitch and can be stored in the trunk. Furthermore, a drop-down screen turns the EV into a home theater.
The ELO doesn’t have a dashboard in the conventional sense. In its place, the ELO features an open section ahead of the driver and a slim display mounted beneath the front windshield.
The steering wheel juts out from the front wall in a futuristic shape, equipped with two joystick-style inputs and traditional stalks, replacing the need for a touchscreen. Door cards and side panels incorporate clever storage solutions, as expected in a van shaped around practicality.
More: Citroen’s Budget Fastback Looks Fast Only When Standing Still
The concept rides on a fully electric architecture, which is beneficial for packaging. Citroen hasn’t shared the specifications of the electric motors or the battery pack, but said that the “natural habitat” of the concept is urban areas.
It Could Spawn a Subcompact Offering
The concept will make its first public appearance at the Brussels Motor Show in January 2026. While it’s not destined for production in this form, French outlet L’Argus reports that it could influence a future subcompact model expected in 2028. That vehicle would slot somewhere between the C3 hatchback and the C3 Aircross SUV.
Citroen’s Design Director, Pierre Leclercq, referred to the ELO as “a burst of energy,” describing it as a design experiment built around practicality, efficiency, and a touch of whimsy. CEO Xavier Chardon echoed that, calling the concept both “a laboratory of ideas” and “a powerful message that carries our vision of what Citroen should be”
Ford has finally found a way back into Europe’s affordable small-car market by borrowing one of Renault’s smartest ideas.
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The two automakers have announced a new strategic partnership that will see Ford launch at least two electric cars for Europe using Renault’s Ampr EV platform, the same architecture used in the Renault 4 and 5.
What’s Replacing the Fiesta?
One of Ford’s upcoming EVs is expected to become a spiritual successor to the Fiesta, a car Ford unceremoniously killed off in 2023 after eight generations and nearly five decades.
The new electric supermini is due to arrive in early 2028 and will be built alongside the Renault 5 at Renault’s ElectriCity complex in Douai, France.
The second model will likely be a compact electric crossover based on the Renault 4, potentially replacing the Puma Gen-E somewhere down the line.
Given Ford’s Explorer EV is based on VW’s ID.4 you might have expected Ford to borrow the upcoming ID.Polo and ID.Cross’s MEB platform for its new small cars, but instead it turned to Renault.
Crucially, Ford is insisting these won’t be lazy badge-engineering exercises. Unlike the new Nissan Micra, which is essentially a rebodied Renault 5, Ford says its new EVs will be “distinct Ford-branded vehicles” designed in-house.
Expect unique styling, bespoke interiors, and chassis tuning aimed squarely at delivering the driving feel Ford fans expect.
Under the skin, though, the shared EV hardware will be identical. That likely means front-mounted motors producing 121 hp (122 PS / 90 kW) in regular versions and 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW) in a reborn Fiesta ST, plus battery options of 40 kWh and 52 kWh.
Can It Save Ford in Europe?
For Ford, time is of the essence. With Focus production ended, the Fiesta long gone and its Explorer and Capri electric SUV and crossover underperforming, the brand’s market share has cratered.
A Fiesta-sized EV priced close to the Renault 5’s expected €25,000 (£22k/$29k) mark could be exactly what Ford needs to regain relevance.
But a new lineup of subcompact EVs isn’t all we’ll see as a result of this partnership. The duo has also agreed to explore the possibilities of joining forces for new light commercial vehicles.
A 6-year-old boy was killed after being struck by an Oklahoma City Public Schools bus near his elementary campus, reported The Oklahoman News.
Authorities reportedly identified the child as Adrian Salgado, a first-grade student at Fillmore Elementary School. He died Dec. 4 at OU Health after being transported from the scene of the crash.
According to the news report, the incident occurred the previous day at 3:15 p.m., as Salgado and two friends were walking home from school. The children were heading east on the south side of SW 51st Street, when they approached Douglas Avenue. Investigators report that an OKCPS bus traveling in the same direction had stopped at a stop sign before attempting to turn south onto Douglas.
As the bus began its turn, two of the children stopped at the corner, but Salgado attempted to run across the street. The side of the bus struck him, knocking him to the ground, where he was run over by the rear wheels. Salgado was reportedly rushed to the Oklahoma University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
“Our thoughts are with the student’s family, loved ones, the first responders and our entire Fillmore community as we grieve this tremendous loss,” the district said via the report. OKCPS added that counselors and support staff will be available on campus to assist students and staff beginning Thursday.
The district also thanked first responders for their rapid actions and said it would work closely with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
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The post 6-Year-Old Fatally Injured by Oklahoma City School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Thomas Built Buses (TBB), a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America and a division of Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles (DTSV), today gave an update on the expansion of its Type A Minotour production capacity at its legacy manufacturing plant located at 1408 Courtesy Road.
The expansion of the Type A production footprint within the plant builds on Thomas Built’s legacy of innovation and craftsmanship in High Point, home to the company’s original facility dating back to 1916, where the company first produced streetcars before evolving to build Type C, Type D and now Type A buses. It also reflects Thomas Built’s streamlined production strategy, following the relocation of Type D production to the Saf-T-Liner plant earlier this year. Work on the Type A expansion began in late 2024 and is expected to be completed by 2026.
“By investing in our legacy facility, we’re honoring more than a century of craftsmanship in High Point while continuing to modernize for the future,” said T.J. Reed, president and CEO of DTSV. “This expansion gives our teams the capacity and tools they need to build even more Type A Minotours for customers across North America.”
The expansion includes a series of modernization efforts aimed at improving workflow, enhancing safety and supporting long-term sustainability. The project will increase production capacity by more than 50 percent, strengthening Thomas Built’s operational efficiency and supporting continued growth in North Carolina. Dedicated space for Minotour production has nearly tripled, now encompassing roughly 72,000 square feet of the building.
“As we expand our capacity, we’re doing so in a way that preserves what makes Thomas Built special — our people, our community and our commitment to building safe, reliable buses for students everywhere,” said Jeff Allen, senior vice president of operations and specialty vehicles at Daimler Truck North America (DTNA). “By investing here in North Carolina, we’re strengthening our operations while ensuring we can serve more customers with greater efficiency, sustainability and innovation.”
About Thomas Built Buses:
Founded in 1916, Thomas Built Buses is a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line, the company has been committed to delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America. Learn more at thomasbuiltbuses.com or facebook.com/thomasbuiltbuses.
Thomas Built Buses, Inc., headquartered in High Point, North Carolina, is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America LLC, a leading provider of comprehensive products and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. Thomas Built Buses and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. together form Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles. Daimler Truck North America is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck, one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.
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Last month, National School Bus Safety Week was highlighted with videos, PSAs, social media posts and press releases in support of building awareness to the communities we live in and serve. Most of the content I saw specifically highlighted illegal passing awareness. I watched a video shared by the West Virgina Department of Education with the state police department that was simply shocking.
Jimmy Lacy, the transportation director for the state’s Department of Education, and Sgt. Travis Bailes of the Charleston Police Department outline the impact on student safety and state regulations regarding illegal passing. Lacy commented on my social media post, “This is a tough video to watch.”
The video showed footage of a white compact car traveling at a high-rate speed on a two-lane road in a rural area, nearly missing a child crossing the road after exiting their school bus. This near miss could have easily ended in tragedy. You can watch it for yourself at stnonline.com/go/nx.
Another impressive PSA was the brainchild of Katrina Morris, executive director of the Michigan Association of Pupil Transportation and the recent winner of the Peter J. Grandolfo Memorial Award at STN EXPO WEST.
“Tony, I have this idea about getting a famous NASCAR driver to promote school bus safety and illegal passing awareness” Morris told me months earlier at STN EXPO EAST in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Her idea turned into reality, in partnership with ROUSH CleanTech, Blue Bird and other partners, highlighting awareness of illegal passing of stopped school buses. The video features NASCAR driver Ryan Preece at the RFK Racing Museum in Concord, North Carolina. You can watch it at stnonline.com/go/ny.
Doe these efforts move the needle of awareness around illegal passing? Not sure we get a true read on the outcomes of National School Bus Safety Week, but some effort needs to be made by our industry to curb the 39.3 million motorists thought to illegally pass school buses nationwide each year, according to the recent study by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS).
Engaging the star power of public figures like Ryan Preece might increase interest from mainstream media to get more coverage regarding school bus safety. With the right messaging, we can shift the narrative toward one that highlights the progress we’re making as an industry with a focus on safety and kids. In many cases, the gap between public awareness boils down to the need for broad scale communication to the masses.
The public simply doesn’t understand—or care about, as a NHTSA survey recently found—the rules of the road when it comes to school buses.
Most people understand that the yellow school bus is more than a means of transportation. At least they should. It’s a symbol of family, schools, education and community. The time is now for us to redefine the public’s perception to also build a message around safety. What can you do to enhance safety? Consider investing in innovative crossing control technologies like illuminated signage, crossing gates and LEDs.
“The fully illuminated school bus sign and stop arm can dramatically increase the visibility of a school bus by up to 88 percent in low-light situations according to our efficacy study” said Kevin Smith, president at First Light Safety Company. “Consider that OEMs like IC Bus have standardized this equipment as of August 2025. That is very significant!”
Why wouldn’t you invest in safety technology that works? Is it simply that budget is prioritized over safety? Foundationally as an industry we tout our impressive safety record in school transportation, but we aren’t perfect. Fatalities, injuries and crashes will happen. Are school transportation operations making a best effort to prevent that?
I recommend you take a second look at the available safety equipment, technology and training available to you from partners. Industry trade shows and conferences like TSD, NAPT and STN EXPO offer a great hands-on experiences to demo the products for yourself. Let’s keep driving safety forward, together!
Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the November 2025 issue of School Transportation News.
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The post Is Safety Everyone’s Responsibility? appeared first on School Transportation News.
Nissan offered an early glimpse of the Juke EV earlier this year through a darkened teaser, and now fresh spy shots have caught the upcoming electric crossover out in the wild, testing on European roads.
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Dressed in black and white camouflage, the prototype is loosely inspired by the Hyper Punk concept and features large headlights that are hidden behind disguise. We can also see a wide central intake, which appears to have a pronounced sensor.
Moving further back, there’s a rakish windscreen that meets an angular roof. The model also has an upward sweeping beltline and a compact greenhouse.
The front door handles appear to be flush-mounted, while the rear handles are integrated into the upper door trim. Elsewhere, there are aerodynamic wheels and thick side skirts that help to hide the battery pack.
Out back, there’s a liftgate with an angular rear window and a sizable spoiler. They’re joined by split lighting units that have upper turn signals as well as large, squared off brake lights with interesting graphics.
The Juke is expected to borrow heavily from the redesigned Leaf and ride on the same CMF-EV / AmpR Medium platform. This likely means it will use the car’s 52 kWh battery pack, which enables the model to have a WLTP combined range in excess of 271 miles (436 km).
We also wouldn’t be surprised if it uses the Leaf’s entry-level motor, which produces 174 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) and 254 lb-ft (345 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 8.3 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 100 mph (161 km/h).
Nissan hasn’t said much about the upcoming model, but they’ve previously confirmed the compact crossover will be launched in fiscal year 2026. It will be built at the company’s Sunderland Plant alongside the Leaf.
Stellantis dealers are struggling to sell the Fiat 500X years after its demise, but they’re getting some much needed relief as the Italian brand has announced the Topolino is coming to the USA.
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Technically, you could fit a couple of them in the same space as a single 500X, so inventory headaches might be minimal. But sarcasm aside, Fiat really has announced it’s bringing the bite-sized model to the States.
The company will share more details next year, but the Topolino is a small two-seat electric vehicle that has a front-mounted motor developing 8 hp (6 kW / 8 PS) and 32 lb-ft (44 Nm) of torque. It’s powered by a 5.4 kWh battery pack, which provides a range of 46 miles (75 km) under the World Motorcycle Test Cycle.
The European model has a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) and it can accelerate to that number in ten seconds flat. This would make it ideal for use in neighborhoods, where golf carts have exploded in popularity.
We’ll learn more about the US-spec model in the coming months, but the European Topolino rides on 14-inch wheels. The ultra-compact EV is also sold in Europe as the Citroen Ami and Opel Rocks, though those variants won’t be making their way here. Unless Dodge or Jeep get any weird ideas.
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If you thought Japan’s Kei cars were small, just wait until Fiat’s Topolino starts showing up on American roads. The tiny two-seater measures 99.8 inches (2,535 mm) long with a wheelbase that spans 68.1 inches (1,730 mm).
That’s 43.1 inches (1,096 mm) shorter than the slow-selling 500e, which starts at $30,500 before a hefty $1,995 destination fee. Just imagine this thing next to an Escalade or an F-150.
Fiat Unveils Topolino Art Car
The announcement was accompanied by the unveiling of an art car at Miami Art Week. The one-off model was created in collaboration with Romero Britto, who is known for his “vibrant, colorful style that blends elements of cubism, pop art and graffiti.”
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Dubbed the Brittolino, the model features a colorful exterior with multiple sections that each has its own unique design. We can also see a contrasting blue roof and doors that have been replaced by ropes. They’re joined by Britto-branded wheels and silver bumpers.
Fiat CEO Olivier Francois said the Topolino “is now everywhere in Europe” and has made several appearances in the United States over the past year, where it has generated “tremendous excitement among consumers.” He added it has been such a hit that “I’m happy to share that we’ll be bringing the Fiat Topolino to the US.”
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