Tesla boss Elon Musk has made plenty of wildly ambitious – and frequently inaccurate – claims about Tesla’s upcoming fleet of robotaxis. But now, after years of eyebrow-raising promises, the first of them is actually set to hit public roads next month. As part of a pilot program in Austin, Texas, Tesla will finally launch its long-hyped robotaxi service in a bid to close the wide lead Waymo currently holds in the autonomous vehicle race.

In 2019, Musk infamously claimed that by the end of that year, Tesla would have 1 million robotaxis on US roads. It does not currently have a single one, but next month, it will deploy approximately 10 robotaxis in Austin, and, if all goes well, could dramatically expand this to thousands of vehicles. Importantly, these will not be Tesla’s Cybercab, but rather versions of its current models equipped with the new Unsupervised Full-Self Driving system.

Read: Waymo’s Driverless Cars Kept Hitting Objects You See But They Don’t

During a recent interview with CNBC, Musk said it will be prudent for the company to be cautious in its roll-out of the system and that Tesla employees will monitor the fleet of robotaxis remotely.

“It’s prudent for us to start with a small number, confirm that things are going well and then scale it up,” Musk said. “We’ll be watching what the cars are doing very carefully and as confidence grows, less of that will be needed.”

To help ensure the roll-out of the robotaxi fleet is as smooth as possible, vehicles will be geofenced to certain areas of Austin. As the robotaxi fleet expands, Musk predicted that by the end of 2026, Tesla will have “hundreds of thousands, if not over a million Teslas doing self-driving in the US.” Like with all predictions from the world’s richest man, we’ll have to wait and see if this becomes a reality.

Buying Uber?

During the same interview, Musk was asked why Tesla doesn’t buy Uber. Musk sees no need to make such a move, noting the brand already has a large fleet of vehicles and everything it needs to run a successful robotaxi service. This will include the ability for private Tesla owners to add their vehicles to the fleet, meaning they can be used as robotaxis whenever the owner doesn’t need their car.

“We have millions of cars that will be able to operate autonomously,” Musk said. “And I should say that it’s a combination of a Tesla-owned fleet and also enabling Tesla owners to be able to add or subtract their car to the fleet, so that existing Tesla owners will be able to earn money by adding their car to the fleet for autonomous use.”

The drama at Xiaomi’s automotive division doesn’t seem to be winding down anytime soon. Just days after the company was forced to apologize to owners of the SU7 who spent $6,000 on an aero hood only to find out the vents were little more than cosmetic, and not long after a software update nearly reduced the Ultra’s 1,526hp to a mere 888hp, Xiaomi now claims it’s uncovered what it calls a smear campaign against the brand.

The news comes just days before Xiaomi is set to reveal the YU7 electric SUV and the Xring 01, its first in-house developed smartphone chipset. In a posting on their social media page, Xiaomi’s legal team posted an update saying they had uncovered a coordinated effort to defame the company across nearly 10,000 social media accounts. Several suspects are now under investigation by Chinese authorities.

More: Xiaomi Recruiting BMW Execs For European R&D Center

As reported by several local media including Car News China, the criminal gang was allegedly active since December 2024. The company claims that the bad actors used automatic copywriting software to fabricate false information about Xiaomi, and manipulated nearly 10,000 social media accounts to maliciously spread rumors and false statements. The group reportedly engaged in tactics such as stirring up online opposition and pitting rival brands against each other, all in an effort to damage Xiaomi’s reputation.

In a statement, Xiaomi described the situation as a new form of online “water army” crime, where a criminal gang uses automated software to generate fake content on a massive scale. “The distribution chain is complex, and the scale of the operation is enormous,” the company said. “This has had a severely negative impact on both the online environment and our corporate reputation.”

Who’s Behind It?

Even though no names were named, any number of rivals could be at play here. Cars are nowadays more tech-defined than ever and are bound to become even more so in the near future, as the chipset and automotive industries become more intertwined. Thus, when a disruptor comes along and threatens to change the status quo, apparently all gloves are off since there are billions of dollars at stake.

More: Xiaomi SU7 Outsells Tesla’s Model 3 In China

In the epic Iliad, Helen of Troy’s beauty sparked a war that would go down in history. Now, nearly three millennia later, Xiaomi has found itself in the strange position of being the brand that launched 10,000 social media accounts, each working to smear it in the months leading up to its first electric crossover. If anything, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and if rival companies are going to such lengths to bring down Xiaomi, it’s clear they fear what’s coming next.

Even today, when most populated areas of the US and Europe provide access to at least some EV charging points, it’s all too easy to succumb to the panic of range anxiety when the remaining charge indicator lights up red. Now imagine you’re trying to explore rural Asia and you’ll understand why one EV owner came up with an unusual method of keeping range anxiety at bay.

Related: Cybertruck’s $16K Range Booster Is Dead And Tesla Isn’t Saying Why

The Chinese Tesla owner, who wanted to visit the Mount Everest viewing platform in Lazi County before road-tripping through uninhabited areas of Tibet, decided to turn his fully-electric Model Y into a kind of range-extender hybrid.

A Gasoline-Powered Back-Up Plan

To do it he mounted a gasoline generator to the rear of his SUV, complete with its own license plate to stay within the bounds of the law. The idea wasn’t to rely solely on the ICE power station and to avoid real static EV charging stations, but to help keep the Tesla going in remote areas where those chargers were few and far between.

While hardly capable of cranking out DC fast charging levels of power, the owner found it was still able to produce 3 kW even at the 17,400 ft (5,300 m) of the Everest viewing platform. That was enough to add 12 miles (19 km) of range per hour, though as Car News China points out, it’s not a true range extender because it can’t charge the Model Y on the move,

The owner, who’s known as @Xiaomo, reportedly paid ¥2,800 ($390) for the generator, which swallowed around 22 US cents’ worth of gas for every mile (1.6 km) covered. That makes running on gas more expensive than running on electricity piped in from a cheap mains supply in China, but it’s certainly preferable to finding yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead EV.

Tesla doesn’t seem interested in offering range extenders for its cars, but we’ve come across plenty more owners who’ve had the same idea, including one who added a turbo-diesel engine to the trunk of his Model S.

Images: @Xiaomo

• Dodge and Factorial begin solid-state battery tests with production aimed for after 2028.
• The batteries promise faster charging speeds, higher energy density, and better range.
• Factorial’s tech also offers improved performance even in extreme cold temperatures.

Stellantis, and especially its Dodge brand, could really use a win right now. Enter solid-state batteries, the shiny new tech that could provide just the boost they need. Factorial, the company working on these next-gen batteries, has teamed up with Dodge to test them in the real world. If everything goes according to plan, Dodge might roll out vehicles with this technology between 2028 and 2032.

More: GM’s Secret Battery Breakthrough Could Slash EV Costs

The two companies have been working together since 2021, but this marks the first time Dodge will test prototypes on public roads. Starting in 2026, they’ll begin rolling out a fleet of Chargers equipped with Factorial’s solid-state batteries to work out the kinks and fine-tune all the details.

A Milestone for Cell Performance

“What happened with Stellantis is a very important milestone for cell performance validation,” Factorial CEO Siyu Huang told Autonews. “It’s not just about higher energy density, it’s about cycle life, and about fast charging. Above all, this is the first full-blown validation that automakers have shared.” The potential benefits are widespread and vital for the EV movement.

For instance, solid-state batteries offer faster charging speeds. The batteries that Dodge will test offer 375 watt-hours per kilogram, and can go from 15 percent to 90 percent full in just 18 minutes. In addition, they’re more energy-dense. In practice, that means more range in a solid-state battery compared to a conventional one.

Lighter Batteries, More Range, and Cold Weather Performance

On the flip side, an automaker could, in theory, offer a smaller, lighter battery while still offering the kind of range most EVs do today. Factorial says it’s also made progress on cold-weather solid-state battery tech. Finally, they’re safer too since they use a solid, non-flammable electrolyte. “Not only can we deliver a strong performance at room temperature but also at temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius. We weren’t able to do this until a few months’ ago,” she said.

Also: A Simple Button Sequence Could Save Your Charger And Challenger From Thieves

Notably, Factorial isn’t working with Stellantis alone. It’s also tied up with Kia, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz. The German automaker is also testing these batteries on the road as of February of this year.

Suffice it to say, all of these automakers will benefit as soon as solid-state batteries become the norm. Additional range, better charging rates, and potential weight reduction are all good reasons to get excited. Hopefully, testing goes well and we see this technology develop sooner rather than later. 

At a time when clean water is increasingly becoming a precious resource, Chicago Water Week spotlighted the technologies, strategies, and start-ups shaping the...

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The cleantech world is experiencing a quiet revolution. Artificial intelligence is no longer knocking at the door, it’s quietly remodeling the entire house....

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Ford has been working on an advanced next-generation electrical architecture for its future models aimed at streamlining software functions, cutting costs, and allowing it to better compete with EV leaders like Tesla. However, much like VW’s Cariad subsidiary, Ford’s program has encountered many issues and, according to three sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters, it has now been abruptly shut down.

Read: Flip-Flopping Ford Delays Electric Truck And Axes 3-Row EV Plans, Will Build Hybrids Instead

The internal name for this now-defunct system was FNV4. It was spearheaded by Doug Field, a former Apple and Tesla executive who joined Ford with much fanfare and, last year, took home a tidy $15.5 million for his efforts. Despite the impressive pedigree behind it, FNV4 reportedly became a financial burden. Ballooning development costs forced Ford to cancel the project altogether, though some elements will be repurposed in the company’s current software systems.

The Reuters report notes that the FNV4 program contributed to significant losses across Ford’s EV and software divisions at $4.7 billion in 2023, followed by $5 billion in 2024.

Software Isn’t Optional Anymore

In the modern era where electrification seems to be the all-encompassing future and consumers want new vehicles jam-packed with tech, it’s become increasingly important for brands to make their software systems as integrated and advanced as possible. However, since companies like Ford use hundreds of electronic parts from different suppliers, they often have components that cannot communicate with each other. And that makes it more difficult to roll out OTA updates.

Ford has been planning to adopt a ‘zonal’ system for its next-gen system. It consists of software ‘brains’ for certain parts of the vehicle that would communicate with a central ‘brain’, Reuters reports. This would have reduced the need for long and complex wiring harnesses and would have helped speed up over-the-air updates.

A Shift in Strategy, But Not a Full Retreat

In a video shared internally with employees who worked on FNV4, Ford said it would be shifting focus back to its existing electrical architecture, rather than pursuing the more ambitious redesign. That said, this isn’t a full retreat. A small advanced engineering team, essentially a skunkworks group, is still quietly working on what could eventually become a more refined version of the same concept.

In a public statement, Ford reaffirmed its commitment to staying competitive on vehicle tech: “We are committed to delivering fully connected vehicle experiences across our entire lineup, regardless of powertrain, while many others in the industry are bringing the most advanced tech only to electric vehicles.”

While the grand plan may have stumbled, Ford claims that it isn’t giving up on the idea of smarter, more connected vehicles. It’s just learning the hard way that building them isn’t as simple as hiring a few tech world veterans and hoping everything works out.

Update: Ford Responds

Following the Reuters report, Ford reached out to clarify. The company says the project wasn’t “killed,” but rather merged, a detail mentioned in both Reuters’ and our own reporting. Ford also emphasized that the zonal architecture is still very much in play.

“We simply made a decision to merge two of our electrical architectures into a common electrical architecture for use across many more vehicles, across all powertrain types,” a Ford spokesperson told us. “This is to enable the connected digital experiences that have been so well received in products like the F-150, Mustang Mach-E and Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator. Now, future EVs and vehicles like Bronco, Mustang, Super Duty, Ranger and Transit will have those capabilities too.”

“In parallel, our next generation advanced electric vehicle platform (known as Skunkworks project) has given us the freedom to reinvent from the ground up and create a next-gen zonal architecture, with massive hardware simplification and a nimble, in-house software platform suited for our future affordable electric vehicles.“

MACON, Ga. – Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, showcases its latest zero- and ultra-low emission commercial vehicle platforms at the upcoming 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, North America’s largest advanced transportation technology event. The company presents both its groundbreaking electric step van and propane-powered stripped chassis at the industry event from April 28-30, 2025, at the Anaheim Convention Center booth 5488, in Anaheim, Ca.

Blue Bird showcases an electric-powered step van based on its groundbreaking Class 5-6 stripped chassis at the 2025 ACT Expo. The step van features a 178-inch wheelbase for last-mile-delivery vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 23,000 pounds. The vehicle on display features a 140kWh Lithium-ion battery. The batteries are mounted inside the frame rails for superior battery protection. The battery pack supports a vehicle range of up to 130 miles on a single charge. It takes between one and twelve hours to fully recharge depending on the charging infrastructure.

Blue Bird offers several safety features on its electric-powered step van not standard on comparable electric vehicles to enhance driver protection and familiarity. This includes “hill hold,” which prevents the vehicle from rolling backward or forward when sitting stationary on a hill, and “electric creep,” which allows the vehicle to slowly start moving from a stop when the driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal to simulate a gasoline engine in gear. In addition, both the electric- and propane-powered stripped chassis provide 55-degree, best-in-class wheel cut to improve maneuverability in tight urban settings.

Blue Bird also presents its propane-powered stripped chassis based on a 208-inch wheelbase for medium to long-range delivery vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 23,000 pounds. The company offers an industry first, OEM-installed propane powertrain featuring Ford’s proven 7.3L V8 engine. Blue Bird utilizes lightweight materials and components for its innovative vehicle platform maximizing fuel-efficiency and vehicle payload while continuing to prioritize vehicle safety.

Blue Bird built on its long-standing collaboration with Ford Motor Company and ROUSH CleanTech to develop the propane-powered Class 5-6 stripped chassis. ROUSH CleanTech integrates Ford’s compact, durable and easy-to-maintain 335 horsepower engine into a low-emission powertrain option for Blue Bird’s propane-powered commercial vehicle platform.

Blue Bird leverages ROUSH CleanTech’s proven, ultra-low emission propane technology that has accumulated more than three billion miles with 3,000 fleets in North America.

Blue Bird Leadership
“Blue Bird builds on its century-long expertise in school bus manufacturing and vehicle safety to expand its industry-leading zero- and low-emission transportation solutions to the commercial vehicle market,” said Andy Moore, director of commercial chassis at Blue Bird Corporation. “We are excited to connect with commercial vehicle fleet operators at ACT Expo and to discuss how our advanced electric- and propane-powered vehicle platforms can help them improve vehicle fleet efficiency and cost.”

Commercial vehicle fleet operators using electric- and propane-powered step vans stand to benefit from energy and maintenance cost savings compared to diesel vehicles.

“Since 2012 we’ve had a shared goal with Blue Bird to lower emissions and reduce costs for fleets through proven propane technology,” said Todd Mouw, executive vice president of sales, marketing and customer success at ROUSH CleanTech. “As a domestically produced fuel, propane is economical, abundant, and reliable, offering immediate reductions in both costs and emissions without compromising performance.”

Blue Bird anticipates both its electric-powered and propane-powered stripped chassis to be commercially available in the first quarter of 2026.

Blue Bird is the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer in the United States. The company remains the proven clean transportation leader with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses sold. Blue Bird manufactures its school buses in Fort Valley, Ga. The shift to clean transportation helps the company sustain approximately 2,000 good-paying U.S. jobs.

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.

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

The post Blue Bird Showcases Zero- and Low-Emission Commercial Vehicle Platforms at 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo appeared first on School Transportation News.

Developing and launching an electric vehicle is challenging enough for any mass-market brand, but for a smaller automaker like Ferrari, stepping into the world of electric cars is no easy task. While Ferrari undoubtedly has the engineering expertise, its rich motorsport legacy could make it a tough sell to its loyal fans who may not be ready to embrace the shift to electric.

Read: Ferrari Elettrica Coming In October After Years Of Development

This year, Ferrari’s first EV will finally make its debut. Currently dubbed the Elettrica, it’s expected to take the form of a hatchback-crossover. Two recently uncovered patent filings discovered by Motor1 suggest Ferrari is determined to ensure the car delivers on the emotional front.

How? By possibly incorporating artificial gear shifts, similar to the ones found in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, along with a sound reproduction device that mimics the unmistakable growl of an internal combustion engine. Obviously, silence just doesn’t cut it for Ferrari enthusiasts.

Virtual Gears: A Nod to Tradition

These two systems have been detailed in a pair of patents recently filed in Europe. The first patent describes a set of ‘virtual gears’ that Ferrari has developed for the Elettrica that uses an electric motor to simulate the changing torque of a traditional engine and transmission. These virtual gears could be operated using dedicated shift paddles, or they could be activated automatically depending on the throttle and brake outputs.

According to Ferrari, the virtual gears can change in as little as 200 milliseconds or as much as 600 milliseconds. It sounds strikingly similar to Hyundai’s setup for the Ioniq 5 N, a system that’s now also in the Kia EV6 GT. While some critics argue that EVs should focus on smooth, uninterrupted power, successfully recreating an ICE experience is a win for driving enthusiasts.

Sound That Satisfies. Sort Of

The second patent centers on a device that works in tandem with the virtual gears to provide an ICE-inspired soundtrack. This isn’t the first time Ferrari has ventured down this road. In 2023, the brand patented a “sound reproduction device” designed to bring an auditory thrill to its future EVs.

Recent spy videos of Ferrari’s debut EV have offered a glimpse of this sound system in action. The footage reveals a deep, bassy rumble that eerily resembles the growl of a powerful ICE engine. Whether that sound will be enough to ease purists’ pain over the absence of the iconic Ferrari engine roar, however, remains to be seen..

SHProshots

As the EV market continues to evolve, battery technology is quickly becoming the battleground for major automakers. Most of the electric cars currently available use either lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) or nickel manganese cobalt (NMC or NCM) batteries, with some manufacturers exploring sodium-ion options.

Now, Ford is taking things a step further, announcing a new battery chemistry it plans to incorporate into its EV lineup over the next decade. Enter Lithium Manganese Rich (LMR) batteries, developed at the Blue Oval’s Battery Center of Excellence in Michigan.

Read: Ford’s Experiment In EV Distribution Hubs Is Over

In a LinkedIn post this week, Charles Poon, Ford’s director of electrified propulsion engineering, explained that the LMR batteries offer a higher energy density than traditional high-nickel batteries. This, according to Poon, translates to greater range for Ford’s EVs, which means customers can travel farther on a single charge, reducing that all-too-common “range anxiety” that plagues so many EV drivers.

The LMR battery has been engineered to achieve a safety profile similar to LFP batteries, and they promise to be “significantly” cheaper than current mid-nickel batteries. Poon went on to describe the LMR batteries as the answer to “what next?” with Ford already selling LFP and NCM-powered EVs.

Ford said this new battery will also help it achieve cost parity between EVs and gasoline-powered vehicles. There’s no word on whether Ford collaborated with any of its existing battery partners on the development of the LMR chemistry, such as CATL, LG, or SK On, with Poon simply crediting the more than 135 “world-class chemists, manufacturing engineers and scientists,” at the Ford site.

“This isn’t just a lab experiment. We’re actively working to scale LMR cell chemistry and integrate them into our future vehicle lineup within this decade. The team is already producing our second-gen LMR cells at our pilot line,” he added.

The development of this new battery comes despite Ford slowing many of its EV plans last year, including axing a three-row electric SUV and delaying a new electric version of the F-150. However, it is still working on an electric mid-sized pickup and a new electric van, among other consumer-focused EVs.

Electric vehicles have come a long way, but they still have significant hurdles to overcome. One of the biggest pain points is recharging, but Mercedes is working on a clever solution to deal with it. Known as “solar paintwork,” the company is researching new types of solar modules that could be seamlessly applied to the bodies of electric vehicles.

These efforts could eventually pave the way for a wafer-thin layer of paint that could generate enough electricity to cover over 8,699 miles (14,000 km) per year.

More: Thanks To Solar Panels, The Lightyear 0 Can Go Up To Seven Months Between Charges

That’s pretty significant, but those are “under ideal conditions” in Beijing. It’s also worth noting that equates to less than 24 miles (39 km) per day, so it likely wouldn’t completely replace traditional recharging.

That being said, getting a charge by simply parking outside has a lot of appeal and numerous companies have been exploring the potential. In Mercedes’ case, they’re looking at an active photovoltaic surface with solar cells that have an efficiency rating of 20 percent.

Speaking of EVs, Mercedes is working on a programmable micro-converter that can be installed at the battery-cell level. This would make it possible to regulate cells individually and make electric vehicles even better.

As the automaker explained, “Current research results show it is possible to provide a constant HV [high voltage] output of 800 volts, regardless of the state of charge and the state of health of the individual cells.” This could pave the way for longer ranges, optimized energy flow for bidirectional charging, and new levels of freedom for modularization.

Even brakes haven’t been overlooked as the company is researching an “innovative, more sustainable brake” that is no longer located at the wheel. Instead, it’s integrated into a closed motor-transmission unit.

The automaker didn’t go into many details, but said the new brake “hardly wears out and is virtually maintenance-free.” The new setup also doesn’t rust, emit particulate emissions, or fade under high loads. It also promises to be less noisy and have positive impacts on range and efficiency.

Lastly, Mercedes is working with Canada’s University of Waterloo on neuromorphic computing. This mimics the way humans think and could “make AI computations significantly more energy-efficient and faster.”

Mercedes is interested as safety systems could be able to recognize traffic signs, lanes, and other road users much better and react faster, even in poor visibility. These efforts could also be up to ten times more efficient.

After a lackluster first quarter, where Tesla’s global sales took a nosedive, the EV giant has now reported its earnings for the same period. And, unsurprisingly, the results aren’t impressive. Revenue fell short of where it was expected to be by analysts, not just because of sluggish sales, but also due to uncertainty across industries and challenges in global supply chains.

But not everything is doom and gloom for Tesla, there’s some good news tucked in there, too. The company insists it’s on the cusp of launching more affordable models.

More: VW Finally Beats Tesla In EV Sales Across Europe

Let’s start with the figures. In Q1, Tesla’s total revenue fell to $19.3 billion, a 9.4% decline from $21.3 billion in Q1 2024. When compared to Q2, Q3, and Q4 of last year, the drop is even more significant, with revenue sitting at $25.5 billion, $25.1 billion, and $25.7 billion, respectively. Even worse was Tesla’s automotive revenue, which dropped from $17.3 billion in Q1 2024 to $13.9 billion this quarter, a 19.6% decline, and peaked at $20 billion in Q3 2024, a 30.5% decrease from that high.

Declining revenue isn’t the only thing that could concern shareholders of the EV brand.T otal income plummeted by 71%, dropping to $409 million, down from $1.39 billion in Q1 2024 and $2.1 billion in Q4 2024.

Why Did This Happen?

Tesla has blamed its decline in revenue on the obvious drop-off in deliveries during the first quarter. As we reported earlier this month, Tesla delivered 336,681 vehicles, down 13 percent from the year prior. It says deliveries fell in part because it was updating its four factories to start building the new Model Y. Tesla also says average vehicle selling prices dropped last quarter.

“Uncertainty in the automotive and energy markets continues to increase as rapidly evolving trade policy adversely impacts the global supply chain and cost structure of Tesla and our peers,” Tesla said. “This dynamic, along with changing political sentiment, could have a meaningful impact on demand for our products in the near-term. We remain committed to expanding our business model to include delivering autonomous robots across multiple form factors and use cases – powered by our real-world AI expertise – to our customers and for use in our factories, as we navigate these headwinds.”

New, More Affordable Models Are Coming

Falling revenue and deliveries don’t make for pretty reading, but Tesla does have some interesting things around the corner. New production vehicles, including more affordable models, will start in the first half of 2025, echoing a statement Tesla made in January and contrary to recent reports of these new models being delayed.

Read: Tesla Reportedly Delays Cheaper Smaller Model Y, Plans Stripped-Down Model 3

Details about these affordable versions are limited, with some suggesting they’ll be stripped down versions of the Model 3 and Model Y. Tesla says they will “utilize aspects of the next generation platform as well as aspects of our current platforms and will be produced on the same manufacturing lines as our current vehicle lineup.”

Elsewhere, Tesla announced that production of the Cybercab is scheduled to begin in 2026. The company also shared that the next-generation Roadster has moved from the “development” phase to “design development,” though it has yet to provide any details on when it will actually launch. Just a reminder: it’s been 7.5 years since the Roadster was first revealed.

Musk Winding Down DOGE Work

Finally, in news that may actually make some shareholders breathe a sigh of relief, Elon Musk will start scaling back his involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Starting next month, Musk will devote more of his attention to Tesla, where he’s needed most. Perhaps this will bring more stability, though, knowing Musk, expect a few distractions along the way.

Slate Auto thinks it can triumph where Lordstown, Fisker, Byton and others have failed. The new US-based startup is working on a family of EVs that will reportedly start at just $25k and could be on sale before the end of 2026. And beyond that incredible price, one of the features that could make people take note is a clever piece of tech from Canada that promises to transform the driving and ownership experience.

The tech comes from Exro, which has developed its own Coil Driver inverter. The technology has several advantages, one of which is that it removes the need for a traditional on-board charger that’s necessary when converting AC power from your house to DC for charging an EV.

Related: Slate Auto Teases 3-Door SUV That Looks Like A Range Rover Classic

Ditching the converter makes the EV lighter and also cheaper to build – a big priority when you’re targeting a $25k retail price. But it also allows for faster AC charging, giving the possibility of sucking in 19 kW, with up to 80 kW possible in the future, according to Driving.ca, which broke the story. That doesn’t just mean easier charging at home, but would make it much easier for the global charging network to expand, because it removes some of the need to build expensive DC charging stations.

Another plus point to Exro’s tech is its coil-switching system. This effectively creates multiple virtual power and torque profiles in one motor, each configured to best suit what the driver and vehicle needs at that moment. The result is more bottom end torque and more top end power than with a conventional motor, plus greater efficiency.

Michigan-based Slate Auto is believed to be backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and has plans to bring electric power to the masses with simple, low-cost EVs. So far courtesy of an unconventional marketing campaign we’ve seen a small gray pickup and two different two-door SUVs, one with an upright rear window and the other with a hatchback-style slope to its tail.

Little else is known right now, but that’s set to change on April 24 when Slate will reveal more details, hopefully including whether Trump’s tariffs on auto goods entering the US from Canada will throw a spanner in plans to use Exro’s smart technology. Although Exro has facilities in both Canada and the US, it looks like the manufacturing base is north of the border.

H/T to Fred!

Lead image: Exro/TheManiFamily, TikTok

Mercedes is working on a new steer-by-wire system set to arrive in production vehicles by 2026, accompanied by a yoke-shaped steering wheel. Joining the likes of Tesla, General Motors, Geely, Toyota, and Lexus, the German automaker is jumping on the steer-by-wire bandwagon, which replaces the traditional mechanical connection between the steering wheel and wheels with an electrical cable.

More: Mercedes Vision V Concept Is A Billionaire’s Shuttle With A 65-Inch TV

While we don’t know exactly which model will get this upgrade first, a camouflaged prototype of the facelifted EQS recently popped up, and it’s rumored to be the car leading the charge. The electric sedan is expected to debut next year, possibly sporting the yoke-shaped wheel. The new S-Class might follow suit, along with the next generation of their ICE-powered models.

According to Mercedes, the new steer-by-wire system offers “superior driving characteristics,” which they say translates into a more responsive feel on the open road and greater agility in urban environments. The system is also designed to make parking easier, eliminating the need for the driver to re-grip the wheel. As an added bonus, it’s adaptable to various vehicle types and architectures, providing a wider range of settings for comfort or sportiness.

Yoke: A Solution Searching For A Problem

Mercedes-Benz

The company claims the yoke-shaped steering wheel frees up space in the cockpit, making it easier to get in and out of the car, while also providing an unobstructed view of the digital instrument cluster. With no mechanical connection to the wheels, the yoke can even be used for gaming and is more suited for autonomous vehicles.

However, Mercedes’ decision to adopt it is questionable. While it may open up space, it makes basic tasks like turning at low speeds or parking awkwardly difficult, leaving drivers missing the comfort and control of a traditional steering wheel. It seems more like a solution in search of a problem, prioritizing style and novelty over practicality and driving ease.

More: Tesla Tries, And Fails, To Reinvent The Steering Wheel With Its Yoke

Mercedes’ steer-by-wire system has clocked over one million kilometers on test benches, with a similar distance covered on proving grounds and in regular road traffic conditions. For safety, the system includes redundant architecture, onboard data, and a backup power supply, ensuring the driver can always steer the vehicle. Additionally, in the unlikely event of a complete failure, lateral guidance remains possible thanks to rear-axle steering and targeted braking interventions on individual wheels.

Markus Schafer, Mercedes-Benz’s CTO, sees steer-by-wire as a major step toward the future of mobility. He says, “The technology enables a unique customer experience that goes far beyond steering alone. In combination with SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving, it will enable an even more immersive entertainment experience in the medium term. The flat steering wheel will provide a better view of the display when streaming your favorite show, for example.”

Steering Wheels, Joysticks, And Yokes

Mercedes also likes to remind us that Carl Benz’s 1886 Patent Motorwagen, the first automobile, had a steering crank, and that the first traditional steering wheel appeared in the 1894 Panhard 4HP. Since then, the company has dabbled with alternative steering systems in concept cars, including the futuristic joysticks found in the 1996 F200 Imagination and the F-Cell Roadster from 2009.

Currently, other production vehicles with steer-by-wire systems include the Tesla Cybertruck, GMC Hummer EV, Rolls-Royce Spectre, Lotus Eletre, and the Lexus RZ 405e. The latter will be the first to introduce this technology to Europe later this year.

This quarter’s ‘Companies to Watch’ highlights companies that our guest investors from the region think our international audiences should know about. One company...

The post Cleantech Companies to Watch from the Asia-Pacific Region appeared first on Cleantech Group.

Electric vehicles are evolving rapidly, and if you’re still skeptical, CATL has just unveiled a series of significant advancements in battery technology that will soon make their way into production models. The highlights include next-generation Shenxing batteries with ultra-fast charging capabilities, a new dual-power battery system for EVs, and sodium-ion batteries designed to perform better in colder climates.

Fast-Charging: A Game-Changer for EVs

The fast-charging news are probably the most important for the future of EVs, as they will eventually make charging stops as quick and easy as refueling stops for ICE-powered vehicles. In this context, CATL promises that its second-gen Shenxing batteries will add 520 km (320 miles) of range in five minutes of charging, which is the equivalent of gaining 2.5 km (1.6 miles) of range per second.

The fast-charging technology is undoubtedly the most significant development for the future of EVs, bringing us closer to a world where charging an electric vehicle is as quick and convenient as refueling a gasoline car. CATL’s second-gen Shenxing batteries aim to achieve just that, with a claimed ability to add 520 km (320 miles) of range in just five minutes of charging. To put that into perspective, that’s 2.5 km (1.6 miles) of range per second or about as fast as it takes to fill your average American car with gas.

More: Winter EV Range Test – 19 Cars Promised Over 300 Miles, But Only 4 Delivered

The impressive figure surpasses earlier developments by rival BYD, whose batteries will be able to add 400 km (249 miles) of range in just five minutes. For comparison, the first generation of CATL’s Shenxing batteries, which debuted in 2023, could replenish 400 km (249 miles) of range in ten minutes.

More Range, More Charging Speed, Even in the Cold

CATL’s second-gen Shenxing batteries promise a total range of up to 800 km (497 miles). Even better, they’ll be able to charge from 5% to 80% in just 15 minutes, even at chilly temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F). While we don’t yet know how many of the 67 new EVs launching in 2025 will be equipped with these second-gen batteries, it’s safe to say that the technology is coming sooner rather than later.

Dual-Power Batteries for Seriously Long Range

Another interesting development from CATL is the “Freevoy Dual Power Battery” technology. By combining two battery packs into one, an electric vehicle could achieve a range of over 1,500 km (932 miles), putting it on par with the most efficient range-extender hybrids. The new design splits the battery pack into two independent energy zones with different cell materials, somewhat akin to the dual-engine systems used in aircraft.

The auxiliary battery, acting as a range extender, won’t use graphite, making it smaller and cheaper to produce. However, the trade-off is slower charging speeds and fewer charging cycles, as these auxiliary batteries will only come into play once the main battery is empty, so they won’t be charged nearly as often.

CATL expects this dual-power battery technology to reach production EVs in the next 2-3 years, though they’re staying tight-lipped about which automaker will be the first to adopt it.

Sodium-Ion Batteries: Cold-Weather Warriors

Last but not least, CATL is advancing sodium-ion batteries, which are set to enter production in December 2025. These could potentially replace the lead-acid batteries in many ICE vehicles, as well as the lithium iron phosphate batteries used in hybrids and EVs. The key advantage of these batteries is their superior performance in cold weather, making them an attractive option for those in frigid climates.

The company claims its tests have shown that sodium-ion batteries can withstand extreme conditions whether it’s being punctured by needles, drilled, or even sliced in half with a power saw, without catching fire or exploding. Safety isn’t the only benefit, though.

More: CATL’s New EV Chassis Can Withstand 75 MPH Impact Without Catching Fire Or Exploding

These batteries also offer high energy density, providing over 200 km (124 miles) of range in plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and a robust lifecycle of 10,000 charges. Even at temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F), these batteries can charge from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes and will continue to perform normally at -40°C (-40°F).

Additionally, sodium-ion chemistry is expected to be more cost-effective than traditional lithium-ion batteries as the technology matures, which could bring a significant price advantage in the long run.

The first of BMW’s Neue Klasse EVs drops this fall, and it’s not only the exterior styling, dashboard layout and electric platform that’s new. So is the soundtrack for this new generation of electric vehicles, and BMW has given us a glimpse of what kind of noises to expect when we eventually slide behind the wheel of the 2026 iX3 and 2027 i330 sedan.

This isn’t the first time BMW has created unique soundtracks for its EVs. It famously commissioned Hans Zimmer to come up with signature sounds for the i4 and i7. But the automaker claims the new HypersonX soundscape developed by BMW’s own Sound Design Studio is even more complex and nuanced.

Related: BMW Confirms iX3 Debut In September, Will Launch Over 40 New Models By 2027

Neue Klasse cars benefit from a new audio control unit that brings a greater dynamic range, BMW claiming that although the new soundscape uses fewer notes than older systems, it delivers more color and depth to give a more natural feel.

43 Layers of Motion

HypersonX has 43 different sound signals and driving sounds for the cars’ Personal Mode and Sport Mode settings and when the driver accelerates the car shifts through three-dimensional sound layers to create a sensation of speed.

The team didn’t only spend time working out how to make the EVs feel exciting at full throttle, but also how they sound when you first open the door and any time you’re inside. BMW says it drew inspiration from art, science, light and nature, and even used sounds created using a choir made of development team members.

“The unique sound spectrum of HypersonX plays a major role in giving a Neue Klasse model its own, highly distinctive character acoustically,” says Renzo Vitale, Creative Director of Sound Design BMW Group.

“Through our focus on precision, warmth, and lightness, we can create a direct emotional connection between the driver and their vehicle.”

The first production BMW to benefit from HypersonX is the iX3 SUV, the electric brother to the recently-facelifted X3, which is scheduled to make its debut this September.

BYD has launched a pair of new EVs in China underpinned by its innovative new Super e-Platform. Although BYD seems to release a new EV every other week, the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV are particularly significant because they promise charging times almost on par with filling up an ICE-engined car with gas. If the automaker’s charging speed claims are accurate, the Han L and Tang L could solve one of the last remaining headaches of EV ownership.

The Super e-Platform is a 1000-volt architecture and was only announced back in March. In the case of the Han L sedan, all versions of it use an 83.2 kWh Blade battery, while the Tang L has a larger 100.5 kWh pack. According to BYD, the Han L can charge from 10-70% in just 6 minutes. Yes, that’s not a typo: six minutes. It can also gain 248 miles (400 km) of range in five minutes and takes just 20 minutes to charge the battery from 0-100%.

Read: BYD’s New 1,000 kW EVs Fill Up As Fast As Gas Cars

The Tang L EV also benefits from stupendous charging speeds. It can get 230 miles (370 km) over range in 5 minutes and needs just 30 minutes to charge from 0-100%. Admittedly, these charging speeds can only be achieved when using one of BYD’s new 1,000 kW fast chargers that were also unveiled in March. The company wants to install 4,000 of these chargers across China, but has not provided a timeline of when they’ll be available.

BYD Tang L

Prices for the Tang L start at 219,800 yuan (~$30,000) for the LiDAR Premium model and increase to 239,800 yuan or (~$32,700) for the LiDAR Flagship. Both of these versions have a 671 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) electric motor driving the rear wheels and can travel up to 436 miles (701 km) on a single charge. Those seeking even more performance can opt for the AWD LiDAR Flagship for 279,800 yuan (~$38,100). It has dual electric motors with 778 hp and 373 miles (601 km) of CLTC range.

Three versions of the BYD Tang L have also been announced, and prices vary between 229,800 yuan (~$31,200) and 289,900 yuan (~$39,400). It easily outmuscles the sedan, with the base rear-wheel drive packing 788 hp and the dual-motor AWD version rated at 1,100 hp. Depending on the specification, local media quotes driving ranges between 348 miles (560 km) and 416 miles (670 km).

BYD Han L

With Chinese tech companies such as Huawei and Xiaomi making their foray into the automotive industry, legacy carmakers risk being left behind in what is quickly becoming a tech war. A market as large as China, which sees sales of EVs hitting over a million units per month, needs special attention. This is why BMW has teamed up with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba in a quest to integrate AI into future models.

Read: Want A Ferrari 458 Shell? Alibaba Has One For $28,000

Alibaba may be best known for its online shopping empire, but like many tech giants, it has its fingers in many pies. One of these is AI, with the company doubling down on its ambitions. Alibaba’s Large Language Model (LLM) is known as Qwen, and the company has committed more than $50 billion to the platform over the next three years.

The first models to hit the Chinese market with the new tech will be the Neue Klasse series, set to roll out in 2026.

China’s Tailor-made AI Solution

Qwen is already available on models offered by some Chinese automakers, including Zeekr and Leapmotor. However, the partnership with BMW is a huge step for the platform, adding a global brand to its list.

BMW will be getting two AI agents, Car Genius and Travel Companion, to lead the charge inside the cabin. It’ll bring Alibaba-backed Banma’s Yan AI technology (based on Qwen) into BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA). This smart cockpit solution will enable more humanlike interaction, complex command handling, and seamless integration with digital ecosystems.

The aim will be to deliver an intuitive, AI-enhanced driving experience tailored specifically for Chinese customers. Bloomberg reports that the Car Genius will offer real-time vehicle assistance, while the Travel Companion will provide lifestyle services, intelligent trip planning, and even suggest restaurants based on user preferences, live traffic, and parking data. BMW says this will set a new benchmark in user-centric mobility.

China Matters

China is a critical market for any automaker, but with increased competition from domestic brands, companies like BMW can’t afford to play catch-up. That’s why partnering with Alibaba could be seen as a smart move, with the Bavarian manufacturer getting in on the ground level.

It’s a move that needs to pay off, too. Chinese sales of BMW and MINI brands declined by 13.4 percent in 2024, and this year’s projections don’t look great either. By investing in localized AI integration, BMW is not only hoping to boost its brand appeal but also close the gap with faster-moving domestic players.

For the automotive industry, especially in China, this partnership underscores a bigger shift. Software has become the defining factor in EV competitiveness. Local brands like BYD and Xpeng have surged ahead in the AI race, prompting legacy automakers to seek tech alliances to stay relevant. BMW’s collaboration with Alibaba is a direct response to these market dynamics.

The deal also highlights the growing dependency of European automakers on China for digital capabilities. As Mercedes-Benz’s Georges Massing recently admitted, Europe lacks the cloud and compute infrastructure necessary to train large AI models at scale, leaving traditional OEMs increasingly reliant on partners like Alibaba to deliver cutting-edge cockpit experiences.

In a market where innovation cycles are measured in months, not years, BMW’s tie-up with Alibaba might be the thing that makes a difference. As AI becomes a central battleground for automotive differentiation, those who can integrate it deeply and meaningfully into the driver experience stand to lead the next era of mobility.

With the Neue Klasse set to roll out from 2026 and Qwen-powered agents embedded in its DNA, BMW is betting big that its future in China will be written in code.

Two school districts are providing examples of how utilizing a unified software solution simplified their school transportation operations.

Busology Tech shared during a webinar it sponsored Thursday that the company has 25 years in the student transportation industry and seen 500,000 students transported safely. Abu Batasi, director sales and marketing, noted the top four sources of chaos for pupil transporters today are driver shortages, safety concerns, budget constraints, and data sync.

Contributing to the driver shortage and inefficient routes are low wages, training requirements, competition, and an aging workforce, he explained. Not only must districts design school bus routes for changing populations and sprawling geographic areas, but they must also stay nimble enough to respond to daily real-time changes like traffic, weather, student absences.

According to a 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, an estimated 17,000 children are treated in emergency departments each year for school bus–related injuries, proving that student safety is a top concern, Batasi explained.

Student transporters are no strangers to budget constraints but rising operational costs and technology limitations make it harder to balance on-time performance with cost-effectiveness while also providing safe service, Batasi noted. To deal with this, he suggested school districts can leverage state funding opportunities, communicate value with critical stakeholders, and take a phased approach rather than implementing an entire tech stack at once.

He further explained that siloed systems, inconsistent data, manual processes, and delayed or irregular data synchronization can cause lag and outdated information, while aging infrastructure can lead to maintenance issues related to backlogs and data gaps.

“It’s like having a command center at our fingertips.”

– Robert Young, Director of Transportation, Thomas County School District (Ga.)

Having true oversight over routing gives transportation managers the space to respond appropriately in any of the varied day-to-day situations they face, said Diego Crespo, Busology Tech’s director of onboard technology. He said a good routing solution will help staff visualize and optimize routes while utilizing full driver availability and communicating appropriately to parents.

“Enabling good, streamlined communication will avoid unnecessary frustration and have a positive impact on efficiency and safety,” he said.

Quick and reliable information equals safety and efficiency, he noted. He shared examples of how driver, parent and administration apps – when supplied with the correct information and continually updated – help keep tabs on what students need to go where and when, as well as reducing calls to transportation.

Crespo said the right technology for transportation should act as a “human force multiplier” so staff does not need to do repetitive or extra work. “Look for vendors who can help you get where you need to be today without losing sight of tomorrow,” he added.

School Districts Share Experiences

Dr. Frances Esparza, superintendent for Coachella Valley Unified School District in Southern California, shared that districts with large service areas can require a switch from a previous manual routing solution. She said Busology was chosen as an easy solution for Coachella Valley that all transportation staff are being trained on.

“We chose a company that was able to support our need because it was huge,” she said.

She agreed with Crespo that community understanding is key to a successful implementation, such as in the case of scanning students on the bus. This is currently done with RFID cards, but she said the district may switch to a more convenient QR code carried on students’ cellphones. In response to parental concerns, a routing technician will also be on standby to answer questions about bus arrival.

“Having a unified platform with Busology has been a gamechanger for us,” added Robert Young, director of transportation for Thomas County School District in Georgia. “It’s like having a command center at our fingertips. … We can respond faster, make more informed decisions, and support our drivers, parents and schools with greater confidence.”

He said a big draw for him was how technology has evolved and especially how parent communications provide transparency and ease of use. “Parents feel connected and informed – and in today’s world, that matters more than ever,” he added.

He confirmed that call volume and missed pickups have dropped significantly, freeing up staff to complete other essential tasks. “Saving time is something every director needs in their life,” he said.

As many staff members must take turns driving a school bus due to a driver shortage or outages, Young noted that it’s easier for substitute drivers to drive routes when all the information they need is readily made available. He added that AI tools can create routes with bus stop times and assign students to routes, which has saved time as staff deal with student rider changes.

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Melissa Beveridge, director of client services for Busology Tech, next discussed the benefits of using a single vendor for a seamless integration and workflow solution. It eliminates compatibility issues, allows for faster response times as transportation departments don’t have to wait for responses from various vendors, eliminates the need to spend money on many different tech solutions, provides a one-stop-shop for customer service, and frees up staff to focus on running operations and serving families.

Batasi and Beveridge noted that student information in the Busology platform is stored securely with updates quickly reflected and data hygiene made a priority.

Batasi extended an offer to listeners with over 20 buses in their fleets to get a custom roadmap from Busology based on their unique district operations and needs.

Watch the webinar on demand.

The post Districts Share How Unified Software Solution Simplifies School Bus Operations appeared first on School Transportation News.