The spread of artificial intelligence worries biosecurity experts, who say the technology could lead to accidental or deliberate creation and release of dangerous diseases and toxic substances. (Photo by LuShaoJi/Getty Images)

Artificial intelligence is helping accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, but the technology also makes it easier than ever to create biosecurity threats and weapons, cybersecurity experts say. 

It’s an issue that currently flies under the radar for most Americans, said Lucas Hansen, cofounder of AI education nonprofit CivAI.

The COVID-19 pandemic increased awareness of biosecurity measures globally, and some instances of bioterrorism, like the 2001 anthrax attacks, are well known. But advancements in AI have made information about how to create biosecurity threats, like viruses, bacteria and toxins, so much more accessible in just the last year, Hansen said.  

“Many people on the face of the planet already could create a bio weapon,” Hansen said. “But it’s just pretty technical and hard to find. Imagine AI being used to [multiply] the number of people that are capable of doing that.”

It’s an issue that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman spoke about at a Federal Reserve conference in July. 

“We continue to like, flash the warning lights on this,” Altman said. “I think the world is not taking us seriously. I don’t know what else we can do there, but it’s like, this is a very big thing coming.”

AI increasing biosecurity threats

Hansen said there’s primarily two ways he believes AI could be used to create biosecurity threats. Much less common, he believes, would be using AI to make more dangerous bioweapons than have ever existed before using technologies that enable the engineering of biological systems, such as creating new viruses or toxic substances. 

Second, and more commonly, Hansen said, AI is making information about existing harmful viruses or toxins much more readily accessible. 

Consider the polio virus, Hansen said. There are plenty of scientific journals that share information on the origins and growth of polio and other viruses that have been mostly eradicated, but the average person would have to do much research and data collection to piece together how to recreate it. 

A few years ago, AI models didn’t have great metacognition, or ability to give instructions, Hansen said. But in the last year, updates to models like Claude and ChatGPT have been able to interpret more information and fill in the gaps. 

Paromita Pain, an associate professor of global media at the University of Nevada, Reno and an affiliated faculty member of the university’s cybersecurity center, said she believes there’s a third circumstance that could be contributing to biosecurity threats: accidents. The increased access to information by people not properly trained to have it could have unintended consequences. 

“It’s essentially like letting loose teenagers in the lab,” Pain said. “It’s not as if people are out there to willingly do bad, like, ‘I want to create this pathogen that will wipe out mankind.’ Not necessarily. It’s just that they don’t know that if you are developing pathogens, you need to be careful.”

For those that are looking to do harm, though, it’s not hard, Hansen said. CivAI offers demos to show how AI can be used in various scenarios, with a goal of highlighting the potential harms the technology can cause if not used responsibly. 

In a demo not available to the public, Hansen showed States Newsroom how someone may use a current AI model to assist them in creating a biothreat. CivAI keeps the example private, so as to not inspire any nefarious actions, Hansen said. 

Though many AI models are trained to flag and not to respond to dangerous requests, like how to build a gun or how to recreate a virus, many can be “jailbroken” easily, with a few prompts or lines of code, essentially tricking the AI into answering questions it was instructed to ignore.

Hansen walked through the polio virus example, prompting a jailbroken version of Claude 4.0 Sonnet to give him instructions for recreating the virus. Within a few seconds, the model provided 13 detailed steps, including directions like “order the custom plasmid online,” with links to manufacturers. 

The models are scraping information from a few public research papers about the polio virus, but without the step by step instructions, it would be very hard to find what you’re looking for, make a plan and find the materials you’d need. The models sometimes add information to supplement the scientific papers, helping non-expert users understand complex language, Hansen said. 

It would still take many challenging steps, including accessing lab equipment and rare materials, to recreate the virus, Hansen said, but AI has made access to the core information behind these feats so much more available. 

“AI has turned bioengineering from a Ph.D. level skill set to something that an ambitious high school student could do with some of the right tools,” said Neil Sahota, an AI advisor to the United Nations, and a cofounder of its AI for Good initiative.

CivAI estimates that since 2022, the number of people who would be capable of recreating a virus like polio with the tools and resources publicly available has gone from 30,000 globally to 200,000 today because of AI. They project 1.5 million people could be capable in 2028. An increase in the number of languages that AI models are fluent in also increases the chances of a global issue, Hansen said. 

“I think the language thing is really, really important, because part of what we’re considering here is the number of people that are capable of doing these things and removing a language barrier is a pretty big deal,” he said.

How is the government addressing it? 

The current Trump administration and the previous Biden administration introduced similar strategies to addressing the threats. In Biden’s October 2023 Executive Order “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of AI,” Biden sought to create guidelines to evaluate and audit AI capabilities “through which AI could cause harm, such as in the areas of cybersecurity and biosecurity.”

Trump’s AI Action Plan, which rolled out in July, said AI could “unlock nearly limitless potential in biology,” but could also “create new pathways for malicious actors to synthesize harmful pathogens and other biomolecules.” 

In his action plan, he said he wishes to require scientific institutions that receive federal funding to verify customers, and create enforcement guidelines. The plan also says the Office of Science and Technology Policy should develop a way for nucleic acid synthesis — the process of creating DNA and RNA — providers to share data and screen for malicious customers.

Sahota said the potential benefits of bioengineering AI make regulating it complicated. The models can help accelerate vaccine development and research into genetic disorders, but can also be used nefariously.

“AI in itself is not good or evil, it’s just a tool,” Sahota said. “And it really depends on how people use it. I don’t think like a bad actor, and many people don’t, so we’re not thinking about how they may weaponize these tools, but someone probably is.”

California aimed to address biosecurity in SB 1047 last year, the “Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act,” which sought to regulate foundational AI models and impose obligations on companies that develop them to ensure safety and security measures. 

The act outlines many potential harms, but among them was AI’s potential to help “create novel threats to public safety and security, including by enabling the creation and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, such as biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons.”

After passing in both chambers, the Act was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September, for potentially “curtailing the very innovation that fuels advancement in favor of the public good.”  

Pain said few international frameworks exist for how to share biological data and train AI systems around biosecurity, and it’s unclear whether AI developers, biologists, publishers or governments could be held accountable for its misuse. 

“Everything that we are talking about when it comes to biosecurity and AI has already happened without the existence of AI,” she said of previous biothreats.

Sahota said he worries we may need to see a real-life example of AI being weaponized for a biological threat, “where we feel the pain on a massive scale,” before governments get serious about regulating the technology.

Hansen agrees, and he predicts those moments may be coming. While some biological attacks could come from coordinated groups aiming to pull off a terroristic incident, Hansen said he worries about the “watch the world burn” types — nihilistic individuals that have historically turned to mass shootings. 

“Right now, they look for historical precedent on how to cause collateral damage, and the historical precedent that they see is public shootings,” Hansen said. “I think very easily it could start to be the case that deploying bio weapons becomes pretty normal. I think after the first time that that happens in real life, we’ll start seeing a lot of copycats. And that makes me pretty, pretty nervous.”

A hot new version of the Genesis GV60 is just around the corner, thanks to the company’s new Magma division. While it’ll share a lot of its components with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Kia EV6 GT, Genesis insists that the spicy EV will have a character all to its own, thanks in part to some trick software.

The new GV60 Magma has been developed in Korea, but moving forward, all other Magma cars will be developed and tuned by the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center near Frankfurt, Germany. Tyrone Johnson is heading up this facility, and given that he played a pivotal role in the creation of the last Ford Focus RS, he’s the perfect man for the job.

Read: Genesis Says Its New Hybrids Will Surprise You

While recently speaking with Top Gear, Johnson noted that Magma models developed in Germany will start to hit the market in 2027, including versions based on the GV80 and G80. He also acknowledged that Magma’s electric models will be designed as more sophisticated and luxurious than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

“N is ‘corner rascal,’” he said. “A Magma isn’t about the track, although it will be track capable. It’s a more sophisticated, luxurious driving machine. It has to be about power, and changes to motors and engines are important. But it doesn’t have to be the most powerful [in its class]. It needs sufficient power. Weight is always important. It’s independent of luxury. You have to have weight in focus, partly because range is important and you get diminishing returns with a larger, heavier battery.”

The Software Revolution

Johnson added that throughout most of his 40-year career in the automotive industry, separating one car from another “was all mechanical engineering.” Now he said, “it’s all software,” adding that it is now possible to “fundamentally change a car with software.” Presumably, this means the GV60 Magma, as well as other Magma products, will have different software to vehicles from Hyundai’s N division, giving them unique driving characteristics.

In all likelihood, the GV60 Magma will feature the same dual electric motors and 84 kWh battery pack as the Ioniq 5 N. As such, it should pump out more than 600 hp, and be capable of hitting 62 mph (100 km/h) in the low-3-second range.

Hyundai’s electric ambitions in China aren’t slowing down. In fact, they’re only just getting started. Just months after the debut of the Elexio SUV through its partnership with BAIC, reports suggest the automaker is already preparing a new all-electric sedan for the Chinese market. The move appears aimed at drawing buyers away from established favorites like the Tesla Model 3, Xiaomi SU7, and BYD Qin Plus.

Design Direction

At this stage, official details are almost nonexistent. Hyundai hasn’t released any images or teasers, leaving the look of the sedan open to speculation. What seems likely, however, is that the design will chart its own path. The Elexio’s styling differs significantly from Hyundai’s global EV lineup, so the sedan may also adopt a distinct appearance, possibly with cues borrowed from its SUV sibling.

Read: Hyundai’s New Electric SUV Skips Physical Buttons Nearly Entirely For Massive Screen

If that’s the case, then the new electric sedan likely won’t share much in common with the Ioniq 6 and its streamlined shape, which has proven to be very controversial and likely continues to contribute to mediocre sales figures. Hyundai would be wise to adopt a more traditional three-box sedan shape, perhaps complete with similar headlights and taillights to the Elexio.

In all likelihood, the new sedan will utilize the same E-GMP architecture as the Elexio, as well as pretty much every other EV from Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia. This setup allows for single- and dual-motor options, as well as multiple battery configurations to target a wider audience.

The interior could also lean on the Elexio for inspiration, which ditches the “traditional” digital gauge cluster for a tiny screen positioned towards the base of the windscreen. It also features a widescreen display encompassing the central infotainment system and an area dedicated to the passenger.

According to Autohome, Hyundai plans to launch its Chinese-market electric sedan in the first half of 2026, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in September of the same year.

CINCINNATI, Ohio – First Student, the company setting the standard for innovation in school transportation, has been selected by Seneca Valley School District (SVSD) in Pennsylvania to provide student transportation services, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. Backed by a brand-new fleet and advanced technology designed to elevate the ride experience for students and families, First Student will bring nearly 150 new buses to SVSD. All buses will be equipped with First Student’s award-winning HALO technology platform. HALO delivers real-time visibility, data-driven safety features, and streamlined communication tools that modernize school transportation to provide the best student transportation experience.

First Student is the industry leader in safety, utilizing on-vehicle technology that includes driver tablets, AI cameras, video systems, and a child check system. Guardians and caregivers of SVSD children will have access to First Student’s comprehensive transportation technology suite, which includes real-time tracking via the FirstView app. This feature provides families and district staff with live GPS updates, offering greater peace of mind and improved planning. Additionally, through performance monitoring and feedback channels, families will have an easy way to submit comments or concerns if needed.

“At First Student, we take great pride in delivering the best possible transportation experience for every student we serve,” said John Kenning, President and CEO of First Student. “For Seneca Valley families, that means combining a brand-new fleet with technology that keeps parents connected and informed. With the FirstView app, families can track their child’s bus in real time, creating greater transparency and peace of mind while ensuring every ride is safe, reliable, and welcoming.”

HALO’s technology also empowers school districts with an advanced driver navigation system for route optimization and timely arrivals, as well as student behavior monitoring tools that support communication between drivers and district staff.

“Seneca Valley is committed to providing the safest and most reliable transportation possible for our students,” said Dr. Tracy Vitale, Superintendent of Schools. “We welcome this new partnership with First Student and appreciate the expertise and resources they bring to support our transportation program.”

“Our partnership with Seneca Valley School District reflects a growing shift toward modern, connected, and student-centered transportation,” said Brian Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President, Mid-Atlantic Region at First Student. “Safety, service, and community are at the core of everything we do. We’re proud to bring our technology and expertise to support this outstanding school community.”

First Student is actively recruiting qualified drivers and offering competitive pay, paid instruction, and industry-leading training. This includes the First Serves program, which equips drivers with clinically backed communication tools and training to support students with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming ride for every learner.

About First Student:
First Student is reimagining the school bus experience for 5.5+ million students across North America every single day. As the undisputed leader in K-12 transportation, the company is on pace to complete 1 billion student rides during the 2025-26 school year, delivering not just students, but confidence, reliability, and peace of mind to families and school districts alike. Backed by a workforce of highly trained drivers and an industry-leading fleet of 46,000+ vehicles, including electric buses, First Student is a mission-driven partner in education. Recently named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing privately held companies, First Student offers cutting-edge services including special needs transportation, AI route optimization, fleet electrification, vehicle maintenance services, and charter services. First Student’s impact extends beyond logistics: every ride is designed to be a safe and supportive space where students can start their day with a great experience. With innovation at our core, First Student is driving the future of student transportation one ride at a time.

The post Seneca Valley Partners with First Student to Deliver Smarter, Safer Student Transportation appeared first on School Transportation News.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Netradyne, a global leader in AI-driven road and fleet safety solutions, today announced the appointment of Smita Sanadhya as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Tom Schmitt as Chief Operating Officer (COO). These two key leadership appointments come at a pivotal time of growth for Netradyne, as the company leads the industry in advancing fleet safety by fostering accountability and engaging drivers through positive reinforcement.

As Chief Financial Officer, Smita Sanadhya will lead Netradyne’s global financial strategy. Sanadhya brings 25 years of multinational finance leadership experience, having most recently served as CFO at Abnormal AI and SVP of Financial Planning and Analysis at Okta, where she played a key role in scaling the company to over $2B in revenue. Smita also spent over 11 years at Microsoft across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and contributed to the company’s transformation from on-prem to a cloud-forward, subscription-based business. Her career spans additional finance and leadership roles at HP, Gap Inc., Twentieth Century Fox, and GE Capital.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Netradyne at such an exciting time in the company’s journey,” said Sanadhya. “Netradyne has an impressive track record of innovation and customer success, and it’s now poised to scale to its next stage of growth and maturity. I’m excited to contribute my experience to this next chapter and to work alongside a dynamic, talented team that is deeply committed to building a strong safety culture and empowering drivers through positive feedback.”

In a coordinated move, Tom Schmitt will transition into the newly created role of COO, having served as Netradyne’s CFO since 2021. Schmitt’s leadership played a central role in defining Netradyne’s financial and operational foundation, and as COO he will now focus on driving operational efficiency throughout the organization to support Netradyne’s rapid growth and global expansion. Prior to joining Netradyne, Schmitt served as CFO, COO, and other senior finance roles at various technology companies, including Postclick and Salesforce.

“It’s been a privilege to help shape Netradyne’s financial strategy over the past few years. As we enter this pivotal chapter, I’m excited to work more broadly across the organization to scale our operations, strengthen cross-functional execution, and accelerate the delivery of customer value,” said Schmitt. “Netradyne is redefining what’s possible in fleet safety and AI, and I look forward to contributing to the company’s mission in new and meaningful ways.”

These leadership changes mark a pivotal moment in Netradyne’s journey, as the company continues to expand its cutting-edge technology to enhance safety and efficiency for commercial fleets worldwide.

“As we position Netradyne for our next phase of growth, Smita’s global experience, paired with Tom’s proven operational leadership, are the right combination to guide us forward,” said Avneesh Agrawal, CEO and co-founder of Netradyne. “Together, they’ll help us scale with focus and lead the industry into the future.”

About Netradyne:
Netradyne provides AI-powered technologies for safer roads. An award-winning industry leader in fleet safety and video telematics solutions, Netradyne empowers thousands of commercial fleet customers across North America, Europe, and Asia to enhance their driver performance, reduce risk, and optimize operations. Netradyne sets the standard among transportation technology companies for enhancing and sustaining road safety, with an industry-leading 20+ billion miles vision-analyzed for risk and an industry-first driver scoring system that reinforces safe behaviors. Founded in 2015, Netradyne is headquartered in San Diego with offices in San Francisco and Bangalore.

The post Netradyne Strengthens Leadership Team with New CFO and COO Appointment appeared first on School Transportation News.

While a number of companies are focused on robotaxis, Tensor has unveiled the first “fully autonomous L4 robocar that you can own.” That’s a bold claim from a company that can’t seem to cobble together a proper press kit, so forgive us if we’re a little hesitant to hand over the keys to our survival.

From the hodgepodge of information that the company released, we can see their robocar is actually a “luxury crossover SUV” that looks like a bloated Toyota Prius. It features an awkward-looking front end with sensors and SignalScreens. The latter are used to communicate with other road users via CarMoji.

More: GM Doubling Down On Autonomous Driving Efforts

Moving further back, we can see streamlined bodywork, aerodynamic wheels, and digital side mirrors that help the model to have a drag coefficient of 0.253. The robocar also sports double-laminated glass as well as rear coach doors for easy entry and egress. Speaking of the doors, they have PalmRead technology that allows people to access the vehicle without keys or their phone.

In terms of size, the robocar measures 217.5 inches (5,525 mm) long, 89 inches (2,261 mm) wide, and 78.3 inches (1,989 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 124 inches (3,150 mm). This means the model is significantly larger than other electric crossover such as the Cadillac Vistiq and Tesla Model X.

A Transforming Cabin

The interior looks basic, but it’s notable for having retractable pedals and a retractable steering wheel. When the latter is tucked into the dash, a display slides over so it’s in front of the ‘driver.’

Speaking of screens, there’s a front passenger display as well as a dual-screen rear entertainment system. Tensor also said the model comes nicely equipped with a heated steering wheel as well as heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. Other highlights include suede and fabric upholstery, a 128-color ambient lighting system, and dual wireless smartphone chargers.

While the interior is pretty bland, the company claims the model is the “world’s first AI agentic car” and goes “far beyond a basic voice assistant.” In particular, they said an “AI agent continuously processes data from in-cabin cameras, microphones, and other sensors.” The company claims this will enable owners to say something along the lines of “Pick up Mom from her house and bring her here” or “Drop me off at the airport and then return home.”

Despite all the monitoring equipment, Tensor said they’re focused on privacy and all data is processed and stored locally. However, they noted “users can access their data via the end-to-end encrypted smartphone app” and, let’s face it, anything connected to the internet isn’t 100% safe. On the bright side, if you’re concerned about privacy and security, there are physical camera covers and microphone off switches.

Electric And Autonomous

Powertrain details are sparse as the company said the model is an EV with a 112 kWh battery pack. When the battery is low, it can go from a 20% to 80% charge in as little as 10 minutes. Tensor also mentioned the crossover has four-wheel steering and an air suspension.

The real star is the Level 4 autonomous driving technology that allows the vehicle to “operate entirely without driver input under defined conditions.” This is enabled by over 100 sensors including 37 cameras, 5 lidars, 11 radars, 22 microphones, 10 ultrasonic sensors, 3 IMUs, GNSS, 16 collision detectors, 8 water-level detectors, 4 tire-pressure sensors, and 1 smoke detector.

Of course, if you prefer to drive yourself, you can still take the wheel and operate it like any other car.

Since the robocar is designed for normal people who won’t spend time prepping it for every journey, Tensor had to develop a way to protect and clean the various sensors. As a result, there’s an intelligent cleaning system with dedicated wipers and nozzles as well as protective sensor covers that deploy when the vehicle is not in use. The car also has self-diagnosis to ensure everything is in working order.

The sensors feed data to an onboard supercomputer with 8,000 TOPs. There’s also a “dual-system AI” that “mirrors human cognition.” The company said, “System 1 delivers fast, reflexive responses through imitation learning from expert drivers, while System 2 uses a sophisticated multimodal Visual Language Model to reason through rare and complex edge cases.” The end result is supposedly confident navigation even in rain or fog.

Tensor went on to say their “advanced electrical and electronic architecture delivers full-stack redundancy – across power, communications, and control – ensuring fail-operational performance in any scenario.”

Could Arrive As Early As Next Year

While a number of questions remain, the company has partnered with VinFast, who will build the robocar at their Hai Phong factory in Vietnam. If everything goes according to plan, the first deliveries will occur in the second half of 2026 and the model will be offered in Europe, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.

Lastly, the company has partnered with Marsh to offer the “world’s first insurance policy for robocars.” This promises to deliver cheap rates as “data shows that L4 autonomous vehicles are safer, and your insurance premiums should reflect that.”

I loved the Green Bus Summit at STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada. Of course I did. I’m an extrovert, an electric school bus (ESB) nerd ever hungry to learn new things, and I grew up in a desert. This was my sixth STN EXPO conference, and the third I’ve covered for STN as a writer specializing in ESB related topics.

That said, some things not discussed at the Green Bus Summit, at least not officially, are as pressing as the topics that are more popular and comfortable. I’ll get to those in a minute. On the lighter side, part of covering a conference is just listening in general (some might call this eavesdropping). I overheard at the opening reception: “Right, we are not pro-electric, we’re sitting back and letting everybody else work through all the problems before we do anything.”

I get it. If I was already working hard and wouldn’t be paid extra for taking the risks of the ESB path, maybe I’d stay with the status quo of fossil-fueled buses, too. The people running ESBs, though, look as wide-awake, alive and happy as anyone I’ve ever met. And John Wyskiel, president and CEO of Blue Bird, stated that students who ride ESBs arrive at school calmer and more ready to learn.

Technology in general, STN Chief Content Officer Ryan Gray noted, is an increasing theme for the school bus industry. New technology always carries risk. Henry Ford had failures. Diesel was once new and iffy. I liked STN President Tony Corpin’s story of when his parents, Bill and Colette Paul, were starting the magazine up in 1991. Its success was not assured. Blue Bird (and others) gave them a check, a year’s advertising in advance, for the fledgling publication. Their investment implied, “We trust you.” The magazine flourished.

In contrast, the districts that trusted and invested in Lion Electric regret it.

(A few days and after I returned home from Reno, a colleague forwarded me the letter that the newly purchased Lion sent out U.S. owners of Lion Electric school buses. It states their warranties are now void. ESB advocacy groups CALSTART, the Alliance for Electric School Buses and World Resources Institute are working to support Lion owners.)

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Related: Previous Lion Electric School Bus Warranties Voided by Company Sale

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We heard a lot about Artificial Intelligence (AI) growing rapidly in the school bus world, but little mention of its enormous use of electricity and water. That’s problematic in that power outages and prolonged droughts are on the rise, especially in the West (we were sitting in a Western desert). Should we automatically use AI without limits? Or do we choose how to use it? And do we see ESBs as not just using electricity, but also being able to feed energy back into the grid (V2G), or, more locally and with simpler technology, into a school building during a power outage (V2B)?

First-time STN EXPO attendee Clarissa Castrowore native Navajo dress at the trade show (we were told to dress up). She drives long rural routes for Window Rock Unified School District in Arizona. Window Rock is the capital of the Navajo Nation’s reservation. Castro said, “I like the conference a lot! We have too many-stop arm violations. We need to update our technology.”

For the record, I do not think ESBs are for everybody. For example, I don’t think Window Rock Unified School District in Arizona should pursue them. About 30 percent of residences on the Navajo reservation don’t have electricity yet. I’d think addressing that is a top priority. Literacy rates go up when homes gain electricity (being an ESB nerd makes you an energy nerd, as well).

Jessica Sevilla, director of fleet and facilities at Antelope Valley Schools Transportation Agency in Southern California, runs 230 school buses, 41 of them electric. “The leap between the worlds [from fossil-fueled to electric] is larger than we’d thought. Mechanics are learning to reach for laptops instead of wrenches.”

She emphasized training and said employee openness to ESBs depended partly on “where they’re at in their careers.” In other words, those earlier in their careers may be more open to learning new skills. Other panelists agreed that ESB driving skill has an enormous impact on range. A feather-foot that maximizes regenerative braking can add dozens of miles of range over the course of a day.

Charles Kriete, CEO of Zonar, told us our business is access to education, not necessarily transportation. I’d call that a paradigm shift. In keeping with Kriete’s declaration, Billy Huish, from rural Farmington Municipal Schools in New Mexico, told me he created an extended classroom by providing 71,000 hours of Wi-Fi, so far, to students on his 68 buses.

“What about TikTok?” I asked anxiously. Absolutely blocked, he assured me.

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Related: School Bus Wi-Fi in Flux?

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Speaking of anxiety, Kriete said parent calls are reduced by 50 percent when they can use an app to see where their child is. I’ve never fielded a concerned parent’s call, but I can imagine the urgency of resolving where the child is, the rising intensity if it takes too long, and both parents’ and dispatchers’ desires to have fewer such calls.

But even if a school district can afford the best ridership verification technology (many can’t), quota-driven ICE raids, with schools and school bus stops no longer protected from them, may lead to children going missing, or maybe more likely, their parents being abruptly swept away, unable to pick up their children. That’s a harrowing thought, especially with due process going missing, in general. Stay with me.

Transportation directors had plenty to say on this topic, on condition of anonymity, that is. One knew of children dropping out of school and afraid to leave the house after relatives were abruptly deported. The families stay quiet because they don’t want to be targeted. Another has children no longer riding the school bus because parents are fearful of ICE.

They still attend school, if their parents can drive them (not all can).

One transportation director, whose district’s policy is for employees to not surrender children to ICE agents, told me his district’s attorneys were unable to answer the following question he posed to them: “Are you making it a job requirement of my bus drivers to defy ICE agents and risk being taken away, themselves? Because some of them have kids at home who’re depending on them.”

I looked steadily, uncomfortably, into my colleague’s eyes. “We’re in uncharted territory,” he told me.

I found that staff with ESBs can be all over the map on how engaged they are with them. One transportation director had received his first two ESBs, but no idea whether he had Level 2 or Level 3 charging. Tracking your charging saves much money, as noted by Bobby Stafford, Anthony Ashley and Craig Beaver in the session, “What You Need To Know About Working With Your Utility.”

Beaver, administrator of transportation at Beaverton School District near Portland, Oregon, was STN’s Transportation Director of the Year in 2024. He reported that when he moved his ESBs from peak charging to off-peak charging, his monthly electricity bills went from $50,000 to $60,000 per month to $30,000 per month.

He advocated for vehicle to building (V2B) as opposed to vehicle to grid (V2G). He cited MOVER (Microgrid Opportunities: Vehicles Enhancing Resiliency) project (disclosure: I am among the partners in this project) in Hood River, Oregon. Beaver sees V2G as needing more time to develop. The most successful V2G program is run by Zum for Oakland Unified School District in California. Zum reports 75 ESBs are discharging 2.1 gigawatts back into the Pacific Gas and Electric grid annually, enough to power 300 homes for a year.

In contrast to the Zum V2G project, V2B projects would be under local control. Beaver is building a microgrid with Portland General Electric, his utility, that he reported has been excellent to work with. Ashley, the director of fleet for Atlanta Public Schools, reported a “less flowery experience” with Georgia Electric He advised his peers to do their research before signing a contract with their utility.

Beaver floated the idea of a Fire Relief Center for his microgrid, fueled in part by his ESBs. Heat is by far the most fatal form of extreme weather, and children are more vulnerable to extreme heat than adults. My Tedx talk on ESBs dramatizes a heat-dome scenario in which ESBs discharge energy into a community resilience center, cooling people in an outage, potentially saving lives.

Reno itself was just named the fastest warming city in the U.S. for the second year in a row. Were you out there, sweating along with me at the Ride and Drive? Can you imagine the air conditioning at the Reno conference failing for even a day? I suggest we start to imagine it. Power outages are growing nationwide as temperatures keep rising, energy loads keep growing, and the aging electric grid falters.

I do not sell ESBs or push them on anyone. I think keeping kids in school, safely learning and growing, is our core mission. I do suggest that accessing the motherlode of energy housed in our nation’s 5,000 electric school buses is a good additional mission, in our increasingly hot, anxious, energy-hungry country.

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Alison Wiley is a transportation electrification professional who helps bus fleets make the transition from diesel to electric. She produces the the Electric School Bus Newsletter and gave a TedTalk last year that advocates for the use of electric school buses as a tool of equity and inclusion. She is based in Portland, Oregon.

The post STN EXPO West and Uncharted Territory appeared first on School Transportation News.

Following months of rumors, General Motors and Hyundai have officially announced plans for five co-developed vehicles. However, many of them are destined for Central and South America.

The companies were tight-lipped on specifics, but confirm plans for a compact car, a compact crossover, and a compact truck. There will also be a mid-size pickup, whose development will be led by GM. Hyundai will take the lead for the remaining vehicles and all of them will have the “flexibility to use either internal combustion or hybrid propulsion systems.”

More: GM And Hyundai Want To Make Cars Together, Sign Agreement To Explore Opportunities

The only model for North America is an electric commercial van. Rumors have suggested GM could get a version of the Hyundai ST1 or Kia PV5 to serve as a successor to the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana.

If everything goes according to plan, the companies could sell more than 800,000 co-developed vehicles annually. The automakers added that while the vehicles will have a lot in common, each version will have “unique interiors and exteriors consistent with their respective brands.”

Design and development is already underway, and models built for Central and South America will be launched in 2028. The commercial van could arrive as early as 2028 and will be built in America.

Aside from new models, the companies are planning “joint sourcing initiatives in North and South America for materials, transport, and logistics.” They’re also eyeing other areas of collaboration including on raw materials, components, low-carbon emissions steel, and “complex systems.”

Hyundai CEO José Muñoz said the “strategic collaboration with GM will help us continue to deliver value and choice to our customers across multiple vehicle segments and markets. Our combined scale in North and South America helps us to more efficiently provide our customers more of what they want – beautifully designed, high-quality, safety focused vehicles with technology they appreciate.”

Those sentiments were echoed by GM senior vice president Shilpan Amin, who said “By partnering together, GM and Hyundai will bring more choice to our customers faster, and at lower cost. These first co-developed vehicles clearly demonstrate how GM and Hyundai will leverage our complementary strengths and combined scale.”

In a glorified blog post, Amin said the commercial van will be a “smaller sibling” to the Chevrolet BrightDrop EVs. He added the partnership makes a lot of sense as the companies can reduce costs, streamline manufacturing, and launch new vehicles faster by teaming up.

Amin went on to say the collaboration will enable GM to broaden their lineup. This is a not so subtle hint that going alone on an electric commercial van wouldn’t make much sense, especially after BrightDrop’s dismal failure.

Of course, GM is no stranger to van collaborations as the company used to offer the Chevrolet City Express. It was a rebadged Nissan NV200, which saw lackluster demand and was discontinued in 2018.

The school bus is evolving. With the integration of AI, data analytics and adaptive learning technologies, school buses are no longer vehicles for student transport alone they’re becoming smart and connected learning environments.

By reimagining school transportation operations, school districts can enhance safety, drive operational efficiency and engage their communities in new and meaningful ways.

Imagine a school bus that adapts to traffic in real time, monitors student behavior for safety, connects students to personalized learning content via Wi-Fi and provides
predictive insights to transportation directors and their teams. This is no longer science fiction it’s the new direction school transportation is headed, powered by AI.

Today’s cutting-edge tools are creating a more intelligent, impactful ride. AI-enabled routing software analyzes traffic, weather, construction and student addresses to create the most time and fuel efficient routes. The integration of onboard tablets allows for turn-by-turn directions and student manifests. These systems adapt in real time, helping buses avoid delays and improve on-time performance, while also helping to cut fuel use, reduce emissions and improve operational costs.

Onboard video systems on school buses aren’t new, but the use of AI software is. Most video systems offer software to help enhance detection of unsafe behavior like bullying or fights. Real-time alerts allow quick intervention to potentially prevent a situation from escalating. Looking at specific areas of interest on the school bus is a real need, and this can be done with enhanced software tools. Hours of recorded video footage and making time to review it effectively is an overwhelming task. But AI software could help tackle this challenge sooner than you realize.

Student tracking and parent communication is mission critical in a modern school transportation system. Parents and school officials are notified instantly when a student boards or exits the bus, bolstering both accountability and peace of mind.

Personalized onboard learning is more important than ever thanks to Wi-Fi. School districts can offer a variety of online learning platforms on mobile devices during school bus commute, turning down time into a valuable part of the learning day. Keep in mind the E-Rate funding for this technology is still available. I’d recommend taking action today to secure it. We don’t know what the future holds for the federal program.

Other connected technology solutions include predictive maintenance and vehicle health paired with AI. This technology can forecast mechanical issues before they become costly failures. Fleet managers receive alerts about maintenance needs, from brake wear to battery life, allowing for proactive servicing. Solution benefits included reduced breakdowns, extended vehicle lifespan and lower overall maintenance costs.

AI-assisted advanced driver systems (ADAS) is the future already realized. ADAS alerts drivers about lane departures, hard braking or following distances, helping reduce crashes. Additionally, AI-generated reports help with training and performance reviews. Fewer crashes mean fewer insurance claims. The other outcomes could be improved driver retention, safer driving habits and reduced stress.

Fleets should consider utilizing more data-driven decision making in their operations. AI platforms collect and analyze transportation data to identify trends, inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Dashboards visualize everything from ridership to route efficiency to behavior incidents, helping administrators make informed decisions. Improved operations, better budgeting and resource allocation allow for stronger alignment with academic goals.

By leveraging AI and emerging technologies, school districts are turning the daily commute into a strategic asset.

As technology adoption increases, data security is also vital. IT departments are now highly involved with technology purchasing for school transportation. As a result, IT professionals are requesting secured storage and enterprise level software solutions due to the increased issue of school data breaches. These types of solutions are significantly more expensive than the traditional lower budget solutions we are accustomed to.

The road to and from school can be a dynamic, data-rich, student-focused part of the educational journey. This transformation goes beyond efficiency it enhances student safety, supports learning and empowers transportation teams with the tools they need to succeed. This is a future to get excited about!

Editor’s Note: Reprinted from the July 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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Related: Not So Fast: Technology Eyes Speed Reduction in School Buses
Related: Technology Adoption, Utilization Panel Discussion Planned for STN EXPO West
Related: (STN Podcast E266) Recap STN EXPO West: It All Comes Back To Safety & Training
Related: School Bus Wi-Fi in Flux?

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ADROIT Advanced Technologies, a leading alternative student transportation company, today celebrated a new partnership with Motive, the AI-powered Integrated Operations Platform. ADROIT partners with school districts to provide accessible transportation for special needs students who require accommodations or live outside standard bus routes. Now, through this partnership, ADROIT will equip its vehicles with Motive’s industry-leading AI-powered fleet safety cameras, strengthening visibility, accountability, and protection for special needs students, drivers, and school districts.

The partnership follows a successful three-month pilot program of Motive and other leading competitors’ AI dashcams in Massachusetts and Arizona to ensure ADROIT was selecting the most accurate and effective safety solution. ADROIT selected Motive for its real-time safety alerts, on-demand trip footage, and 24/7 support, all key capabilities and services for providing more visibility into vehicle activity and meeting school district requirements.

ADROIT is now expanding the availability of Motive’s Vehicle Gateways and AI Dashcams to support all customers nationwide. Motive will help ADROIT meet operational and compliance standards while improving communication, reducing accidents, and giving parents and schools greater peace of mind.

“Safety is at the heart of our commitment to the education communities we serve,” said Ryan King, Vice President of Operations for ADROIT. “We’re proud to announce our new partnership with Motive to offer AI-powered fleet safety cameras and vehicle reporting to provide more transparency to families, drivers, and school districts. The platform is designed not only to support our drivers and passengers today, but well into the future.”

“Creating safer roads for students and drivers with accurate AI is one of the most meaningful ways we can make an impact with Motive,” said Abhishek Gupta, Senior Vice President of Product Management at Motive. “We’re proud to support ADROIT’s goal of modernizing student transportation with smarter technology that reduces risk and enhances the safety, productivity, and impact of their operations.”

ADROIT supplements schools’ existing fleets by conducting comprehensive background checks and requiring certified, wheelchair-accessible vehicles. To date, ADROIT has safely transported students more than 3 million miles.

Learn more about ADROIT’s services here and Motive’s Driver Safety Solution here.

About ADROIT Advanced Technologies: ADROIT Advanced Technologies, part of the Beacon Mobility family, was founded in 2017 on the premise that school transportation needs to be as varied and unique as the students and districts it serves. For five years, ADROIT has successfully complemented school transportation in communities in California, and Arizona with recent expansion into Wisconsin, Missouri, and Texas. Their unique model of ensuring their carefully vetted drivers are partnered with children based on their unique needs and IEPs ensures a transportation solution that perfectly serves parents, children, school districts, and communities. To learn more, visit: https://www.goadroit.com. To learn more about Beacon Mobility, visit: https://gobeacon.com/

About Motive: Motive empowers the people who run physical operations with tools to make their work safer, more productive, and more profitable. For the first time, safety, operations, and finance teams can manage their workers, vehicles, equipment, and fleet-related spend in a single system. Motive serves more than 100,000 customers from small businesses to Fortune 500 enterprises such as KONE, Komatsu, NBC Universal, and Maersk across a wide range of industries including transportation and logistics, construction, energy, field service, manufacturing, agriculture, food and beverage, retail, waste services, and the public sector. Visit gomotive.com to learn more.

The post Special Transportation Provider ADROIT Taps Motive to Strengthen Student Safety and Support Drivers Behind the Wheel appeared first on School Transportation News.

As the federal electric vehicle tax credit approaches its end, some buyers are moving quickly to take advantage of it. They’ve made that clear in a recent swelling of purchases for the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The retro-futuristic hatchback just saw a gigantic boost in sales during July. In fact, the brand had a great month overall.

More: Porsche Fast-Tracks New Compact SUV With Gas And Hybrid Power

When we say a huge boost, we’re talking about a 70 percent jump in sales compared to July of 2024. 5,818 people bought an Ioniq 5 in July of 2025. In other words, Hyundai sold almost eight (7.8) of them for every hour of every day of the month, nonstop. For the year, the Ioniq 5 is up 12 percent. Hyundai itself is up 11 percent this year, but let’s break that down further.

Mixed Results Across the Lineup

Most models are either up or down by two digits. For example, in the first seven months of the year, the Santa Cruz and Kona are down 20 and 13 percent, respectively. Their downturns aren’t enough to snuff out the success of other badges, though. The Venue is up 14 percent year over year. The Palisade was up 53 percent in July and is up 13 percent for the year. Both are dwarfed in total sales by the Tucson, which is up 20 percent for the year with 129,716 sales.

“Hyundai delivered an outstanding July, setting an all-time July total sales record with 79,543 units, up 15% year-over-year,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America.

HYUNDAI US SALES

“We achieved new records across multiple nameplates, including Elantra HEV, Elantra N, Santa Fe HEV, Palisade, IONIQ 5, and the Santa Fe family, while electrified vehicle sales surged 50% compared to last year. Retail sales climbed 18%, highlighted by strong demand for Santa Fe and Palisade, and a 71% jump in IONIQ 5 retail sales. These results reflect Hyundai’s momentum in sustainable mobility and our ability to deliver an innovative lineup that continues to resonate with customers.”

Interestingly, the Ioniq 5 is a real outlier among the family. It’s the only EV under the Hyundai Motor Group to be outpacing sales when compared to 2024. Technically, the Ioniq 9 is also, but that’s only because it wasn’t on sale last year. That said, the Ioniq 6, Kia EV9, and Kia EV6 are all struggling to match the sales figures they saw in 2024. 

Electric vehicles don’t drive around with half a bathtub worth of flammable liquid slung beneath the rear seat, but it seems they’re even more likely to present a fire risk. The latest automaker to issue a fire-related recall is Hyundai, which is telling some of its EV owners not to park near other cars or buildings until they’ve had some important repair work done to their cars.

Also: Hyundai’s Fastest Electric Sedan Can Drift And Snarl Like A Gas Car While Hitting 62 In 3.2

The advice – which is easier said than done for people who live anywhere near civilization – applies only to a small number of owners of MY25 Ioniq 5s. Hyundai estimates 10 of the EVs are equipped with batteries whose bus bars weren’t correctly tightened, leading to a risk of a short circuit which could in turn cause a fire.

What Went Wrong

A busbar is a metal strip, usually made from copper or aluminum, that connects the individual cells that make up a battery pack. A neat description from Ennvoi says the battery is the heart of an EV and the busbars are the blood vessels that send electrical current through the car’s various systems.

Hyundai believes a torque tool controller belonging to the Battery System Assembly (BSA) supplier failed, resulting in some bus bars being insufficiently tightened. The error was discovered a routine inspection of battery packs and an audit revealed some of those dodgy batteries has already made their way into delivered cars.

Although no accidents or fires have yet been reported, Hyundai cautions that over time the bus bar retaining bolts could work loose and cause an electrical arcing inside the battery pack. It could also trigger a voltage sensing error that would send the EV into limp mode.

What Affected Owners Should Do

Those 10 rogue Ioniq 5s will need to head back to a dealership to have their bus bar bolts tightened. Hyundai says owners can continue driving until they get the fix, but recommends they think carefully about where they park between now and when they get the all-clear.

Kia has introduced a slew of affordable electric vehicles including the EV3 and EV4. The company has also shown an EV2 concept, which is headed for production.

Hyundai, on the other hand, has been focused on larger and more expensive vehicles such as the Ioniq 6 N and the Ioniq 9. However, an affordable model is on the way as spy photographers have caught what is believed to be the Ioniq 2.

More: Kia EV2 Spied As An Affordable Electric Box

The prototype is heavily disguised, but appears to be roughly the same size as the EV2. Despite the similarities, the Kia is positioned as a crossover while the Ioniq 2 is a more traditional hatchback. It sports an upright front fascia with a wide lower intake. They’re joined by an angular sensor and what appears to be slender lighting units.

The profile screams hatchback and the car features a gently sloping roof. We can also see a compact greenhouse as there’s a curvaceous sweeping beltline, which is contrasted by angular upper window frames. Hyundai also gave the prototype a set of modestly sized wheels, which are wrapped in Hankook iON GT rubber. These are summer tires designed specifically for compact electric vehicles.

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The rear end isn’t as tall as the camouflage suggests, but it appears the Ioniq 2 will have an upright rump with a relatively plain bumper. We can also get a glimpse of LED taillights and an angular rear window.

Little is known about the car at this point, but it will presumably have a lot in common with the EV2 as well as the EV3. This means it should ride on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and have a 58.3 kWh battery pack. They could be joined by a front-mounted motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS).

shproshots

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared his view of the promise and peril of advanced artificial intelligence at a Federal Reserve conference in Washington, D.C. on July 22, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

For as much promise as artificial intelligence shows in making life better, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is worried.

The tech leader who has done so much to develop AI and make it accessible to the public says the technology could have life-altering effects on nearly everything, particularly if deployed by the wrong hands.

There’s a possible world in which foreign adversaries could use AI to design a bio weapon to take down the power grid, or break into financial institutions and steal wealth from Americans, he said. It’s hard to imagine without superhuman intelligence, but it becomes “very possible,” with it, he said.

“Because we don’t have that, we can’t defend against it,” Altman said at a Federal Reserve conference this week in Washington, D.C. “We continue to like, flash the warning lights on this. I think the world is not taking us seriously. I don’t know what else we can do there, but it’s like, this is a very big thing coming.”

Altman joined the conference Tuesday to speak about AI’s role in the financial sector, but also spoke about how it is changing the workforce and innovation. The growth of AI in the last five years has surprised even him, Altman said.

He acknowledged real fear that the technology has potential to grow beyond the capabilities that humans prompt it for, but said the time and productivity savings have been undeniable. 

OpenAI’s most well-known product, ChatGPT, was released to the public in November 2022, and its current model, GPT-4o, has evolved. Last week, the company had a model that achieved “gold-level performance,” akin to operating as well as humans that are true experts in their field, Altman said.

Many have likened the introduction of AI to the invention of the internet, changing so much of our day-to-day lives and workplaces. But Altman instead compared it to the transistor, a foundational piece of hardware invented in the 1940s that allowed electricity to flow through devices.

“It changed what we were able to build. It became part of, kind of, everything pretty quickly,” Altman said. “And in the same way, I don’t think you’ll be talking about AI companies for very long, you will just expect products and services to use this technology.”

When prompted by the Federal Reserve’s Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman to predict how AI will continue to evolve the workforce, Altman said he couldn’t make specific predictions.

“There are cases where entire classes of jobs will go away,” Altman said. “There are entirely new classes of jobs that will come and largely, I think this will look somewhat like most of history, and that the tools people have to use their jobs will let them do more, achieve things in new ways.” 

One of the unexpected upsides to the rollout of GPT has been how much it is used by small businesses, Altman said. He shared a story of an Uber driver who told him he was using ChatGPT for legal consultations, customer support, marketing decisions and more.

“It was not like he was taking jobs from other people. His business just would have failed,” Altman said. “He couldn’t pay for the lawyers. He couldn’t pay for the customer support people.”

Altman said he was surprised that the financial industry was one of the first to begin integrating GPT models into their work because it is highly regulated, but some of their earliest enterprise partners have been financial institutions like Morgan Stanley. The company is now increasingly working with the government, which has its own standards and procurement process for AI, to roll out OpenAI services to its employees.

Altman acknowledged the risks AI poses in these regulated institutions, and with the models themselves. Financial services are facing a fraud problem, and AI is only making it worse — it’s easier than ever to fake voice or likeness authentication, Altman said.

AI decisionmaking in financial and other industries presents data privacy concerns and potential for discrimination. Altman said GPT’s model is “steerable,” in that you can tell it to not consider factors like race or sex in making a decision, and that much of the bias in AI comes from the humans themselves.

“I think AIs are dispassionate and unemotional,” Altman said. “And I think it’ll be possible for AI — correctly built — to be a significant de-biasing force in many industries, and I think that’s not what many people thought, including myself, with the way we used to do AI.”

As much as Altman touted GPT and other AI models’ ability to increase productivity and save humans time, he also spoke about his concerns.

He said that though it’s been greatly improved in more recent models, AI hallucinations, or models that produce inaccurate or made-up outputs, are possible. He also spoke of a newer concept called prompt injections, the idea that a model that has learned personal information can be tricked into telling a user something they shouldn’t know.

In addition to the threat of foreign adversaries using AI for harm, Altman said he has two other major concerns for the evolution of AI. It feels very unlikely, he said, but “loss of control,” or the idea that AI overpowers humans, is possible.

What concerns him the most is the idea that models could get so integrated into society and get so smart that humans become reliant on them without realizing.

“And even without a drop of malevolence from anyone, society can just veer in a sort of strange direction,” he said.

There are mild cases of this happening, Altman said, like young people overrelying on ChatGPT make emotional, life-altering decisions for them.

“We’re studying that. We’re trying to understand what to do about it,” Altman said. “Even if ChatGPT gives great advice, even if chatGPT gives way better advice than any human therapist, something about kind of collectively deciding we’re going to live our lives the way that the AI tells us feels bad and dangerous.” 

American shoppers in the market for the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N could be in for some sticker shock if reports about prices in Korea prove to be accurate. While some had hoped it would offer a competitive alternative to the Tesla Model 3 Performance, early pricing leaks suggest it might land in a different tier altogether. Instead of undercutting the competition, the Ioniq 6 N may be priced more in line with Hyundai’s existing performance EV, the Ioniq 5 N.

Read: Hyundai’s Fastest Electric Sedan Can Drift And Snarl Like A Gas Car While Hitting 62 In 3.2

According to recent reports, the Ioniq 6 N is expected to start at around 77 million won in South Korea, the equivalent of around $55,000. Sounds just about perfect, right? Well, the Ioniq 5 N also sells for 77 million won in Korea, but its price has been jacked up to $67,800 in the United States. If this rumor is true, that means the Ioniq 6 N may also start at around $68,000 when it lands stateside.

Expectations Versus Reality

That would come as somewhat of a surprise, given that the entry-level Ioniq 6 is almost $5,000 cheaper than the base Ioniq 5 in the US. Some had assumed this meant the Ioniq 6 N would also undercut the Ioniq 5 N, which is slightly bigger. Additionally, as the Ioniq 6 N is Hyundai’s second high-performance EV using many of the same parts as the Ioniq 5 N, one would have thought the firm would have been able to bring its costs down.

Hyundai Or Tesla?

A price tag of over $65,000 would make the Ioniq 6 N significantly more expensive than the Tesla Model 3 Performance, which starts at $54,990. Admittedly, the Ioniq 6 N has a healthy 131 hp advantage over the Tesla and is also equipped with far more driver-focused features, which should make it much more enjoyable to drive.

Interestingly, while the Hyundai has a big power advantage, the Tesla is slightly quicker off the mark, at least on paper, capable of hitting 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.1 seconds in Euro-spec, compared to the Hyundai’s 3.2 seconds.

Pricing aside, the Ioniq 6 N has the ingredients for an intoxicating EV. It features an 84 kWh battery pack and two electric motors, typically delivering 601 hp but capable of producing 641 hp with the N Grin Boost function enabled.

In an EV market overflowing with hype and hopeful startups, Faraday Future is still angling for the spotlight, even if it’s usually more about keeping the lights on than reinventing the wheel. The company may have only delivered 16 units of its FF 91 since 2023, but with fresh funding in hand and eyes still set on redefining mobility, it’s now turning attention to a new concept: a tech-laden minivan aimed at the mass market.

Backed by $105 million in newly secured funding, the electric vehicle startup has introduced the FX Super One, a minivan that leans heavily into AI integration and digital innovation.

More: Faraday Is Coming For The Model Y And Maybe The RAV4 Too

The new model debuted during a special event at Faraday Future’s headquarters in California. It’s pitched as an “affordable mass market MPV,” designed to offer a roomy, thoughtfully constructed interior with premium materials and a wide array of advanced features.

Built on Chinese Bones

Instead of being a clean-sheet design, the FX Super One is actually based on the Wey Gaoshan minivan by the Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors. . Despite those shared underpinnings, the FX Super One comes with several Faraday-specific updates: a refreshed front-end design, black trim, 20-inch alloy wheels, and, perhaps most notably, a new AI-powered digital grille.

This grille houses what the company calls the Front AI Communication Ecosystem, or F.A.C.E., a system that goes beyond displaying emojis or motivational messages. When the vehicle is parked, F.A.C.E. can interact with passengers through voice recognition, visual cues, and even reactive communication, offering something akin to a conversational co-pilot. For those who prefer a more conventional look, a traditional grille will also be offered.

At the core of all this interactivity is Faraday Future’s proprietary EAI Embodied Intelligence AI Agent 6×4 Architecture. This system manages everything from the digital grille to infotainment controls, voice-command features, and the vehicle’s suite of advanced driver assistance systems.

Tech, Comfort, and Customization

Moving to the interior, the FX Super One will be offered in four-, six-, or seven-seat configurations across two or three rows. The four-seat version, called the GOAT Edition, adds several luxury upgrades, including a retractable panoramic display, Dolby Atmos sound system, and Faraday’s upgraded Super AP platform. Comfort gets particular attention here, with zero-gravity seating and leather-like materials designed for long-haul relaxation.

Under the surface, the minivan uses a high-strength steel frame that likely traces back to the Wey Gaoshan, though it’s been adapted to Faraday’s electric-first approach. Initially, the FX Super One will launch with a fully electric powertrain featuring dual electric motors and standard all-wheel drive. Later, it will be joined by what Faraday calls an “AI Hybrid Extended Range” variant, which appears to follow the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) formula.

Gunning For The Escalade

The stretched version of its minivan twin from Great Wall measures 5,405 mm (212.8 inches) long, and has a wheelbase of 3,275 mm (128.9 inches). That puts it right against full-size SUVs including the Cadillac Escalade which was mentioned as a key rival, even though it has “less interior room, no sliding doors, and no AI integration”.

More: Buick Sub Brand’s Secret Weapon Just Landed But It’s Not Coming To America

The target audience of the FX Super One includes celebrities and starts, visionaries and hard-working professional, but also regular family users. Among the user experience scenarios highlighted in the presentation is a star’s visit to a red carpet, a mobile livestream studio, a vehicle for elite athletes, a mobile AI office or private clubhouse, a golfer’s car, a mobile mansion, and a glamper’s car.

If everything goes according to plan, and that’s a big if, the FX Super One will roll out in early 2026. The model will be assembled at the Faraday Future plant in Hanford, California, allegedly using 50% locally-sourced parts. Faraday Future didn’t reveal pricing but is already accepting pre-orders for a refundable deposit of $100.

The FX Super One is not the only new model coming by Faraday Future. The company has announced the FX 4 which is believed to be an affordable Tesla Model Y competitor, the FX 5 large-space sporty AIEV, and the FX 6 large family vehicle.

RENO, Nev. — Innovator of the Year Gaurav Sharda expressed his gratitude when he accepted the award Sunday morning during the opening session at STN EXPO West.

Sharda joined Beacon Mobility as the vice president of HR technology in October 2021 and currently serves as chief technology officer. But his technological and human resources background far exceeds his time at Beacon. He grew up in India, receiving his bachelor’s degree in engineering, electronics and communications before moving to the U.S. in 2009. He then obtained a master’s degree in computer engineering at the University of Iowa.

When looking at award nominations, STN President and Publisher Tony Corpin said the selection process is not taken lightly and the individuals selected embody the spirit of the award. The Innovator of the Year award, presented in conjunction with the National School Transportation Association, looks at a broad spectrum of “amazing” individuals who represent school transportation, safety, innovation, thought leadership and people.

“It’s a people business,” he said, adding that when selecting the winner, nominations are graded based on how the individual is looking out for the students and how to benefit students and the communities that they serve.

“This individual is without a doubt one of the most humble, generous, forward-thinking, people-centric individuals that I’ve met,” Corpin shared. “He has taken some of the things at Beacon Mobility and really made it integrate with partners using AI and technology and created an app that allows the drivers to communicate within the ecosystem.”

He noted that Beacon Mobility CEO Judith Crawford had nominated Sharda. “And after we saw him, we thought, ‘Wow, what an amazing individual.’’

Sharda noted when accepting the award that it was such a humbling moment. He thanked members of STN, NSTA and individuals on his team who were part of the journey.

“I’ve learned a lot from everybody and the entire Beacon Mobility team,” he told the STN EXPO West attendees. “I’ve got a few people supporting today here, and just doing things to serve our drivers or serve our customers and create the best experience for all the riders we serve on a daily basis.

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“It’s been an exciting journey, a very humbling journey, and learning with each passing day,” he continued, adding that it wouldn’t have been possible without support from vendor partners.

He said that he is very grateful for all the people who have gone along for the journey, and noted this is just the beginning of what’s possible in terms of AI and technology.

“We are in the infancy stages,” he said. “I think we can do a lot more for our drivers, for our buses, for our customers, the riders and special needs. It’s a big part of their day, their lives, and we want to use technology to create the best rider experience and provide a caring, reliable and connected experience.”

Read more about Sharda in the July issue of School Transportation News and listen to his STN podcast interview.

The post Sharda Presented with Innovator of the Year Award at STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

Electric cars have come a long way from being just quiet, efficient commuters. Today, some of them are pushing deep into enthusiast territory, proving that performance doesn’t have to rely on combustion. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a prime example, showing that an EV can be engaging, fun to drive, and tailored to those who love driving for its own sake.

Still, there’s a certain kind of mechanical involvement, like shifting your own gears, that even the best EVs can’t fully replicate. That point seems to be completely lost on Hyundai’s European technical chief, Tyrone Johnson.

Read: We Drove Hyundai’s Last i20 N And It’s The Hot Hatch You’ll Wish You Bought

In a recent interview, Johnson said that for those wanting to go fast, there’s nothing better than an EV, and he knows a thing or two about performance cars. Before joining Hyundai in 2018, he had worked at Ford for 33 years and, at one stage, was the chief engineer for Ford’s RS cars, including the Focus RS. That happened to be one of the finest hot hatches of the last decade, but the industry has undergone significant changes since then.

Manual Holdouts Still Have a Case

“Nobody wants manual gearboxes and handbrakes anymore, or analogue instruments,” Johnson told Car Magazine. After living with the 2025 Toyota GR Yaris, complete with a six-speed manual and a traditional handbrake, we’d beg to differ. Hyundai also continues to sell the i20 N and i30 N/Elantra N with stick shifts, so clearly, some people still want a manual.

Johnson did concede that certain sensory cues, like vibrations and engine noise, help drivers stay in tune with the car.

“I can understand that some people want to have the sounds, vibrations, things like that,” he acknowledged. “Those sensory inputs help the human brain understand what’s going on in a car.” It’s for these reasons that Hyundai added things like a faux combustion soundtrack to the Ioniq 5 N, as well as an artificial transmission.

As for the nostalgia or more traditional performance cars? Johnson doesn’t understand it.

“I’m a performance guy,” he said. “I did the first Mustang Shelby [the 1992 SVT Mustang]. I don’t understand the idea that performance cars are dying. If you want to go fast, there’s nothing better than an EV. I don’t understand the nostalgia.”

He even went so far as to say that most current performance cars are “a disappointment” compared to the Ioniq 5 N.

It’s easy to understand where Johnson is coming from. After all, software is allowing car manufacturers to add features that improve the driving experience, and this will be on full display with the new Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. But, if given the choice between driving an Ioniq 5 N or a six-speed Elantra N up a mountain road, we’d probably still opt for the Elantra.

In just a few years, Hyundai has built an impressive lineup of electric vehicles that rivals, and in some cases surpasses, what many long-established automakers have brought to market. With options ranging from the retro-styled Ioniq 5 to the spacious new seven-seat Ioniq 9 and the compact Niro EV, Hyundai is covering a lot of ground. And the brand isn’t slowing down, as another electric model is on the way.

Read: New Hyundai Inster Is A Tiny Electric Crossover For The Masses

This upcoming addition will slot in above Hyundai’s Inster, the battery-powered version of the compact Casper. While the Inster’s charm lies in its tiny footprint, it may be a bit too small for some buyers. That’s where this new model fits in.

A new report points to a debut in concept form at the Munich Motor Show this September. The vehicle is expected to land between the Inster and the Kona in terms of size, aligning closely with the Bayon, which is currently offered in European markets.

Few details are known about the new model at this stage. However, Auto News speculates that it could be dubbed the Ioniq 2 if it is to use the automaker’s well-established E-GMP platform. Styling remains a mystery, but regardless of what the concept looks like, recent Hyundai history suggests that the eventual production model should resemble it closely.

New Tesla-Like Infotainment System

One of the more significant updates is expected inside the cabin. This SUV is likely to be the first Hyundai equipped with the new Pleos Connect infotainment system. Unveiled earlier this year, Pleos Connect is based on Android Automotive and features a large, freestanding touchscreen mounted at the center of the dashboard. It’s a layout that recalls Tesla’s approach and echoes what’s becoming common in many Chinese EVs.

This new setup could prove controversial. Most current Hyundais feature sleek digital instrument clusters and infotainment systems, sometimes housed within a single curved display. While tablet-like displays often have great functionality, they’re not particularly appealing to the eye.

Shared Roots with Kia

0Underneath, the new model is expected to share much of its architecture with the forthcoming Kia EV2. That vehicle will ride on a shortened version of the E-GMP platform and be offered with a single electric motor. If Hyundai follows a similar path, it could help keep costs manageable while still delivering competitive performance in the growing sub-compact and compact EV segments.

Meet the 2025 Innovator of the Year, Gaurav Sharda! As the chief technology officer of Beacon Mobility, Sharda is approaching innovation with a people-focused and technology based mindset to create positive outcomes for the industry. Read more about Sharda’s story as well as contracting focused features on the future of AI, safety in alternative transportation, NCST resolutions, and guidance for non-yellow school bus transportation.

Read the full July 2025 issue.

Cover Story

‘Here to Serve’ People With Technology
Gaurav Sharda of Beacon Mobility, STN’s Innovator of the Year, focuses on developing AI-based and people-principled technology designed to make easier the jobs of transportation end-users.

Features

Ensuring Student Safety, No Matter the Vehicle
Alternative transportation vehicles are ingrained in student transportation operations, as the recent National Congress on School Transportation proved. Several service providers weigh in on how they are meeting recommended safety measures.

Leadership Perspectives on the Future of AI
Executives with the leading school bus contractors in North America discuss their thoughts on artificial intelligence and the impact on their operations as well as the students, parents and school districts they serve.

Special Reports

Does Safety Save Money?
With insurance costs skyrocketing, technology like video cameras and telematics combined with driver training are tools to help student transporters mitigate their liability.

Q&A: Historic Endeavor
Tyler Bryan, the National Congress on School Transportation alternative transportation committee chair, discusses the importance of the newest addition to national specifications and procedures and breaks down the process for creating the proposals from scratch.

Feedback
Online
Ad Index

Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
Securing Industry Wins

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Smart Buses, Smarter Outcomes

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