Hyundai pulled the wraps off the second-generation Kona in December 2022, but rather than settle for a mid-cycle nip and tuck, the automaker is preparing a more thorough redesign for 2027. After earlier runs of camouflaged prototypes, the new Kona has now turned up completely undisguised in Korea, and the exposed sheetmetal reveals a taller, more upright stance than the car it replaces.

The styling is only part of the story here, as reports suggest Hyundai wants to fold the Kona and Creta lines into a single global model, a logical move given their size and where each sits in the market. There’s also talk that the SUV’s underpinnings could be shared with the next Chevrolet Tracker, the product of an agreement struck with General Motors.

More: Redesigned Hyundai Tucson Spied Alongside The Current Model

The photos making the rounds on social media, including a set posted by @EWVexillary, point to a Kona that borrows the rugged cues from the Crater concept. At the same time, the cleaner surfacing pulls it visually closer to the Ioniq EV family, splitting the difference between off-road attitude and electric-era modernity.

Mature Styling

The front end keeps the split-headlight arrangement of the previous generations, though the main units are much smaller now and the full-LED bar runs thicker than before. Below sits a sculpted bumper with smaller intakes and what looks like a covered grille.

More: Hyundai’s Popular Three-Row SUV Is Going Under The Knife

The profile is defined by what’s gone, namely the unpainted plastic cladding, which lends the car a more modern stance. A subtle two-tone treatment reinforces the effect, pairing gray pillars against matte silver bodywork. The flanks trade the diagonal creases of the outgoing model for cleaner surfacing, and the greenhouse is entirely new, its straight belt line running back to a more upright tail.

Dimensions haven’t been confirmed, but the SUV could grow, following the lead of the mechanically related Kia Seltos, which stretches to 4,430 mm (174.4 inches) long. By comparison, the current Hyundai Creta measures 4,330 mm (170.5 in), and the Kona is slightly longer at 4,350 mm (171.3 in).

Hyundai Kona 2027
Tamamen sızdı .

Segment büyüdü stil Ioniq ‘leşti.
Pleos gelecek https://t.co/tXX8fNP2po pic.twitter.com/TNuBdBLW6e

— Elvis Will Vexillary 🔋 (@EWVexillary) July 21, 2026

A further increase in size could help the Kona cement its position between the subcompact and compact SUV segments in Europe, bridging the gap between the smaller Bayon and the larger Tucson. Rivals will include the likes of the VW T-Roc, the Toyota C-HR, the Honda HR-V, and the Mazda CX-30.

New Tech Inside

Inside, the crossover will most likely gain a digital cockpit with larger screens, following the lead of the Ioniq 3. Those run on the new Hyundai Pleos Connect infotainment, built on Google’s Android. Hyundai isn’t ditching buttons either, keeping physical controls for the functions that matter. Practicality should improve too, with a slightly larger footprint freeing up more room for passengers and their bags.

More: Hyundai Strips The New Ioniq 3 Down To Its Cleaner, Cheaper Self

Depending on the market, the powertrain range may include a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, a turbocharged 1.6-liter, and a self-charging hybrid 1.6-liter in FWD and AWD forms. Hyundai might also keep the fully electric variant around and potentially add a range-extender setup.

The unified third-generation Kona and Creta is expected to make its formal global debut within the next few months, likely as a 2027 model.

Baldauf

Less than a month after the all-new BMW X5 premiered, long-wheelbase versions of it and the electric iX5 have arrived in China, and beyond the added length you would struggle to spot anything separating them from the X5s headed to Western markets.

The stretch comes from reworked underpinnings, giving the Chinese models a wheelbase 5.1 inches (130 mm) longer and pushing the gap between the axles to 124.6 inches (3,165 mm). To put that into perspective, the larger X7 sold globally measures 122.2 inches (3,105 mm) between its wheels, so anyone who plans to spend more time in the back seat than behind the wheel might find this X5 the smarter buy.

Read: BMW’s X5 Will Remind You Of Musk Every Time You Turn On The Lights

When BMW rolled out the domestic long-wheelbase versions of the new i3 and iX3 earlier this year, it dropped the pop-out door handles used on those models globally, switching to flap-style handles to satisfy Chinese regulations. The X5 L and iX5 L needed no such fix, keeping the handle tabs built into the pillars, an approach shared with the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Chinese Autonomy

Perhaps the biggest change related to the driver-assistance systems. It runs software from Chinese company Momenta, using locally trained end-to-end artificial intelligence and providing ‘address-to-address driver assistance.’ While it does not include a LiDAR, as many new cars from China do, it’s likely to be more advanced than the system BMW offers elsewhere.  

One minor visual change made to the SUV is the presence of distinctive graphics near the Hofmeister kink and different wheel designs. As standard, the X5 L and iX5 L also feature diagonal daytime running lights, rather than the X-shaped lights of their global model. However, these units will be offered as an option. BMW’s Chinese team has also added extra light strips between the DRLs and the kidney grilles. The front bumper is also slightly less imposing.

Interior Upgrades

Several changes have been made to the cabin, making the long-wheelbase model even more luxurious than the standard model. These include new seats for the front passenger and rear occupants, and a fold-down theatre screen in the second row that supports 8K streaming and gaming. There are also different color options.

BMW has yet to publish powertrain figures for either car, but the company says the local iX5 L will cover more than 621 miles (1,000 km) between charges on the CLTC cycle.

Volkswagen’s driver assistance tech in the West has never threatened the class leaders, but in China the company plans to put Level 3 automated driving in customer cars in the second half of 2027. Level 3 means the car handles the driving within set conditions and the driver stops being the moment-to-moment backup, something no VW-badged model in Europe or North America can do today.

The German automaker is working alongside Chinese firm Horizon Robotics to make it happen. The duo operate a joint venture known as Carizon and, through a strengthened deal agreed to between the companies, Horizon’s AI foundation-model capabilities will be used to develop and accelerate the creation of an advanced new AI driving solution for VW.

Read: VW Ruled China For 25 Years, Now Young Buyers Call It Their Parents’ Car

The automaker’s unified AI driving model will be trained to handle end-to-end driving tasks and, thanks to Horizon’s technologies, better anticipate the behavior of other road users, creating a safer and more reliable system.

This driving stack will be integrated within VW’s China Electronic Architecture (CEA), its first locally developed zonal electronic and electrical architecture. This will ensure the complex automated driving functions can be added to several model lines not only in China, but also in the “Global South,” according to VW.

Carizon’s L2+ ADAS already appears in several VW models sold in China, among them the ID. Unyx 07 and ID. Unyx 06, with highway Navigate on Autopilot and memory parking. An L2++ version arrives later this year, extending Navigate on Autopilot into cities and destined for seven of VW’s new energy vehicles in the Chinese market.

“China has become one of Volkswagen Group’s key innovation and technology hubs, particularly in software, artificial intelligence and automated driving,” VW Group chief executive Oliver Blume said. “Our deepened collaboration within CARIZON further strengthens our ability to develop and scale AI-based solutions for automated driving.”

RENO, Nev. — STN EXPO West 2026 took place July 9-15 in Reno, Nevada, offering a week of professional development, leadership training, technology demonstrations and networking for student transportation professionals.

The conference began with registration, a kick-off reception and a poolside welcome event. Friday and Saturday featured specialized training on school bus inspections, active-threat response, mobility securement, reasonable suspicion and transportation supervision. The Transportation Director Summit kicked off that night with leadership discussions and an interactive session at Lake Tahoe the next day.

Main conference programming began Sunday with the Innovator of the Year Award, Green Bus Summit and Bus Technology Summit. Sessions explore alternative fuels, electric school bus infrastructure, artificial intelligence, routing, cameras, illegal passing and student safety. The day concludes with the Ride & Drive and live technology demonstrations.

Monday opened with the Peter J. Grandolfo Memorial Award of Excellence and a keynote presentation by Bruce Turkel. Breakout sessions address fleet management, communication, employee fatigue, artificial intelligence and safety technology. Attendees can later visited the “Wonderland of Ideas” Trade Show and networking reception.

Tuesday included a state-of-the-industry presentation, a leadership-focused general session with military veterans and the second day of the Trade Show. Afternoon sessions covered dispatch, budgeting, fleet operations, personnel productivity and practical uses of artificial intelligence.

The conference concluded Wednesday with an executive training session led by NAPT Hall of Fame members Dick Fischer and Pete Baxter. The session focused on safety leadership, emergency preparedness and recognizing warning signs before incidents occur.

Throughout the event, attendees connected with industry peers, explored new products and gained practical strategies for improving student transportation safety, efficiency and leadership. (Photos by Vincent Rios Creative.)

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Automakers have been introducing 2027 models on a regular basis, but Hyundai is just getting around to announcing the 2026 Ioniq 5 N. It’s better late than never as the company has confirmed it will be “more attainable than ever.”

While last year’s model began at $66,200⁠, the 2026 Ioniq 5 N has been slashed to $59,900. That’s a savings of $6,300 and Hyundai didn’t do any shady stuff with the destination fee as it remains unchanged at $1,600.

Review: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Is A Ballistic Missile That Redefines EVs

The company said the move aligns with their “broader strategy to increase N leadership by making track-ready performance and technology accessible to more driving enthusiasts.” $61,500 is far from affordable, but what do you expect for a high-performance EV with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 641 hp (478 kW / 650 PS) and 568 lb-ft (769 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.25 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 162 mph (261 km/h).

Getting back to the changes, the 2026 Ioniq 5 N adopts a new North American Charging Standard port for easier access to Tesla Superchargers. Buyers will also find CCS-to-NACS adapters as well as a newly standard Level 1 and Level 2 combination charger.

Additional changes are limited, but there’s a new Performance Blue Pearl paint job as well as a lightly revised interior with rear windows that now have an auto down/up function. Buyers will also find a Forward Attention Warning system with an interior camera as well as an upgraded N Drift Optimizer, which now features ten settings instead of one.

Battery fires rank among the worst things that can befall an everyday motorist. Kia and Hyundai have each just issued a fresh recall tied to exactly that danger. Both companies say misaligned electrodes can create an internal short and start a fire in the affected cars. The two campaigns cover just 14 vehicles in total, but every owner still needs to park outside until the problem is fixed.

Hyundai says six Ioniq 5 models from the 2023 and 2024 model years may carry high-voltage battery cells with these skewed electrodes. The automaker warns the defect could eventually spark a blaze whether the car is parked or on the move.

More: Fuel Leaks Spark Recall Of Nearly A Quarter Million Kia And Genesis Vehicles

Kia’s recall identifies the same root cause. According to documents filed with the NHTSA, the supplier, SK On Co, blames a quality deviation for the problem. The automaker says the issue affects seven 2022-2024MY EV6s and a lone 2024MY EV9 SUV.

Hyundai has not yet detailed its repair procedure. The normal NHTSA documentation isn’t viewable as of this writing, but Kia will replace the entire high-voltage battery pack with one containing properly aligned battery cells. We expect Hyundai will do the same thing given that the issue is basically identical and from the same supplier.

Until that work is completed, the automaker is instructing owners to limit charging to 80 percent and park their vehicles outdoors and away from structures as a precaution. While it’s not explicitly stated in the recall, it probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to park away from other vehicles even when outside and away from structures.

Much like the recall of nearly half a million Tellurides we reported on earlier today, dealer notification letters for this recall went out on July 6. Owner notification correspondence will go out on August 7.

A pair of environmental groups filed a lawsuit Friday in Ozaukee County Circuit Court alleging that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources skipped a required environmental review process at the request of the company that is building a massive data center in Port Washington. 

The lawsuit, filed by Midwest Environmental Advocates on behalf of the Sierra Club, alleges that the DNR backed off from requiring an environmental impact statement  after the company, Vantage, said it would “kill the project.” 

Communications between data center representatives and DNR staff, obtained by the groups through open records requests, showed Vantage complaining about the EIS requirement. The DNR ultimately conducted a more limited environmental analysis summary. 

Vantage, Oracle and OpenAI are currently constructing a $15 billion hyperscale data center in the community. The data center will cover 672 acres and in its first phase require 1.3 gigawatts of power. 

In the lawsuit, the groups argue that by not conducting the full environmental impact statement, the DNR ignored the potential impacts of the construction and operation of the massive data center on the local wetlands, water supply, air quality and energy demand. The lawsuit states that failing to conduct the full review before granting permits for the data center violates Wisconsin’s Environmental Policy Act.
“The Port Washington data center is unlike anything Wisconsin has seen before,” Elizabeth Ward, director of the Sierra Club’s Wisconsin chapter, said. “It will completely transform the local landscape, consume staggering amounts of electricity and water and significantly increase fossil fuel emissions. At a time when scientists warn that greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we cannot afford to be making long-term decisions that move us in exactly the opposite direction.”

The DNR permitting is not the only legal dispute the project is currently facing. Earlier this year, the state’s Public Service Commission instituted a tariff that outlines how data center companies must pay for the required energy use and compels them to put up a large amount of collateral for necessary infrastructure improvements. The tariff is designed to insulate regular Wisconsinites from seeing their energy bills increase or being left to cover the costs of massive upgrades to the grid if a company fails or abandons the project. 

Oracle has argued it doesn’t have enough funds to meet the collateral requirements and appealed to the PSC to reconsider. This week, the PSC declined that appeal, setting up a legal battle over the tariff. 

A DNR spokesperson said the agency couldn’t comment on active litigation.

The new electric Hyundai Ioniq V revealed in China is big, bold, and bound to divide opinion. The automaker doesn’t seem the least bit rattled by the polarizing looks, though, and has announced the color palette for the car, which includes a few genuinely striking choices.

Of all the shades on offer, Dimensional Purple is the one most likely to turn heads. It reads closer to pink in the single image released to show off the whole Ioniq V range, but it should still play up the EV’s dramatic, spaceship-inspired lines.

Read: Hyundai’s New Wedgy Sedan Claims 404 Miles On A Surprisingly Small Battery

Beyond the purple, the Ioniq V comes in Cyber Gold, the same color we saw when the EV broke cover at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year. Matched with black-and-gold wheels, it leans hard into the cyberpunk aesthetic. The other standout is Gamma Green. The rest run through a familiar mix of grey, white, silver, and black, better suited to drivers who would rather not shout about it.

What Else Should I Know About The Ioniq V?

The Hyundai Ioniq V will feature relatively modest 53.5 kWh and 66.8 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery packs. The smaller pack works with a single electric motor driving the front wheels with 188 hp. Hyundai claims this version manages up to 336 miles (540 km) on the CLTC cycle, which is likely closer to 250 miles (400 km) in the real world.

As for the 66.8 kWh version, it steps up to a stronger 225-hp motor and a claimed range of up to 404 miles (650 km), or probably close to 311 miles (500 km) out on the open road.

Hyundai has made some dramatic-looking cars in recent years, but none are as wild as the Ioniq V. It’s unclear whether it will ever be sold in markets outside China, but if it is, Hyundai may face an uphill battle selling it because of the design.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. —Samsara Inc. (“Samsara”) (NYSE: IOT), the pioneer of the Connected Operations Platform, today announced the winners of its 2026 Connected Operations Awards, recognizing the remarkable achievements of its customers in safety, efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. The annual awards program honors organizations and individuals across North America and EMEA who demonstrate the clear benefits of AI-powered operations.

“The winners of Samsara’s Connected Operations Awards are proof that AI represents a fundamental shift in how work gets done—one that’s already saving lives and cutting costs,” said Robert Stobaugh, Chief Operating Officer at Samsara. “The submissions told stories of safer workers, more efficient operations, and real impact for communities. What unites every winner is a team that refuses to settle, and we’re proud to work alongside them.”

Introducing the 2026 global award winners:

U.S. and Canada: Discover their stories

Safest Operator: Utility Supply & Construction Company

Innovation in Sustainable Operations: Massey Services

Digital Transformation of the Year: Enercare

Most Innovative Workforce: Tyson Foods, Inc.

Technology Leader of the Year: David Perez, Vice President of Safety, First Student

Driver of the Year (U.S.): Darrin J. Lonsdale, Action Resources

Driver of the Year (Canada): Jessie-Lee Beaudoin, Whitewater Management LP

Mexico: Discover their stories

Safest Operator: Grupo Aralo

Digital Transformation of the Year: Royal Transports

Excellence in Physical Security: Transportes MexAmerik

Driver of the Year: José Rigoberto Carrera Ruiz, Flecha Amarilla

EMEA: Discover their stories

Safest Operator (UK): Speedy Hire

Safest Operator (Germany): SafeDriver ennoo

Excellence in Driver Engagement: Sysco GB

Most Sustainable Operations: Lanes Group

Industry Innovator: Renew Holdings plc

Driver of the Year: Richard Meehan, JLL

A snapshot of the impactful results winners drove with Samsara:

Utility Supply & Construction Company achieved a 98% reduction in insurance claim costs, dropping from a historical high of $1.4M to just $22K midway through the current policy year

Massey Services saved $1.3M in fuel costs in one year with centralized fuel reporting and idling alerts

Enercare reduced operating costs through better vehicle utilization, cutting vehicle dormancy by 26%

Grupo Aralo dropped its collision risk per mile by 70% while increasing its Security Score by 164% in Mexico

Lanes Group digitized 1.3M form submissions per year and reduced vehicle idling by 83%, improving efficiency across the business

“With fuel costs where they are today, every gallon matters. Samsara helped us save more than a million dollars in fuel costs in a single year and changed how we manage our fleet,” said Bryan Campbell, Director of Risk Management at Massey Services. “Our safety program benefitted too. We’ve reduced accidents by 35% and traffic violations by 88%. When you find a partner who genuinely understands your operations, the results show.”

Further information about the awards:

Learn more about the winners from the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, and EMEA

Read about the winners for Excellence in Performance in the Public Sector, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Garden City Public Schools, announced at Samsara Go Beyond Public Sector

About Samsara
Samsara (NYSE: IOT) is the pioneer of the Connected Operations® Platform, which is an open platform that connects the people, devices, and systems of some of the world’s most complex operations, allowing them to develop actionable insights and improve their operations. With tens of thousands of customers across North America and Europe, Samsara is a proud technology partner to the people who keep our global economy running, including the world’s leading organizations across industries in transportation, construction, wholesale and retail trade, field services, logistics, manufacturing, utilities and energy, government, healthcare and education, food and beverage, and others. The company’s mission is to increase the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the operations that power the global economy.

Samsara is a registered trademark of Samsara Inc. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

All statistics and expectations listed herein are provided by Samsara’s customers.

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The July issue introduces the STN 2026 Innovator of the Year, Cameron Wood, the lead electric vehicle performance analyst for Student Transportation of America. Read the full story to learn how the 26-year-old is helping shape the future of electric vehicle charging. Read articles on how student enrollment affects transportation operations, cameras with new AI capabilities impact on driver training, school bus driver fatigue, alternative vehicles and learn more on the National Express to Summit Services contractor rebrand.

Read the full July 2026 issue.

Cover Story

Taking Charge
Cameron Wood, the lead electric vehicle performance analyst for Student Transportation of America, is this year’s STN Innovator of the Year. At only 26 years old, Wood is credited with developing a patent-pending program to help electric school buses charge smarter.

Features

Growth Spurt
Districts leaders say growth isn’t solely defined by an increase in student enrollment. Factors such as increased routes and new schools contribute to expanded transportation operations.

Smart Move
What do cameras with AI capabilities that record driver activity and student behavior mean for the future of school transportation?

Dealing with Driver Fatigue
While they love aspects of the job, school bus drivers share the many external and internal factors that contribute to burnout and resignation.

Special Reports

Same Goals, Different Vehicles
Increasingly, non-yellow vehicles are taking students to and from school and extracurricular activities. This makes it even more paramount that the bar of alternative transportation safety standards is set high.

Q&A: Industry Ascension
CEO Tim Wertner discusses the reasons for the recent rebrand of one of the largest school bus contractor groups and plans its companies have for the present and future.

Conversations
Ad Index

Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
Safety in Sight

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Fuel Choice, Budgets & Fresh Ideas

The post July 2026 appeared first on School Transportation News.

Hyundai pulled the wraps off the Ioniq 3 in April, but that first showing focused on the sportier N Line trim. Now the standard car finally gets its moment, with new photos revealing the toned-down bodywork and a lighter, more relaxed cabin than the one we first saw.

The Ioniq 3 is described as an “Aero Hatch,” blending design cues from hatchbacks, fastbacks, and crossovers. The regular version has cleaner surfacing on the front bumper and an active intake, dropping the aggressive openings and black trim of the N-Line model.

More: Hyundai’s 2027 Elantra Is Bigger, Sharper, And Barely Recognizable

The split LED headlights with the four dots on the slim grille are retained. On the profile, differences include body-colored mirrors and different wheels measuring between 16 and 18 inches in diameter, compared to the 19-inch wheels of the N-Line.

At the back, the standard Ioniq 3 features a smaller spoiler on the double windshield, and a more discreet diffuser on the rear bumper that does without the side fins.

A Brighter Cabin And New Tech

Hyundai

The cabin swaps the black/red theme of the N-Line for lighter colors. The interior design follows the “Furnished Space” philosophy, with a focus on comfort and perceived quality.

More: Another Automaker Is Killing Its Wagons To Chase SUV Money

One of the highlights is the new Android-based infotainment called Pleos Connect, which debuts in a European model following the facelifted Grandeur flagship in South Korea. The touchscreen measures 12.9 inches or 14.6 inches depending on the trim, optionally paired with a slim digital instrument cluster.

The company said that the Pleos App Market will offer 30 third-party applications at launch, with many more expected by the end of the year. Furthermore, the Ioniq 3 benefits from the Gleo AI voice assistant, which is said to support natural conversations.

Range, Power, And What Comes Next

Hyundai

Initially, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 will be available in Standard and Long Range variants with a single electric motor. The entry-level model makes 144 hp (108 kW / 147 PS) and has 214 miles (344 km) of WLTP range from a 42.2 kWh battery pack. The Long Range can travel up to 308 miles (496 km) between charges thanks to the larger 61 kWh battery and the less potent 133 hp (100 kW / 135 PS) electric motor.

The EV rides on a 400-Volt version of the E-GMP architecture, shared with the Kia EV3 and EV4. According to Hyundai, development and testing were performed with “European customers, driving patterns and infrastructure” in mind.

More: Hyundai’s EVs Already Fake Engine Sounds, And Now They Might Vibrate Too

In the future, the automaker could expand the lineup with an N-branded hot hatch, likely featuring a dual-motor setup and a version-specific chassis setup.

Hyundai has yet to announce pricing for the Ioniq 3 in Europe. Production of the new EV takes place at the Izmit plant in Turkey, with the first examples expected to hit the roads in the third quarter of 2026.

Hyundai

A few years ago, with serious doubt hanging over whether any carmaker could build an EV that put driver engagement first, Hyundai dropped the Ioniq 5 N. It came with an ICE-inspired soundtrack and fake gears, and it kicked off a trend that Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, and BMW M have since chased down and copied. What looked like a gimmick turned out to be the template.

As we recently discovered while testing the Ioniq 6, these fun features have been made even more realistic, and Hyundai believes it can improve them further. According to Hyundai’s global R&D boss, Manfred Harrer, the car manufacturer still considers itself a leader in this technology.

Review: More Porsche Than Hyundai, The Ioniq 6 N Is A Masterstroke

“In the next generation of these cars, I want to make it even more realistic,” he told Autocar. “I want to enhance it further.” According to Harrer, they could further develop the sounds of a backfiring exhaust and add “vibration in the car,” confident that this could usher in the “next level” of engagement.

“There are so many ideas how you can advance it further, but this is all about experience,” he added. “A lot of people say it’s fake, but people like it so there is some beauty – and why not play around with it? We are not the serious Porsche guys. We are fun to drive. We made a great movement and over the years we will enhance it – and the next platform gets this. The demos are already running.”

A New EV Platform Is Coming

While there is still some life left in Hyundai’s combustion-powered N cars, with the next-generation i20 N to become a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid and the next i30 N likely receiving a 2.5-liter turbo hybrid, Hyundai’s new IMA architecture will underpin its new range of EVs and their subsequent N-branded versions.

Hyundai has been developing the Integrated Modular Architecture for several years and could launch it in 2028 in the second-gen Ioniq 5. It will retain 800-volt technology, but improvements will be made to charging times and to boost efficiency and thermal management. Harrer referred to it as a “huge evolution” rather than a “revolution,” unlike the current E-GMP architecture.

The Nissan Qashqai is the brand’s best-selling vehicle in Europe, so it wasn’t much of a surprise when the company announced plans for an electric version in 2023. However, like a handful of EVs, it’s quietly been dropped.

Citing six people familiar with the matter, Reuters is reporting the company has halted development ‌of the model. The project is said to have been frozen in early 2025 and it appears to be a victim of Nissan’s massive restructuring.

Review: The New Nissan Qashqai e-Power Drives Like An EV But Doesn’t Need Charging

The firm’s “Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life” plan calls for streamlining their lineup and eliminating 11 models. When the strategy was announced, the company said they would be “exiting low-performing models and reallocating reinvestment to growth areas.”

While the lineup is shrinking, an assortment of new vehicles are on the horizon including a new Xterra, Skyline, and Juke EV. The latter was pitched as a “Europe Core model that combines bold, distinctive design with full electrification and intelligent features.”

The article implies the project was halted over cost concerns, but it sounds like the idea of a Qashqai EV might not be entirely dead. However, two sources told the publication that if the program were to be restarted, the model likely wouldn’t be launched until the early 2030’s.

The automaker declined to address the status of the vehicle in a statement to Reuters, but said they’re committed to expanding their electrified lineup. However, they noted Europe has experienced “significant volatility” in electric vehicle demand, so they’re pursuing a “balanced” electrification strategy.

This suggests the development freeze might not have been about money, but a lack of demand. Regardless, Nissan doesn’t seem particularly interested in building a Qashqai EV at the moment.

While some of the Hyundai EVs sold in Western markets are striking, none of them go as far out as the Ioniq V the brand pulled the covers off in China earlier this year. With its wedge-shaped styling, the Ioniq V is a high-riding electric sedan that, according to newly surfaced data, can cover up to 404 miles (650 km) on a charge.

When Hyundai first showed the Ioniq V in April, it kept the powertrain details almost entirely under wraps. Fresh numbers from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) have now confirmed it will be offered with 53.5 kWh and 66.8 kWh LFP battery packs, both of which are fairly modest for a car of this footprint.

Read: Call It The Temurario, Hyundai’s Production Ioniq V Mixes Lambo And Cybertruck For Less

The entry-level model pairs the 53.5 kWh pack with a single electric motor making 188 hp. On China’s notoriously optimistic CLTC cycle, it’s rated for 323 to 336 miles (520 to 540 km) per charge, though real-world driving will likely land nearer 250 miles (400 km). Depending on spec, the base car weighs between 3,763 lbs (1,707 kg) and 3,829 lbs (1,737 kg).

Buyers planning to point their spaceship-like Hyundai at longer road trips can step up to the 66.8 kWh pack, which comes bundled with a punchier 225-hp motor. This version claims 385 to 404 miles (620 to 650 km) and tips the scales at as much as 3,985 lbs (1,808 kg) depending on the configuration. Expect the achievable figure to sit closer to 311 miles (500 km) once you factor in real-world conditions.

More surprising is that the MIIT filing points to an extended-range version of the Ioniq V as well, though Hyundai hasn’t spilled any details on it yet. There’s also no official word on charging speeds, but the car runs an 800-volt architecture, which in Ioniq models sold elsewhere typically supports rates around 250 kW.

Pricing hasn’t been announced but should follow shortly, with customer deliveries set to begin later this year. Hyundai hasn’t said whether the Ioniq V will venture beyond China, but there’s a decent chance it eventually lands in markets like Australia.

While some of the Hyundai EVs sold in Western markets are striking, none of them go as far out as the Ioniq V the brand pulled the covers off in China earlier this year. With its wedge-shaped styling, the Ioniq V is a high-riding electric sedan that, according to newly surfaced data, can cover up to 404 miles (650 km) on a charge.

When Hyundai first showed the Ioniq V in April, it kept the powertrain details almost entirely under wraps. Fresh numbers from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) have now confirmed it will be offered with 53.5 kWh and 66.8 kWh LFP battery packs, both of which are fairly modest for a car of this footprint.

Read: Call It The Temurario, Hyundai’s Production Ioniq V Mixes Lambo And Cybertruck For Less

The entry-level model pairs the 53.5 kWh pack with a single electric motor making 188 hp. On China’s notoriously optimistic CLTC cycle, it’s rated for 323 to 336 miles (520 to 540 km) per charge, though real-world driving will likely land nearer 250 miles (400 km). Depending on spec, the base car weighs between 3,763 lbs (1,707 kg) and 3,829 lbs (1,737 kg).

Buyers planning to point their spaceship-like Hyundai at longer road trips can step up to the 66.8 kWh pack, which comes bundled with a punchier 225-hp motor. This version claims 385 to 404 miles (620 to 650 km) and tips the scales at as much as 3,985 lbs (1,808 kg) depending on the configuration. Expect the achievable figure to sit closer to 311 miles (500 km) once you factor in real-world conditions.

More surprising is that the MIIT filing points to an extended-range version of the Ioniq V as well, though Hyundai hasn’t spilled any details on it yet. There’s also no official word on charging speeds, but the car runs an 800-volt architecture, which in Ioniq models sold elsewhere typically supports rates around 250 kW.

Pricing hasn’t been announced but should follow shortly, with customer deliveries set to begin later this year. Hyundai hasn’t said whether the Ioniq V will venture beyond China, but there’s a decent chance it eventually lands in markets like Australia.

We can’t stop the fact that our world is changing rapidly. The question is, who will adapt to this new normal and who will be left behind? AI is accelerating at a blistering pace, and so is the movement of electrification, autonomous vehicles and robotics.

Last month, I sat in the audience at ACT Expo in Las Vegas for a fireside chat with Rivian CEO and founder R.J. Scaringe. My wheels were spinning as he described a future that will surely impact the direction of school transportation.

He laid out a vision for the future over the next decade, predicting a significant share of both passenger and commercial vehicles becoming electric, deeply connected, software-defined, and increasingly capable of driving themselves.

“If you’re a large-scale vehicle manufacturer, consumer or commercial, and you don’t have a connected, highly intelligent platform running the vehicle’s software and electronics, and the vehicle lacks self-driving capability, it’s hard to imagine holding market share by 2035,” he told the audience.

School buses always trail the commercial trucking market when it comes to adopting new technology. But many of the connectivity, safety and efficiency tools now standard on big rigs eventually make their way to school buses. The same pattern is likely to be true with autonomy and advanced driver assistance systems.

I believe a world with fully driverless school buses transporting students are decades away, even further without an adult on board. But that doesn’t mean autonomy has nothing to offer us. The chance to redeploy school bus drivers from a pure vehicle operation standpoint into a dedicated safety or behavioral enhancement role is an interesting concept.

We’ve known for years that onboard student behavior is one of the leading reasons why school bus drivers leave the profession. Many drivers cite a lack of support from administration when incidents occur. If autonomy (or even advanced driver assistance features) can safely handle more of the driving task on certain routes, districts could reimagine the driver’s job as a mobile safety aide. Someone whose primary focus is managing the students, de-escalating issues and supporting mobile learning and still operate the vehicle in a pinch.

That shift could meaningfully ease the massive driver shortage we’ve been suffering from while improving the onboard student experience and safety. During the ACT Expo discussion, Scaringe also talked about his new robotics company, Mind Robotics, which is exploring AI-powered, human-like robots for industrial settings using real factory data from Rivian. Could school bus OEMs re-imagine how they build school buses in the foreseeable future?

I invite you to join us at STN EXPO in Reno, Nevada on Sunday, July 12, as we assemble key school bus OEMs. They will share how they see AI, robotics and connected school buses impacting school transportation operations. The promise of AI route planning systems is closer to being realized than you think. Imagine continuously learning from every bus in the fleet and from the broader connected-vehicle ecosystem around them.

We’ve discussed this concept at STN EXPO in the past as passenger cars, school buses and connected cities interact for improved safety and efficiency.

Imagine a future where a robot or automated safety system safely stop traffic at a busy intersection so students can cross, while a safety aide stays focused on the children boarding or exiting. These aren’t science-fiction scenarios. They’re logical extensions of the connected, data-driven world Scaringe and others envision.

School transportation has never been just about moving kids from point A to point B. It’s about safety, equity, reliability and supporting the people who do the hardest part of the job every day. The technologies Scaringe outlined, electrification, connectivity, intelligence and autonomy won’t replace that human element. Done right, they can strengthen and supplement it.

The sky has always been the limit in this industry. Now, the technology is finally starting to catch up with the ambition. I can foresee a higher adoption of electric school buses as a biproduct of this rapidly evolving
technology environment, especially if one is dependent on the other. The timing couldn’t be better with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean School Bus Program expected to return this spring. The use of CSBP and grant funding has already helped hundreds of districts move toward electric school buses and other alternatives like propane. That renewed federal support is clearly re-energizing interest across the industry.

School transportation leaders need more viable pathways backed by federal and state dollars to move toward cleaner alternatives and more efficient fleets on their own terms. Budget pressures are mounting from higher fuel costs, and that pressure will undoubtedly push more fleets to consider new ways to adapt and evolve in our every changing world.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the June 2026 issue of School Transportation News.

Related: (STN Podcast E257) The Paths Forward: AI, Clean Energy, Manufacturing Discussed at ACT Expo
Related: School Bus Fuel Innovation, Technology Education Meet at STN EXPO West
Related: How Technology Powers Daily Student Transportation Operations
Related: How Technology Can Assist the 2026 State of Student Transportation

The post Bus Tech, Energy Take Center Stage appeared first on School Transportation News.

The use of AI is revolutionizing many industries and student transportation is among them. While AI can seem like a daunting new technology to implement, industry experts at STN EXPO West will explain exactly how it can be used to improve operations.

Following the STN EXPO West Trade Show on Tuesday, July 14 attendees will spend the afternoon learning how AI can assist them in tackling transportation’s biggest challenges, increasing productivity and be more effective as transportation leaders.

The “Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution in Student Transportation” session will kick off the afternoon with an overview of the evolution of AI and how student transporters are currently using it in their operations.

This session will be moderated by STN Editor in Chief Ryan Gray and feature panelists Rosalyn Vann-Jackson, Richard Jimenez, Timothy Purvis and GP Singh. Vann-Jackson is the executive director of enrollment and student services at Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma as well as the NAPT secretary and Region 4 director. Jimenez serves as the director of transportation at Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District in Southern California, and Purvis is the principal consultant at Pupil Transportation Information and a retired director of transportation. Singh is the founder of Bytecurve and a strategic advisor to Transit Technologies after selling his company last year.

What the AI Revolution Means

The panel will discuss what AI currently is and is not, the safeguards that transportation departments and school districts need in place before its use, the training of staff to correctly utilize AI, and more. Much of the conversation to date has been marketing and product related. Yet some student transportation leaders and their staff are utilizing AI more than what vendors are providing for solutions such as routing, cameras and telematics. The panel will discuss the importance of close communication and collaboration with district or organization IT departments in implementing AI as well as developing policies for how and how not to use it.

Following the opening session, attendees will choose between a variety of breakout sessions based on their interest and operational needs, all led by the speakers from the opening session. Each of these discussions will allow for a more exploratory conversation into the individual facets of transportation.

• Using AI Decision-Making in Dispatch
• Using AI Decision-Making for Personnel Productivity
• Using AI Decision-Making in Budgeting
• Using AI Decision-Making in Fleet Management
• Using AI Decision-Making in Risk Mitigation
• AI Decision-Making to Build Master Bell Schedules

Attendees will be able to gain practical takeaways and starter prompts so they can begin to determine how AI can help them in their everyday operations.

Meanwhile, the “Defensive Driving” session on Monday, July 13 will also feature a discussion around the use of AI in safety training, featuring Jackson and Sandy Dillman, CEO of SLD Consultation and a former California and Texas transportation director.

STN EXPO West will be held July 9-15 at the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada. The conference will feature hands-on training classes, educational sessions, a dynamic keynote presentation, and networking opportunities. Register now at stnexpo.com/west.

Related: Professional Development Training for Rising Student Transportation Leaders at STN EXPO West
Related: STN EXPO West Features Dynamic Networking Events for Student Transportation Industry
Related: Turkel to Uncover Secrets of Communicating Relevance at STN EXPO West

The post AI in Student Transportation Discussion at STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

Zūm’s AI-Powered System Is Addressing Pain Points and Driving Measurable Results for School Districts Nationwide

According to new research conducted by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, 54% of parents report their child has expressed worry or concern about using school transportation. This anxiety – caused by uncertainty, delays, and disruption in getting to and from school – doesn’t end when students arrive; it shows up in the classroom and makes learning harder. It ripples through families and school communities every single day. Based on missed school days and late bus arrivals alone, legacy systems create approximately 55 billion lost instructional minutes per year, or roughly $15 billion in wasted educational spending.

The research identifies a widespread but under-recognized problem, which Zum calls the “Transportation Anxiety Crisis.” This anxiety can show up in the classroom, making it harder for students to learn in the classroom.

Zum is transforming student mobility nationwide — and easing transportation anxiety — through its fully integrated Connected Mobility Experience (CMX) system that connects people, vehicles, and operations in real time, creating reliable, transparent and efficient transportation for families and schools.

“Before Zum, we had no real-time visibility,” says Kim Raney, Executive Director of Transportation, Procurement, & Warehouse – Business Operations for Oakland Unified School District (CA). “Parents would call asking where the bus was, and by the time we got an answer, the child was already home. Now everyone sees the same information and the anxiety just disappears.”

Addressing Transportation Anxiety

Zum CMX is a first-of-its-kind, AI-powered system that is enabling transportation operations to move from disconnection and anxiety to measurable improvements in reliability, transparency, and efficiency for students and districts nationwide.

Adopted in 17 states, Zūm CMX now provides a unified, connected system across more than 4,500 schools, enhancing the overall student experience for each stakeholder — students, parents, school, districts, drivers and operators.

Making a Difference in School Districts Coast-to-Coast

Zūm CMX is being adopted by major districts from coast-to-coast, including Omaha Public Schools, Boston Public Schools, Kansas City Public Schools, Los Angeles Unified, and San Francisco Unified.

Unlike traditional systems that rely on disconnected vendors and manual processes, Zūm CMX is an AI-driven system that integrates apps and dashboards, platform capabilities, operations, people, and physical infrastructure. Zūm CMX seamlessly orchestrates routing, dispatch, workforce management, safety systems, and stakeholder communications within a single operating model to deliver delightful mobility experiences to all stakeholders.

Improving the Lives of Students and Families – One District at a Time

Zūm CMX is benefitting students, parents, schools, drivers and operators in measurable ways:

The results in Kansas City Public Schools are stunning:

• One year after being implemented, Zūm CMX has driven an 89% increase in ridership
• Transportation-related absences went from 25% to 5.6%
• Student attendance increased by 2.5% and extracurricular competitive access by 150+%
• Graduation rate hit a decades-high of 88.6%

A Proven Approach to Student Mobility

Zūm CMX is improving access to education while helping districts save money. It is ensuring students arrive at school safely and on time so they are ready to learn — while keeping parents and schools connected at every turn.

Learn more about how Zūm CMX is delivering modern transportation solutions to thousands of schools nationwide at www.ridezum.com.

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