The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a game-changer. It proved all on its own that electric cars can deliver genuine driving enjoyment, not just straight-line speed. No doubt, that’s partially what convinced one Texas buyer to snap up one of the very first examples available in the state.

The excitement behind the purchase has soured, though, because at the 8,000-mile mark, the Ioniq 5 N allegedly failed. Now, it’s reportedly been sitting at a dealership for two months straight with no end in sight.

More: Hyundai Dealer Fixed His ICCU Then Let Thieves Total The Rest Before He Even Saw It

The public saga began on August 27 when the owner, William, posted about his situation on Reddit. In a thread with the title “Help me navigate the run around I think I am getting from service,” he details how one day his car displayed a red warning light and refused to charge.

At that point, the car had already been in service for weeks “with no clear answers,” he says. Notably, the service advisor reportedly told him the issue wasn’t the ICCU, or Integrated Charging Control Unit, the system that controls charging and power flow in the car and has been a known weak spot on some Ioniq 5 models.

Shared Frustrations

Other Reddit users claiming to own Ioniq 5 N or Elantra N models described similar frustrations with the same dealer in San Bruno, California. One said their car was misdiagnosed before ultimately receiving a new ICCU after 45 days.

“They are an absolute mess over there,” another commenter added about the same Northern California dealership. A week ago, William posted another update.

“After 2 months, I still don’t have my car and no end in sight. Good luck to folks out there waiting on a battery”, he wrote. In a screenshot from the dealership, a service advisor reportedly confirmed that the vehicle’s main battery was “on backorder” with “no ETA.”

Communication Breakdown

William went on to tell Carscoops that Hyundai’s lack of transparency has been the most frustrating part of the process. “Even giving Hyundai the full benefit of the doubt on supply-chain issues, the lack of transparency is inexcusable,” he said. “Every week it’s the same line – no ETA on a battery and no ETA on my car.”

Also: $120 For An Oil Change? No Thanks, I’ll Do It Myself For $6,000

The owner, who has already initiated a buyback request, says that process has also stalled: “Four weeks in, and no progress.” Carscoops has reached out to Hyundai for comment regarding the reported battery issue and ongoing parts delays.

The automaker confirmed that it is looking into the issue as of this writing, but hasn’t provided any additional insight at this point. We’ll update you here if we hear back.

Credit: William

Electric vehicle shoppers are waking up to a new reality. With the federal EV tax credit now gone, many models have effectively become $7,500 more expensive overnight, whether bought outright or through the once-reliable lease loophole.

Read: Tesla’s Standard EVs Don’t Even Have A Radio, But Will You Care?

To soften the blow, several manufacturers are getting inventive, introducing aggressive discounts, cheaper trims, and in some cases, cutting slow-selling models altogether.

The end of the tax credit on September 30 led to a significant surge in EV sales across the United States; however, sales are expected to decline through the final quarter of the year. In a bid to try and prop up demand, Hyundai is offering a cash incentive worth up to $11,000 on the 2025 Ioniq 5.

Automakers Get Creative

Both General Motors and Ford have also been looking for ways to encourage shoppers to pick up the keys to one of their models.

For example, GM had been working on a plan for its lending arm to initiate the purchase of EVs at dealership lots and then apply for the $7,500 federal credit, rolling this money into lease terms for customers. However, it recently scrapped these plans, reports Reuters.

Nevertheless, it shows how creative some firms are getting to try and ensure EV sales don’t fall off a cliff. This week, Tesla also introduced lower-priced versions of the Model 3 and Model Y.

While both of these models were in the works before the Trump administration confirmed that the credit would be axed, they may help to convince some shoppers to buy an EV who would have otherwise been priced out of the market.

According to Ivan Drury, director of insights at Edmunds, automakers are taking varied approaches to a common problem.

“The overarching message of tax credits going away for EVs has had a very different set of approaches from each automaker,” he told Business Insider. “Which approach will be most successful? Debatable. Nobody’s looking to increase. That’s cuckoo talk at this point. You just want to maintain that basic level of sustainable sales, and this is the different methodologies that each of them have taken.”

Some brands have decided that cutting losses may be the most practical move. Both Stellantis and Acura have opted to discontinue certain EV models altogether. Acura recently confirmed it will pull the plug on its all-electric ZDX SUV, while Stellantis has shelved plans for the RAM 1500 REV.

It’s yet another reminder that even in an age of electrification, not every experiment makes it through the market’s growing pains.

It’s no secret that government incentives have played a huge role in fueling America’s appetite for electric vehicles. Without them, enthusiasm tends to cool fast.

So it’s hardly shocking that many former EV owners say they’d consider returning to battery power only if a generous incentive were back on the table, according to a recent study from The Harris Poll.

Read: Expiring EV Tax Credit Sent Tesla Sales Into Overdrive But Its Flagships Crashed

The survey, conducted between September 23 and 25, included responses from 2,095 adults across the United States. Of these, 1,675 participants, or about 80 percent, said they plan to buy or lease a new or used vehicle in the future. Within that group, 485 respondents, roughly 29 percent, said they were extremely or somewhat likely to choose an EV.

What Would It Take?

Among respondents who had previously owned or driven an electric vehicle but later switched away, 60 percent said they would need an incentive of at least $5,000 to consider returning to an EV.

A further 30 percent said they would need an incentive of between $2,500 and $4,999 to reconsider, while 11 percent said they would be willing to accept an incentive of less than $2,500.

Senior consultant at The Harris Poll, Greg Paratore, acknowledged that affordability remains the top concern for 64 percent of EV buyers.

Automakers Step In

While the removal of the new and used EV tax credit will impact demand for electric cars, Paratore noted that automakers could use the removal of the credit to build extra trust with consumers by helping to share the added cost burden.

For example, Hyundai recently announced it’s cutting prices of the 2026 Ioniq 5 by a significant $9,800 in the wake of the tax credit’s removal. Additionally, Hyundai is offering a $7,500 cash incentive on the remaining 2025 Ioniq 5s that it has in its inventory.

Meanwhile, Ford chief executive Jim Farley warned that EV demand in the U.S. could tumble by as much as half due to the tax credit’s removal. If that happens, electric vehicles could see their market share shrink to around 5 percent, a figure last recorded in 2022.

If you’ve ever wondered what a serious price slash looks like, this might be it. Hyundai has cut prices dramatically for the Ioniq 6, though the offer applies only to Australia. To clear remaining 2023 model-year stock, the all-electric sedan now costs up to AU$35,000 (equal to around $23,000 at current exchange rates) less than before, bringing it closer in price to China’s growing wave of EV competitors.

The Ioniq 6 range now kicks off from AU$49,990 ($32,815) drive-away for the Dynamic, with all on-road costs included. Previously, buyers needed to splurge AU$77,554 ($50,909) to get one on the road, a hard sell given that the Tesla Model 3 starts at $60,205 ($39,520).

Read: Hyundai Reveals New Ioniq 6, Teases Long-Awaited 6 N

Mid-range buyers benefit too. The Ioniq 6 Techniq’s price has been trimmed from AU$88,579 ($58,146) with on-road costs to AU$54,990 ($36,097), saving AU$33,589 ($22,049).

At the top of the line, the flagship Ioniq 6 Epiq now lists for AU$59,990 ($39,379), a reduction of AU$34,142 ($22,412) from its previous AU$94,132 ($61,791) figure, inclusive of all fees.

Slow Sales

Despite its specs, the Ioniq 6 has never proven as popular as the retro-themed Ioniq 5, mostly due to its divisive styling. This year, Hyundai has sold just 93 examples of the Ioniq 6 in Australia, a huge fall from the 330 sold in 2024 and the 417 that found new homes in 2023.

In a statement to Drive, Hyundai confirmed it still has 115 units of the 2023 Ioniq 6 in stock and hopes to clear them before the updated 2026 model-year version reaches showrooms.

Power and Range Options

Those who want to get behind the wheel of the base Ioniq 6 Dynamic get a 225 hp (168 kW) rear-mounted electric motor, a 77.4 kWh battery pack, and an estimated 381 miles (614 km) of driving range.

Step up to the Techniq and the Epiq, and the 221 hp (165 kW) rear motor is supplemented by a 74 kW front motor, resulting in a combined 320 hp (239 kW) and 446 lb-ft (605 Nm). The battery pack remains the same, and the range is reduced to 322 miles (519 km).

As the school transportation industry wrestles with complex challenges—driver shortages, safety concerns and operational inefficiencies—artificial intelligence (AI) is often positioned as a silver bullet. Fleet management systems tout data optimization. Dash cams promise incident reduction. Digital platforms claim to centralize and simplify operations.

But in the rush to innovate, we risk forgetting what matters most: People. Specifically, the drivers, dispatchers and front-line staff who make student transportation possible every day. If AI is to truly move this industry forward, it must be rooted in empathy—not just algorithms.

Coaching, Not Surveillance
Take the growing adoption of AI-powered dash cameras. When framed solely as surveillance tools, these systems can alienate drivers. No one wants to feel like they’re being watched without context or support. However, when implemented with a focus on coaching rather than punishment, these same tools can become allies. Cameras that detect risky behaviors—such as distracted driving, hard-braking or rolling stops—can deliver real-time feedback and personalized training opportunities. This helps drivers improve their performance without feeling policed.

It’s a shift in mindset from compliance to confidence-building. Drivers begin to feel supported, not scrutinized. And fleets often see measurable improvements in safety outcomes and morale as a result.

Retention Through Respect
The transportation industry has a retention problem. Nationally, school bus operators report chronic shortages, with turnover rates frequently exceeding 50 percent. Recruitment incentives and signing bonuses help, but they rarely address the deeper issue: How drivers feel on the job.

This is where AI can play a powerful role, if used thoughtfully. Integrated platforms that
offer real-time route data, reliable communication and automated scheduling aren’t just operational tools. They’re stress reducers. When a school bus driver knows their route will be accurate, when help is one tap away, and that their feedback is acknowledged and
acted upon, it builds trust. And trust builds tenure. In some operations, these changes have reduced driver turnover by double digits. Not because of gimmicks or grand gestures but because the technology made drivers feel valued and protected.

The Quiet Power of Automation AI’s most human impact may come behind the scenes. The administrative burdens on drivers and staff, from payroll questions to incident reporting, can erode time, focus and job satisfaction. Enter virtual assistants, workflow automations and smart self-service tools. When designed well, they give employees 24/7 access to the information they need, cut response times and free up staff to focus on meaningful, person-to-person support.

This isn’t just about operational efficiency, it’s about respect. Respect for employees’ time. Respect for their need to focus on their core responsibilities. Respect for their mental bandwidth. It’s tempting to think of automation as impersonal. But when deployed with the employee experience in mind, it can be one of the most empathetic forms of technology.

Start With the End User Too often, transportation tech is built from the top down and optimized for operations managers, IT leaders, or compliance teams. But the most successful implementations flip that script. They ask, what do drivers actually need? What do dispatchers struggle with? Where do mechanics waste the most time? Empathy, in this sense, becomes a design principle. And when it is, adoption skyrockets. Engagement rises. Feedback loops get shorter. And frontline staff begin to see technology not as a burden—but as a partner.

The Bigger Opportunity We’re at a crossroads. AI and automation are poised to reshape school transportation over the next decade. But the question isn’t whether we’ll adopt these tools. It’s how we’ll use them. Will we chase efficiency at the cost of human connection? Or will we use technology to elevate the people who make the system work? The path forward requires us to recognize a simple truth: Buses don’t move students—people do. And when we center those people in our digital transformation efforts, everyone wins: the organization, the employees and most importantly, the children we’re entrusted to transport safely every day.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the September 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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Gaurav Sharda is the chief technology officer for Beacon Mobility companies and in July won the SchoolTransportation News Innovator of the Year Award for his direction of new human-focused AI solutions.

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Related: Strides in Vehicle to Grid Technology Continue
Related: Feeling Super About Transportation Technology?
Related: New Technology Provides Data to School Bus Routing
Related: Bring the A-Game to Fleet Management

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

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

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

EVs Leading the Charge

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

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

Hyundai US Sales 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next generation of visibility and confidence on the road.

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

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

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

Minimum blind spots, maximum safety.

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

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

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

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

The clean vehicle tax credit expired yesterday and Hyundai isn’t wasting any time as they’ve lowered Ioniq 5 pricing by an average of $9,155. That’s a huge drop and the entry-level model now begins at $35,000, which is $7,600 less than last year’s model.

Buyers looking for more power and range can upgrade to the Ioniq 5 SE, which begins at $37,500. That’s down $9,150 from last year’s starting price of $46,650.

More: Hyundai’s American-Made Ioniq 5 Costs More But Goes The Extra Mile

The biggest decline can be found on the well-equipped SEL trims, which cost $39,800 with rear-wheel drive and $43,300 with all-wheel drive. Both variants are a staggering $9,800 less than their predecessors.

Hyundai said they’re repositioning the model to “better align with current market dynamics and support increased U.S. production volume.” They added the changes come as “part of a broader strategy to maintain the Ioniq brand’s leadership in the electric vehicle space while responding to shifting consumer expectations and competitive pressures.”

Despite the significant price cuts, Hyundai appears to have avoided removing equipment to lower costs. In fact, they added a dual-level charging cable.

Additional changes are limited, but there’s a new Sage Silver Matte paint job. Cosmic Blue Pearl and Vibrant Ultimate Red have also been extended to all trims.

While Hyundai didn’t mention the tax credit, they’re offering a $7,500 incentive for customers who purchase or lease a 2025 model. However, you might be better off waiting for the 2026 Ioniq 5, unless there are some serious discounts on top of that.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Pricing

Prices exclude a $1,600 destination fee

Safety has always been the top priority in student transportation, but for special education, it carries added weight. These buses serve students who require closer supervision and stronger family communication, making safety more important. Radios and reports still help, but new technologies are giving transportation leaders the ability to act in real time.

At Royse City ISD (RCISD) in Texas, that shift has meant embracing AI-powered cameras and live video to provide the extra layer of support their riders with disabilities need.

Royse City ISD: A District on the Rise

Royse City ISD transports over 8,000 students each week across three rapidly growing counties near Dallas, including more than 800 with special needs. Executive Director of Transportation Cody Cox, a lifelong student transportation professional who started as a bus driver, leads the operation.

As the district grows, so will its transportation needs. The district grows by about 1,000 students annually, forcing the purchase of new vehicles to meet both growth and replacement needs. The challenge with such rapid expansion is maintaining the same quality of safety for every student while also meeting the area’s transportation demands. This remains especially true for RCISD’s special education vehicle fleet, and is what prompted Cox to search for an effective solution.

Turning to Technology for Support

Transporting students with special needs requires extra care. These riders may need closer supervision, and drivers must balance safe operations with clear communication and visibility into what happens on board. For districts, the challenge is finding ways to provide that extra support while maintaining efficiency across the fleet.

For Royse City ISD, rapid growth made this challenge even more pressing. To strengthen safety protocols across its special education fleet, which includes SUVs, vans, and buses, Cody Cox began looking for technology that was versatile, reliable, and cost-effective.

“I was looking for a solution that was more cost-effective without losing any of the features of our larger DVRs,” Cox explained.

Earlier this year, the district piloted Safety Vision’s SafeDrive-AI 2, pairing its dual-camera driver system with four additional interior and exterior cameras to provide real-time awareness and added coverage across its diverse fleet of special education vehicles.

For Cox’s team, live-streaming from vehicles carrying high-needs students provided critical reassurance. Dispatchers could monitor in real time, step in quickly, and support onboard staff when needed. At the same time, AI-powered alerts from SafeDrive-AI 2 added another layer of protection, helping drivers identify potential risks on the road. Recorded video also proved essential, giving the district an objective account of incidents and concerns.

“Footage is very important to investigate situations and concerns,” Cox said. “It often gives us a better understanding of what was going on so we can provide better support to staff and students.”

(Article continues after video.)

Advice for Districts Considering Safety Technology

Looking ahead, RCISD has committed to outfitting its new special education vehicles and white fleet vehicles with the SafeDrive AI 2 system piloted earlier this year. For Cox, the decision reflects not only the benefits his team has already seen but also the long-term value of proactive safety tools. His advice to other districts is straightforward: “I would recommend they try them on new vehicles or retrofit some vehicles to see just how great the coverage is for the cost.”

By starting small, he suggests districts can experience firsthand how live video, AI alerts, and recorded footage work together to enhance safety without a major upfront investment. The system’s flexibility is another advantage because it can be customized and scaled to fit any fleet size. For a growing district like RCISD, partnering with a provider that can expand with their needs is key to ensuring lasting safety across all student transportation vehicles.

Technology as a Long-Term Safety Partner

Student safety will always be the cornerstone of school transportation, but for special education fleets, that responsibility comes with unique requirements. Royse City ISD’s experience shows how technology can play a pivotal role in meeting those requirements. By giving dispatchers real-time visibility and providing drivers with timely support they can be proactive, rather than reactive, when it comes to the safety of all students and staff.

As districts of all sizes continue to face growth, tighter budgets, and increasing expectations from parents and communities, tools like live video and AI-powered alerts are helping transportation teams move from reacting to incidents to preventing them. For leaders like Cody Cox, the message is clear: scalable, customizable solutions aren’t just add-ons, they’re becoming essential partners in ensuring safe, reliable transportation for every student, every day.

Learn more at safetyvision.com.

The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.

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The Kona Electric isn’t cool enough to be part of the Ioniq family and it appears Hyundai is turning its back on the affordable EV. This is having a devastating impact as the 2026 model has been gutted.

While Hyundai only released a handful of initial details, a majority of the lineup is toast. As part of the killing spree, the SEL, Limited, and N Line trims are all dead. That means the sole survivor is the entry-level Kona Electric SE, which is available exclusively with the Standard Range battery.

More: Hyundai Kona EV Gets An Outdoorsy Edition In Japan

The automaker hasn’t gotten around to releasing 2026 specifications, but they should carryover from last year. This means the SE should have a woefully uncompetitive 48.6 kWh battery pack, which delivers a mere 200 miles (322 km) of range. That’s 103 miles (166 km) less than the 2026 Nissan Leaf, which costs $2,985 less than the 2025 Kona Electric.

Sticking with the powertrain, the model will likely use a familiar front-mounted motor producing 133 hp (99 kW / 135 PS) and 188 lb-ft (255 Nm) of torque. Throw in a slow 100 kW DC fast charging capability and the Kona looks more like a compliance car than a modern EV.

That’s a recipe for disaster, especially with the Leaf and reborn Chevrolet Bolt coming soon. However, the 2026 Kona Electric does have a “larger console tray,” so there’s that.

As cars edge closer to taking over more driving duties, the question of how they interact with the people around them becomes increasingly important. Technology may be ready to let drivers take their hands and eyes off the task, but it also raises a new challenge: how does a car signal its intentions to those outside it? In that spirit, Opel has built a Grandland prototype with a lighting system designed to speak directly to pedestrians.

More: Skoda’s Illuminated Grille Shows Pedestrians When It’s Safe To Cross The Road

The test model is equipped with Level 3 driver assistance, which allows the person behind the wheel to disengage under certain conditions. Once the vehicle is in charge, though, a fresh layer of communication is needed to make sure people on the street understand what the car is about to do.

Lights As A Language

The Grandland prototype has been fitted with a new camera system that can detect objects and gestures, combined with an AI-backed “intention prediction” function. This allows it to better recognize real world scenarios like when a pedestrian emerges from parked vehicles or a child steps on the road when chasing a ball.

When operating in Level 3 autonomy (or higher), the SUV’s front and rear indicators shine in cyan. This color was chosen as it is not associated with any other vehicle function. When a pedestrian is detected in the path of the vehicle, it starts braking and the LED headlights change from white to magenta.

Furthermore, a small screen that normally displays Opel’s Blitz emblem shows a warning sign or a pedestrian alongside a halt gesture. When the car has come to standstill, the LEDs turns green and the display shows a walking figure. In more complex situations when the AI algorithm can’t figure out what to do, the driver is prompted to take control of the vehicle.

Rethinking Headlights

Philipp Röckl, Global Lead Lighting at Stellantis, explains the thinking behind the project:

“Headlights clearly play an important part in increasing road safety – but modern lighting systems are capable of so much more. For example, lighting signatures can easily be animated and used for animations. And the illuminated Blitz on the Grandland can be substituted by a display that can both show the illuminated emblem and be used to communicate with other road users and pedestrians. By using existing lighting elements, it makes it easy to add communication features once we will introduce autonomous driving features in our cars”

The Grandland with the unique equipment and lighting features follows a number of prototypes and production vehicles from other brands that examine the same issue.

The model was created in-house in Opel’s Russelsheim headquarters in Germany and was showcased at the International Symposium on Automotive Lighting (ISAL) in Darmstadt. It is the result of a collaboration between the Opel Concept Workshop and students from the TU Darmstadt university.

More: The Stellantis Hot Hatch You’ll Never Buy But Can Still Drive At Home

Stellantis and TU Darmstadt have formed a strategic partnership for joint research into new lighting technologies since 2022. As part of this, the automaker is currently funding three doctoral students at the university’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.

On her part, Julisa Le, Stellantis’ Lead Innovation Engineer, said:

“We specifically chose colors that are not already associated with other vehicle functions to avoid misunderstandings. For example, red is intuitively understandable, but it is already used for stop lights or the rear lights of cars. Cyan and magenta have been thoroughly evaluated for perception purposes and are currently not present in any traffic situations. Both ensure clear, unambiguous communication with other road users.”

Opel

Few legacy automakers have embraced the electric vehicle transition as much, or as quickly, as the Hyundai Motor Group. Across the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands, the South Korean conglomerate has released a slew of compelling EVs that show just how serious it is about electrification.

Many of the new electric cars and crossovers being released by Hyundai are built on EV-only architectures, but the Inster is a little different. Rather than being based on the E-GMP platform, as seen in the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, it is an electric version of the Hyundai Casper sold in South Korea, utilizing the more basic Hyundai-Kia K1 platform.

The Inster also happens to be the smallest EV in Hyundai’s current model range, aiming to rival vehicles from China like the BYD Dolphin, GWM Ora, and MG 4, as well as the new Renault 5. This is a hotly contested segment, so to compete, it had better be good.

QUICK FACTS

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Prices and Rivals

In Australia, prices for the Inster kick off from AU$39,000 (roughly $26,000) before on-road costs for the basic Standard Range model we tested. But, once you factor in fees, this price climbs to AU$43,646 ($29,000). Hyundai also sells the Inster with an Extended Range battery pack, starting at AU$42,500 ($28,300) before fees, and in Inster Cross guise, kicking off from AU$45,000 ($30,000).

For a vehicle this small, these are some high prices. The Inster starts at roughly AU$6,000 ($4,000) more than the most basic GWM Ora Standard Range and is AU$3,000 ($2,000) pricier than the MG 4 Excite 51. It’s also roughly AU$9,000 ($6,000) more than the entry-level BYD Dolphin. Additionally, it’s slightly more expensive than the two-door Fiat 500e, starting at AU$38,990 ($26,000). However, when first launched, the 500e did start at AU$52,500 ($35,000), but slow sales forced Fiat to slash its price tag aggressively.

So, if you’re shopping for an Inster, what do you get for your money? For starters, the basic model has a compact 42 kWh battery while the Extended Range model boasts a larger 49 kWh pack. Hyundai quotes a driving range of 327 km (203 miles) on the WLTP cycle for the 42 kWh version and 360 km (224 miles) for the 49 kWh model.

Regardless of which battery pack is selected, all versions have a same front-mounted electric motor. The base model produces 95 hp (71 kW) and 147 Nm (108 lb-ft) of torque. while the flagship version has 84.5 kW (113 hp) and 147 Nm (108 lb-ft).

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

A Spacious Cabin?

I didn’t know what to expect when approaching my week of testing the Inster. What immediately impressed me the most was the quirky interior, and more importantly, the incredibly clever packaging that, despite the compact dimensions, results in an extremely spacious cabin.

The Inster lacks the single widescreen display of other Hyundai products, instead opting for a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment display perched on top of the dashboard. While the screens are a little outdated, the carmaker has retained a dedicated manual control panel for the climate control, including lovely rocker switches for the temperature and fan speed adjustments.

Found beneath the HAC controls is a wireless smartphone charger and a flat floor. While the Inster is very short and very narrow, it sits quite tall. Even though I’m 6’2”, the high roof meant I had roughly three inches of headroom. There was plenty of legroom at the front too.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

What’s not so nice is that because of the car’s compact size, there’s no room for a center console between the front seats. Instead, there’s simply a pair of cupholders and an armrest that can fold down, much like an old Nissan Micra. Additionally, soft-touch materials are pretty much non-existent on the door panels and dashboard, certainly cheapening the overall feeling of the cabin. Given the price point, it’d be nice to see some nicer materials throughout.

The clever design of the Inster is most apparent in the second row. While there are only two seats back there, they can slide back and forward. With the rear seats positioned as far back as possible, I had almost five full inches of legroom with the driver’s seat in my preferred position. That’s roughly on par with the rear legroom you’ll find in an Ioniq 5, despite the Inster’s much smaller footprint.

Read: Hyundai’s Baby EV Gets Adventure-Ready With New Inster Cross

Additionally, the mini crossover’s rear seats have a similar hinge design to the ‘Magic Seats’ found in several Hondas, allowing them to hinge in the middle and fold completely flat. What’s more, even the front passenger seat has been designed to fold flat, should you need even more storage space.

Unsurprisingly, the generous amounts of legroom in the rear impact rear cargo space. Hyundai quotes 280 liters (9.8 cubic feet) of space in the rear, but I suspect that’s with the rear seats slid as far forward as possible. Slide them back, and the cargo space is reduced. However, if you’re carrying large items, the capacity increases to 1,059 liters (37.4 cubic feet) if the seats are folded away.

Photos Brad Anderson / Carscoops

Small Car Charm

While the Inster may technically be a crossover, it drives and feels much like a tiny city car, similar to a Fiat 500. You sit quite high, and the view out is excellent thanks to the generously sized windows.

The steering is light and precise, ensuring the Inster is easy to place on the road. Depending on the configuration, it can weigh as little as 1,305 kg (2,877 lbs), which is light by modern standards, particularly for a car that comfortably accommodates four adults. It also has a tight turning circle of just 10.6 meters (34.7 feet), and while that’s not quite as good as the Fiat 500’s, it’s enough to ensure the Inster is incredibly easy to navigate through tight roads and carparks. It also makes doing U-turns a breeze.

As with most other EVs from Hyundai, the Inster includes paddle shifters behind the steering wheel to adjust the regenerative braking. There are four different settings on offer, including a one-pedal driving mode, which I left the car in for most of the time I had it.

Efficiency is good, but it’s not excellent. Hyundai quotes 14.3 kWh/100 km for the Standard Range. I managed to beat this during my time with it, averaging 13.9 kWh/100 km. Interestingly, the Kia Niro EV I tested two years ago, despite being much larger and heavier, averaged 13.5 kWh/100 km.

The charging supported by the Inster also cannot hold a candle to many other EVs from Hyundai’s portfolio. It can support peak charging speeds of 120 kW, meaning it will take 30 minutes to charge from 10-80 percent, which is quite a long time for a tiny 42 kWh pack. Plugged into a 50 kW DC charger, it’ll take 58 minutes from 10-80 percent.

The quoted range of 327 km (203 miles) for the Standard Range is certainly achievable in the real world, but I did have to charge the car overnight in my garage three times just to ensure I had enough range for my driving the following day. Fortunately, the Inster comes standard with a home charger that plugs directly into a standard household socket.

Given that the Inster has to lug around a heavy battery pack, it comes as no surprise that the ride is slightly firmer than you’d expect from an ICE-powered crossover similar in size. But, for everyday driving duties, it’s acceptable, even though I’d like it to be a little softer.

Verdict

Competing with new and cheap EVs from China is a tough ask for any legacy brand. These new entrants to the market have forced brands like Hyundai to step up their game, attempting to build cars that are innovative, appealing, and well-priced. The Inster ticks those first two boxes.

However, it is expensive. Not only is the Inster pricier than most of its competitors, but the Standard Range is roughly AU$11,000 ($7,300) more expensive than the larger, ICE-powered Venue. This will limit its appeal, likely only being considered by those with their minds set on an EV regardless of price, rather than the large contingent of buyers simply looking for the best value for money car to get from A to B.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Hyundai has a busy slate ahead, with fresh N performance models on the horizon and a body-on-frame midsize pickup in the pipeline that will also spawn a rugged SUV aimed at the Toyota 4Runner. But it’s Genesis, the luxury side of the Hyundai Motor Group, that delivers the real jolt of excitement: an all-electric flagship is officially on the way.

Read: Genesis Reveals Why Magma Will Deliver A Different Experience Than Hyundai N

During Hyundai’s recent investor day, chief executive Jose Munoz displayed a slide for the Genesis brand that revealed it is working on new EV, EREV, and HEV powertrains. The big takeaway was that the electric models will emphasize performance, starting at “600hp+” and with the possibility of reaching an extraordinary “1,000hp+.”

A Luxury Brand With Bite

Genesis occupies the same role for Hyundai as Lexus does for Toyota, but the similarities may stop there. The brand is carving out a sharper, sportier identity thanks to its new Magma high-performance division. Alongside the road cars, Genesis will even step into endurance racing with the GMR-001 Le Mans Daytona supercar.

The first Magma model on the road will be a hot version of the Genesis GV60. It’s tipped to borrow parts from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Kia EV6 GT, bringing more than 600 hp to the table. That alone makes it blisteringly quick, but it’s the possibility of breaching the 1,000 hp mark that raises the stakes.

What Could 1,000 hp Look Like?

Hyundai provided no indication as to what form a four-figure horsepower Genesis model could take. It could perhaps be a road-going hypercar inspired by the Le Mans racer, or perhaps an electric version of the X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo concept from a couple of years ago.

However, given that vehicles like this would likely only sell in very small numbers, we suspect it’s more likely the vehicle will be either a high-performance sedan or a high-performance SUV that could rival the Porsche Taycan, Macan Electric, or the upcoming Cayenne Electric, which has already been confirmed to pack upwards of 1,000 hp.

Performance wasn’t the only focus of the announcement. Genesis also revealed its extended-range models will deliver more than 1,000 km (621 miles) on a charge, while conventional hybrids will top out at “500hp+.” These hybrids aim to blend efficiency with performance, offering fuel-sipping driving without sacrificing the punch expected from the brand’s expanding lineup.

Hyundai has used their investor event to unveil a future product roadmap and a “2030 Vision.” It calls for an assortment of new models including range-extended electric vehicles.

Starting stateside, Hyundai announced plans to launch its first body-on-frame mid-size truck in North America by 2030. It will challenge the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, and the reborn Ram Dakota.

More: Americans Love Trucks, Except Ones From Hyundai

The company has high hopes for the pickup as they noted it targets “one of the largest segments in the industry.” Hyundai added they have “gained valuable experience and brand presence” since launching the compact unibody Santa Cruz in 2021. CEO Jose Munoz even hinted that a rugged, off-road SUV could join the lineup built on the same platform.

More N Models And Hybrids

Hyundai’s N lineup will expand to more than seven models by 2030, including the all-new Ioniq 6 N. The company believes the move will increase global N sales to over 100,000 units annually.

Hyundai will also expand its hybrid lineup to include more than 18 models by 2030. They’ll also embrace commercial vehicles in North America by offering a large electrified van as well as the XCIENT fuel cell truck and Translead trailers.

Lots Of New EVs

Baldauf / Carscoops

Hyundai bet big on EVs and even more are on the horizon, including an entry-level Ioniq 3 for Europe. The model was recently previewed by a concept and will be a mass-market vehicle with a next-generation infotainment system.

Sticking with international markets, India will get its first locally designed EV, while China gets a new C-segment electric sedan. The latter will be joined by the recently unveiled Elexio SUV.

The automaker is also gearing up to launch its first range-extended electric vehicles in 2027. They’ll offer more than 600 miles (966 km) of combined range as well as high-performance batteries that were developed in-house. Hyundai said they’ll have “full EV power performance with less than half the battery capacity, improving accessibility while maintaining exceptional range and performance, and eliminating range anxiety.”

Speaking of EVs, Hyundai noted a cloud-based battery management system is coming in 2026. It promises to “collect data from diverse vehicle environments, applying proprietary advanced modeling for faster, more precise diagnostics.”

We can also expect next-generation batteries that will arrive by 2027. These are said to be 30% cheaper despite having a 15% higher energy density. Charging times will also drop by 15%, making ownership more convenient.

Hyundai is also developing next-generation fuel cell systems for commercial vehicles. These promise to have “high efficiency, durability and power output to meet the demands of future mobility.”

Genesis Gets Some Love

On the luxury side of the equation, the Genesis lineup will expand to include hybrid, electric, and range-extended vehicles. The first hybrid will arrive next year and the company said their next-generation platform will support multi-energy configurations.

Genesis is aiming to increase annual sales to 350,000 units by 2030, and they’ll achieve this by expanding their presence in the United States, Europe, Korea, China, the Middle East, and emerging markets. Speaking of Europe, the brand is planning to be in up to 20 European markets in the coming years.

In the United States, Genesis is planning to strengthen its market presence through local production and the introduction of range-extended EVs. The company also mentioned “ultra-bespoke vehicles,” hinting at possible ultra-luxury ambitions.

Company Eyes Increased Sales And More US Production

Overall, Hyundai is targeting global sales of 5.55 million vehicles by 2030. They’re banking on “significant growth” in North America, Europe, and Korea to achieve this.

Getting back to the United States, the Hyundai Metaplant in Georgia is set to increase its annual production capacity to 500,000 vehicles by 2028. The plant currently builds the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9, but it will eventually make hybrids as well.

Hyundai said the expansion will create 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, and involve a $2.7 billion investment over three years. The company also aims to produce more than 80% of vehicles sold in the United States domestically by 2030, with supply chain content increasing from 60% to 80%.

As power-hungry data centers proliferate, states are searching for ways to protect utility customers from the steep costs of upgrading the electrical grid, trying instead to shift the cost to AI-driven tech companies. (Dana DiFilippo/New Jersey Monitor)

Two environmental groups are warning state residents about the amount of energy and water that is set to be used following the construction of AI data centers in southern Wisconsin. 

In an analysis released Tuesday, Clean Wisconsin found that two data centers approved for construction in Ozaukee and Racine counties will consume enough energy to power 4.3 million homes — nearly double the 2.8 million housing units in the state. 

The first AI data warehouse, operated by Microsoft, is set to open next year in Mount Pleasant. The company has promised it will support 500 jobs. The $3.3 billion project is located at the site initially planned for Foxconn’s massive manufacturing plant. 

Further north in Ozaukee County, Denver-based Vantage Data Systems has acquired 700 acres of land in rural Port Washington. The company has planned a campus that will hold 11 data center buildings and five substations, according to concepts approved by the local government. 

Clean Wisconsin’s analysis found that these two projects will require a combined 3.9 gigawatts of power and hundreds of thousands of gallons of water to keep the buildings cooled. 

“To put this in perspective, that is more than three times the power production capacity of Wisconsin’s Point Beach nuclear plant,” Paul Mathewson, Clean Wisconsin science program director, who conducted the analysis, said in a statement. “And because only two of the data center projects have disclosed their power needs, we know this is really just a fraction of what the energy use would be if all those data centers are ultimately built.”

The power needs of the two sites are just the tip of the iceberg for the energy and water needs of data centers, which house the servers used to host chatbots such as Chat GPT, stream video and use social media. Microsoft has plans for a smaller data center in Kenosha County. Work is also underway on a data center on 830 acres in Beaver Dam reportedly for Facebook owner Meta. In addition, a Virginia-based company has eyed a site in Dane County, Wisconsin Rapids has plans for a $200 million data center and Janesville is seeking to build a center in a former General Motors assembly plant. 

A proposed project in Caledonia has been delayed following  local resistance to the project’s proposed rezoning of 240 acres of farmland. The community’s plan commission postponed a July vote on the proposal until later this month. 

Environmental advocates say local officials and the state’s power companies are rushing to attract data centers to Wisconsin based on the ambiguous promise of jobs without accounting for the effect they could have on a community’s water sources and energy needs. Increases in the amount of power used by the state could result in the state relying more heavily and for longer periods on non-renewable sources of energy and raise energy rates for households. 

‘More questions than answers’

“If data centers come to Wisconsin, they must benefit  — not harm — our communities. But right now, we have far more questions than answers about their impacts. How much energy and water will a project use? How will those demands be met? Will there be backup diesel generators on site and how often will they be fired up for testing? Our communities don’t have the transparency they need and deserve,” Chelsea Chandler, Clean Wisconsin’s climate, energy and air director said. 

Data centers also often emit a constant humming sound as the servers work inside, creating an irritating noise pollutant for neighbors.

Both the Mount Pleasant and Port Washington projects are close to Lake Michigan, raising further complications about the centers’ use of water and the protection of the Great Lakes. The Foxconn site in Mount Pleasant was already at the center of a controversial plan to divert 7 million gallons of water per day from Lake Michigan. 

“There has been very little transparency about the amount of water that will be used on site at these proposed data center campuses. Add to that a lack of transparency about energy use, and it’s impossible to know what the impact on Wisconsin’s water resources will be,” Sarah Walling, Clean Wisconsin’s water and agriculture program director said. “Communities need to know what the on-site demand will be on the hottest, driest days of the year when our water systems are most stressed. And we need to understand how much water will be needed off site to meet a data center’s enormous energy demands.”

Demanding water-use information from Racine

Earlier this week, Midwest Environmental Advocates filed a lawsuit against the city of Racine for records about the Mount Pleasant center’s projected water usage. Water for the center will be provided by the Racine Water Utility under an agreement with the village of Mount Pleasant. 

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Milwaukee Riverkeeper, is seeking to force Racine to hand over information about projected water usage requested through an open records request in February. In a news release, MEA noted that many companies constructing data centers across the country require that local governments sign non-disclosure agreements. 

The legal advocacy group noted that data centers can use as much water as a small to medium sized city and the public has a right to know the scale of water use. 

“Wisconsin law requires public officials to respond to public records requests ‘as soon as practicable and without delay.’ Yet more than six months after making their request, our clients are still waiting,” MEA legal fellow Michael Greif said. “This blatant disregard for the Public Records Law violates their rights and deprives them of the transparency they deserve. Community members have a right to know how much water a data center will use before it is built.”

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First Student will equip its 46,000 school buses across North America with Samsara’s AI-powered technology platform — video-based safety, telematics, commercial navigation, door monitors, and student ridership insights — to help predict risk, prevent incidents and ensure student well-being.

The announcement Tuesday comes as part of a new partnership between the two companies. Samsara’s technology will integrate into First Student’s Halo platform that rolled out earlier this year. The companies said school districts will have a unified system that combines telematics, video-based safety and monitoring, fleet tracking and ridership insights.

“By leveraging real-time data collected from Samsara’s Connected Operations Platform, First Student will build the most advanced safety and performance ecosystem in the student transportation industry,” a press release states, noting that the companies aim to set a new standard for how drivers, districts, families and students experience pupil transportation.

“This partnership between two industry leaders enables us to leverage advanced technology to deliver safer, smarter, and more connected student transportation,” said John Kenning, CEO and president of First Student in a statement. “By integrating Samsara’s AI insights into HALO, we are living out our value of setting the highest standards and redefining what student transportation can be. With Samsara’s AI capabilities, predictive analytics, and real-time safety monitoring, we are taking HALO to the next level, anticipating risks, preventing incidents, enhancing driver satisfaction, and advancing our mission to provide every student with the best possible transportation experience so they arrive at school ready to achieve their full potential.”

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Related: Q&A: Cybersecurity in Student Transportation: Why It Matters, Where It’s Headed
Related: September 2025
Related: WATCH: First Student at ACT Expo
Related: Under the Hood: School Bus Smart Telematics Driving Fleet Improvements

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Samsara said it AI-powered platform will further unlock key safety features in HALO across all vehicles, including the use of AI cameras with in-cab alerts; collision avoidance and hazard detection alerts for drivers and pedestrians; and predictive safety analytics that combine data from vehicle sensors and AI cameras to generate insights. It also integrates post-trip insights, giving supervisors visibility into coachable driver trends. Samsara said its models learn from billions of minutes of video footage to help identify and address risks proactively.

“We are proud to partner with First Student, which operates at an unmatched scale, serving millions of students daily across North America,” said Sanjit Biswas, CEO and co-founder of Samsara in a press release. “By integrating our AI-powered platform with First Student’s HALO, we are taking innovation to the next level to create a safer, more efficient experience. Together, we’re bringing students the best possible transportation experience, powered by data-driven insights.”

The post First Student to Integrate Samsara AI Technology into Halo Platform appeared first on School Transportation News.

SAN DIEGO, Calif.– Netradyne, a global leader in AI-powered road safety and fleet management solutions, today announced the launch of its Customer Obsession Tour in honor of the company’s 10th anniversary. The nationwide road tour will showcase Netradyne’s holistic, AI-powered platform for connected fleet performance, bringing driver-first innovations to life, engaging customers across major metro areas, as well as featuring the company’s advanced video telematics technology that empowers drivers and elevates fleet operations.

On the Road with Netradyne

The tour will kick off at Netradyne’s San Diego headquarters, then travel across the nation with stops in Phoenix, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Houston, before heading to the Midwest to visit multiple customers in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Illinois, continuing to the East Coast and concluding back on the West Coast.

Along the route, the Netradyne team will connect with fleet leaders and drivers, as well as participate in industry events, while the Netradyne RV will operate as a mobile demo center, offering customer, prospects and media hands-on access to the company’s innovative-leading solutions along with exclusive previews of next-generation technology. At each stop, Netradyne will also capture customer stories that showcase how Netradyne is driving safer practices and transforming commercial fleet operations.

“Ten years ago, we set out to harness the power of AI with a driver-first philosophy. Today, that vision has evolved into an advanced, holistic platform that helps fleets optimize performance, reduce risk, and—most importantly—save lives,” said Netradyne CEO and co-founder Avneesh Agrawal. “Netradyne is shaping the future of connected fleet safety and management on a global scale, but our greatest achievement remains the trust of the customers and drivers who’ve been with us every mile. This tour is our way of celebrating those partnerships and the progress we’re driving together.”

A Decade of Impact and Innovation
Founded in 2015 by CEO Avneesh Agrawal and CTO David Julian, Netradyne has grown from an inspired vision into a global leader in fleet management and video-based safety. Today, the company serves thousands of customers, hundreds of thousands of vehicles and millions of drivers across the U.S., Japan, Canada, Mexico, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and India.

Over the past ten years, the company has:
Analyzed more than 25 billion vision-based driving miles, an unparalleled dataset for understanding and improving road safety, powering the most advanced AI-driven video technology on the market. · Surpassed 100 million DriverStars events, reinforcing its commitment to positive reinforcement and safer roads at scale.

Earned consistent industry recognition for AI innovation, including Forbes AI50 and the AI Breakthrough Awards, cementing its role as a technology leader in connected fleet safety and performance.

Evolved into a holistic AI-powered platform, delivering insights that go beyond safety to include compliance, fuel efficiency, and overall fleet optimization.

“As we celebrate 10 years, there is no better way to mark the milestone than by hitting the road to thank our customers and drivers in person,” said Adam Kahn, Chief Business Development Officer at Netradyne. “This tour isn’t just about showcasing our technology, it’s about celebrating the fleets and drivers who rely on it every day to stay safe, keep goods moving, and make our roads better for everyone.”

In addition to live events, Netradyne will share tour updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and customer stories across Netradyne on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and our newsroom, giving audiences everywhere a front-row seat.

Media, customers, and partners interested in participating in the Customer Obsession Tour and experiencing the future of AI-powered fleet management and road safety are encouraged to contact Netradyne at press@netradyne.com for interview opportunities, event access, and technology demonstrations.

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

The post Netradyne Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Cross-Country Customer Obsession Tour appeared first on School Transportation News.

The buzz around Hyundai’s performance EVs is growing, and while the electric Ioniq 5 N has impressed critics, its steep price tag keeps it from being the natural successor to the popular i30 N hot hatch, which disappeared from Europe under tighter emissions rules That gap in the lineup could soon be filled by the smaller Ioniq 3, though Hyundai has reportedly considered badging it as the 2 or even the 4.

More: Hyundai’s Smallest Ioniq Looks Like A Veloster From Outer Space

The sporty hatchback was previewed in Munich this week with the Hyundai Concept Three, a show car with a playful, offbeat character that called to mind a modern Veloster reimagined for the electric era, though Hyundai downplayed the resemblance and described it simply as a compact hatchback.

Could Hyundai Build an Ioniq 3 N?

Hints about a performance-focused Ioniq 3 have already come from within the company. Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, suggested the idea is under serious consideration, telling Auto Express: “The concept is quite sporty, and obviously you have heritage with N brand. I think it’s a fair topic to consider.”

At the same time, the hot hatch project has yet to receive official approval. Martinet acknowledged the uncertainty around demand, noting, “The question is always if there is customer demand? Is there a market? How do you make your car the one that customers want to buy? Generating its emotions is fundamental.”

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

Simon Loasby, Hyundai’s head of styling, addressed why the concept car carried no N branding. “It is an opportunity. We’re not calling it N, it’s not approved yet. But I think everyone in the company is realizing what Europe needs, and that’s compact hot hatches, so it’s a topic for discussion.”

What the Production Model Will Look Like

The new Ioniq 3 (or whatever Hyundai calls it) is expected to arrive in mid-2026, serving as the electric equivalent of the aging i30. Recent spy shots suggest that the production EV will adopt a sleek hatchback silhouette with a sloping roofline. Unlike the Concept Three that features a Veloster-inspired asymmetrical door layout, the Ioniq 3 will have a more conventional five-door body.

More: Hyundai Is Giving Its N Cars A Big Powertrain Shakeup And One Loses A Manual

For now, the concept makes a striking impression with its wide fenders, splitter, transparent ducktail spoiler, and a diffuser housing speakers styled to look like twin exhaust tips, which it doesn’t have, of course. A slightly toned down version of this aggressive look could suit a potential Ioniq 3 N, especially if paired with a dual-motor setup and chassis tuned for handling.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

When Could It Arrive?

If approved, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 N could arrive around 2027, joining the existing Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N. The company has also confirmed that it is working on a new generation of the i20 N hatchback with a hybrid powertrain, and a new Elantra N sedan with a gasoline engine.

Of course, Hyundai won’t be alone in the electric hot hatch market. The upcoming VW ID. Polo GTI will compete with the Peugeot 208 GTi, Alpine A290, and Mini JCW Electric in the subcompact segment. Still, an updated version of the larger VW ID.3 GTX that will likely adopt the GTI moniker sounds like a more fitting rival to the Hyundai Ioniq 3 N.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

Just when we thought the action from Germany’s Munich Motor Show was winding down, Hyundai goes and drops what could be the car of the show. And the word is the Concept Three will morph into a fully fledged production EV that looks almost identical in 2026.

Likely to be badged the Ioniq 3 when production starts in Europe next year, the compact EV is built to rival the upcoming VW ID. Golf, and at 4,288 mm (168.8 inches) long will be a similar size. But the Golf won’t look anything like as dynamic, based on the coupe-like shape, sloping roofline and sports car-low nose of the Concept Three.

A New Kind Of Hatchback

Hyundai calls the Three an Aero Hatch, saying the combination of the sporty roof, visual tension from the intersecting lines created by the ‘Art of Steel’ design language and the upright rear window blend performance and practicality. We just know it looks awesome, like a de-uglified Veloster for the electric age, this time with two rear doors instead of one.

Related: This Electric Hatch May Be Hyundai’s Best-Looking Ioniq Yet

Regular versions of the production EV won’t look quite as aggressive or feature the gullwing rear doors, Hyundai Design Centre boss Simon Loasby told Autocar, but you can see how elements such as the rear diffuser, transparent rear spoiler and fat fender flares could translate to an N performance version down the line.

Hyundai

Playing With Light

More than most automakers, Hyundai has embraced lighting tech to help give its cars unique identities and the the Concept Three is no different. Parametric Pixel lighting is employed at both ends of the car, but this time the pixels are more sophisticated, a gradient making the upper ones brighter.

Inside, the Concept Three makes a firm break from established Hyundai design themes. There’s no large touchscreen, instead drivers bring their own widgets to mount on the dashboard and customise their experience. The pod-like bucket seats are upholstered in sustainable fabrics and a weird handle on the console makes it look there’s an in-built Dust Buster.

What’s Underneath

Hyundai hasn’t revealed any tech details but logic suggests an Ioniq 3 would be closely related to models like sister company Kia’s EV4, which would mean 400 rather than 800-volt electrics, but a choice of single and dual motor configurations. We expect to see two battery options and around 390 miles (628 km) of range for the best performing models.

Hyundai

US immigration authorities have detained at least 450 people in a raid at Hyundai’s new EV plant in Georgia. Atlanta’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed that it had apprehended hundreds of “unlawful aliens,” but South Korea has expressed concern over reports that 30 of the detained were its country’s nationals.

ATFA Atlanta said it had joined forces with various federal organizations including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to perform the operation on September 4. The search warrant executed cited allegations of “unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes,” the Department of Homeland Security said.

Related: A Simple Traffic Stop Can Now End With Deportation In Florida

“Today @ATFAtlanta joined HSI, FBI, DEA, ICE, GSP and other agencies in a major immigration enforcement operation at the Hyundai mega site battery plant in Bryan County, GA, leading to the apprehension of [around] 450 unlawful aliens, emphasizing our commitment to community safety,” ATFA Atlanta wrote on X.

A High-Profile Target

The raid took place at the $7.6 billion, 3,000-acre EV site opened by Hyundai close to Savannah last year. Agents were focused on the construction zone for the new battery plant that’s scheduled to open in 2026, and Hyundai claims the operation didn’t impact the neighboring EV plant, which currently produces the Ioniq 5 and 9.

Though US authorities haven’t released names or details of the 450 people it detained at the site, Korean media reports that 30 are Korean nationals, something that has alarmed the country’s lawmakers.

Diplomatic Tension

“The economic activities of Korean investment companies and the rights and interests of Korean citizens must not be unfairly infringed upon during US law enforcement operations,” a spokesperson for the country’s foreign ministry said in a statement. South Korea sent diplomats to the site, BBC News reports.

President Trump pledged to deport undocumented migrants in the run-up to his 2024 election victory, but he has also said he welcomed foreign companies to set up manufacturing businesses inside the US, as Hyundai has done.

Atlanta ATF/Hyundai

Today, @ATFAtlanta joined HSI, FBI, DEA, ICE, GSP and other agencies in a major immigration enforcement operation at the Hyundai mega site battery plant in Bryan County, GA, leading to the apprehension of ~450 unlawful aliens, emphasizing our commitment to community safety. #ATF pic.twitter.com/su6raLrLu6

— ATF Atlanta (@ATFAtlanta) September 4, 2025