Firefighters in the small town of Hull are getting ready to say goodbye to one of their long-serving members — a 1963 firetruck called “Big Louie."
The post Hull firefighters say ‘so long’ to 1963 firetruck ‘Big Louie’ appeared first on WPR.
The Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are the best selling full-size minivans in the Japanese market, but their popularity expands to other regions. Pakistani automaker Nora EV has unveiled a new zero-emission model with Toyota-inspired styling and a subcompact footprint.
The Nora EV Metro might not bear the Toyota emblem, but it incorporates a mixture of Alphard and Vellfire styling cues. At the front, the headlights might be simpler, but the massive grille and vertical intakes with chrome accents send strong Toyota vibes.
More: Before Lexus Turns The LS Into A Minivan, They Turned A Minivan Into A Sedan
The same applies to the surfacing on the profile and the rear end with a vertical tailgate, a roof spoiler, and triangular taillights. However, unlike the Alphard and Vellfire which rely on power-sliding side doors, the Metro uses conventional hinged doors for rear-seat access.
Despite the similarities with the Japanese full-size minivans, Metro’s proportions are far more modest. The vehicle measures 3,900 mm (153.5 inches) long, which makes it shorter than European subcompact hatchbacks. It also rides on 14-inch alloy wheels that would be more suitable for a kei car.
More: Toyota’s Smallest Minivan Gains Smarter Tech, Starts From $11,500
Inside, the Metro tries hard to hide its budget-friendly nature. The five-seater cabin adopts styling cues and color combinations inspired by premium vehicles. The dashboard might look like a Mercedes Hyperscreen, but is actually a big piece of plastic with a modest infotainment display in the center. Equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, push-button start, AC, power windows, and a reverse camera.
Surprises continue under the skin. The underlying chassis originates from China, but the company claims it has been re-engineered to better suit the road conditions of South Asia and improve ergonomics for taller passengers.
Power comes from a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 4,000 Watts, which translates to a mere 5 hp (4 kW). The company offers various options for the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack with capacities of 9 kWh, 15 kWh, and 23.1 kWh. The larger battery promises a driving range between 250-300 km (155-186 miles).
More: Think You Know The Suzuki Alto? There Are Five Different Versions On Sale Right Now
For those with range anxiety issues who don’t like to wait for charging, Nora EV plans to roll out a network of battery swapping stations in Pakistan. More importantly, the Metro will be optionally available with a range-extender setup featuring a 3 lt (0.8 gallon) gasoline tank and a small generator which is said to add an extra 150-180 km (93-112 miles) of range.
Other Models And Pricing
Nora EV was founded in 2025 by Nousheen Azhar and Ali Raza. Unlike other firms that assemble imported knockdown kits, the Pakistani company is establishing local manufacturing for bodywork stampings, lighting assemblies etc.
More: Someone Paid $3K For This Fake Bentley EV That Charges With Gas
Besides the Toyota minivan impersonator, the automaker also offers the Nora E30 small electric SUV copying the design of the previous-gen Range Rover, and the Nora Neo urban hatchback. The only one currently on sale is the baby Range Rover, priced from 1,889,000 Pakistani Rupee ($6,800) before GST. The brand has promised that the upcoming Metro will launch soon with a starting price under 3,000,000 Pakistani Rupee ($10,800).
H/T to Creative Trend
Poor air quality is a serious concern for Beloit residents who worry about the emissions from nearby power plants and now wildfire smoke. Just three years ago, under similar wildfire concerns, the city was named the worst for air pollution in the U.S.
The post Wildfire smoke raises air pollution concerns in Rock County, where asthma rates are among the highest in Wisconsin appeared first on WPR.
A Hardee County school bus in Florida carrying five students caught fire after a crash. The driver evacuated everyone before flames consumed much of the vehicle, reported WFLA News.
According to the news report, the bus was transporting secondary school students home after their first week of the new school year on Aug. 14, when the incident occurred in Wauchula.
School officials said the school bus was involved in a crash before the fire began. They did not provide details about how the crash occurred, whether another vehicle was involved, or what caused the bus to ignite.
The school bus driver reportedly moved quickly to evacuate all five students as conditions became dangerous. No students were injured, and officials reported no injuries to the driver.
Emergency crews responded as flames spread across the bus. Images from the scene obtained by local news reporters showed much of the vehicle engulfed in fire as thick, dark smoke rose above the roadway. The fire caused extensive damage to the bus.
District administrators and transportation personnel arrived on scene and worked with emergency crews following the incident. Authorities had not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the initial crash or the origin of the fire. No arrests or criminal charges were reported, and officials had not indicated that criminal activity played a role.
The quick actions from the driver kept the crash and subsequent fire from injuring any of the students aboard.
Written with the assistance of AI.
Related: School Bus Fire Temporarily Shuts Down I-79 in West Virginia
Related: Setting Fires Lands Former Utah School Bus Driver in Federal Prison
Related: Fuel Theft Attempt Ends in Fire, Destroying Grace Academy Bus in Washington
Related: Evacuated Family Grateful Georgia School Bus Driver Sees House Fire
The post Florida School Bus Catches Fire After Crash appeared first on School Transportation News.
A fire that destroyed a Milwaukee elementary school earlier this summer was caused by rags soaked with cleaning liquids that spontaneously combusted inside the building, according to a fire department investigation.
The post Fire that destroyed Milwaukee elementary school was accidental, officials say appeared first on WPR.
The story of the Sister Bay and Liberty Grove Fire Department is a reflection of the community it grew out of.
The post Door County volunteer fire department history reflects community identity appeared first on WPR.
Police arrested a 30-year-old man and charged him with setting fire to a charter school bus in Times Square as crowds celebrated the New York Knicks’ NBA championship victory last month, reported New York Post.
According to the news report, Jonathan Strahs was taken into custody July 20 at his residence in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. He faces one federal arson charge in connection with the June 14 fire.
Authorities allege Strahs entered the school bus on West 42nd Street at approximately 2:47 a.m., shortly after the Knicks clinched their first NBA championship in 53 years. The bus had reportedly been contracted to transport World Cup attendees between the Port Authority Bus Terminal and MetLife Stadium. No passengers were reported on board when the fire was set.
Surveillance footage allegedly showed Strahs entering the bus and leaving shortly before flames engulfed the vehicle, authorities said. The fire spread through the bus’s interior and damaged a nearby vehicle before responding firefighters extinguished it.
FDNY fire marshals reportedly determined that the blaze had been intentionally set. They worked with the New York Police Department’s Arson and Explosion Squad and ATF special agents to investigate the incident and identify Strahs as a suspect.
“This fire, set on a busy street during a night of celebration, put the lives of bystanders and first responders at risk,” Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said. She credited the participating agencies and fire marshals for following evidence gathered during what she described as an extensive and complex investigation.
“This arrest reflects the strength of our partnership with ATF and NYPD, and the diligence of our Fire Marshals,” she added.
Strahs was among dozens of people reportedly arrested in connection with disturbances that occurred as crowds gathered across New York City to celebrate the Knicks’ championship. Authorities did not provide information about Strahs’ next court appearance. No injuries were reported in connection with the school bus fire.
Written with the assistance of AI.
Related: School Bus Fire Temporarily Shuts Down I-79 in West Virginia
Related: Fuel Theft Attempt Ends in Fire, Destroying Grace Academy Bus in Washington
Related: Setting Fires Lands Former Utah School Bus Driver in Federal Prison
Related: New Hampshire School Bus Transporting Athletes Catches Fire
The post Man Charged with Arson After School Bus Burned During Knicks Celebration appeared first on School Transportation News.
Around two dozen firefighters from the Wisconsin DNR are among around 800 firefighters working to battle blazes in northern Minnesota.
The post Wisconsin DNR staff help battle back fires in northern Minnesota appeared first on WPR.
Wisconsin could see smoky conditions on and off until the wildfires in Minnesota and Canada are out. Due to the size of the fires, it may be months before that happens.
The post Smoky conditions in Wisconsin expected to clear Friday, likely return Saturday appeared first on WPR.
The Wisconsin DNR issued an air quality advisory Tuesday that runs through 11 a.m. Thursday, which could be extended.
The post Wisconsin sees hazardous levels of pollution as fires burn in Canada and Minnesota appeared first on WPR.
Milwaukee Public Schools announced Friday the 450 students from Lincoln Avenue School would move to Casimir Pulaski High School on 25th Street at Oklahoma Avenue in the fall.
The post Milwaukee’s Lincoln Avenue School community hopeful for upcoming move to Pulaski appeared first on WPR.
More than 100 firefighters battled the massive fire at Lincoln Avenue School on the city’s south side in oppressive heat for hours.
The post Fire destroys Milwaukee Public Schools elementary building appeared first on WPR.
New Poll: American Voters Support Federal Investments in Electric Vehicles Broad, Bipartisan Support for EV Investments and Incentives that Lower Costs, Expand Access, and Help the U.S. Beat China in the Race for Auto Manufacturing WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new bipartisan national poll conducted by Meeting Street Insights and Hart Research finds broad public support …
The post Support for Electric Vehicles appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.
Login