By Lauren Fix
The Consumer Electronics Show opened with cutting-edge technologies and gadgets for every home. Companies representing more than 150 countries and territories are showcasing their high-tech products in Las Vegas.
Our expert panel discuss
- Automakers are turning to AI for new vehicles
- Biggest auto show in the world – all about technology
- Hydrogen powered vehicles
- New electric vehicles
- Newest coolest technology coming soon
Vehicle reveals were in the spotlight at CES on Tuesday, with Honda announcing a new global line of EVs that will revolve around two concepts it unveiled at the show. Meanwhile, VinFast showed off a pickup concept that could go on sale in the U.S. as early as 2026. On the first day, we saw some significant hydrogen powertrain and auto tech partnership news. Bosch Mobility said it will launch a hydrogen combustion engine this year and received its first hydrogen fuel cell stack orders from truck manufacturers in Europe, the U.S. and China. Hyundai outlined its hydrogen fuel plans from production to vehicles.
VinFast Auto
VinFast Auto unveils its new electric vehicle concept – the VF Wild. The concept car is VinFast’s first attempt for a pickup truck, exemplifying VinFast’s commitment to broadening its product range and promoting sustainable mobility by making smart, safe, exciting electric vehicles accessible to everyone. The VF Wild concept highlights VinFast’s innovative efforts to create a pickup truck with exceptional performance, catering to the new generation of consumers looking for innovation and eco-friendliness without compromising on performance and durability.
VF Wild’s is a mid-size pickup with a flexible bed size. The truck combines the practicality of a power-folding mid-gate to provide a bed length designed to expand from 5 to 8 feet with the rear seats folded down automatically. The design also integrates a panoramic glass roof and digital side mirrors to improve aerodynamics.
VinFast Auto announced the global launch of its latest electric model, the VF 3. This dynamic mini-eSUV, packed with character and personality, adds a new dimension to smart, sustainable, and accessible urban mobility for everyone. In 2024, VinFast is set to begin accepting early reservations for the VF 3. Details of timing for the reservation and delivery of the vehicle, pricing, and warranty policies will be disclosed for each market in the upcoming period.
The VF 3 combines practicality, creativity, and style to ignite new joy and inspire personal realization, and spark creativity among its drivers. The VF 3 features a seamless balance of robust geometric blocks and sleek lines. In addition, the ample ground clearance and 16-inch wheels underscore the vehicle’s sturdy and practical design and its capacity to navigate different types of terrains.
The car’s interior is a minimalist approach, providing ample space and incorporating essential smart features for a comfortable and convenient driving experience. As a mini-eSUV, the VF 3 boasts a well-proportioned footprint for effortless city navigation. With a target estimate of driving range of over 125 miles per full charge, this practical four-seater delivers comfort while maintaining optimal maneuverability, empowering drivers to confidently navigate city streets.
Other functions and entertainment features also come standard to accommodate the daily lives of city drivers. This includes an advanced 10-inch-screen infotainment system fitted with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, while full folding second-row seats allow for the expansion of cargo space.
DrgnFly electric bike expected to begin at USD 2,800. accompanied by a two-year and unlimited mileage warranty. The DrgnFly has a wide handlebar, balloon tires and an ergonomic riding position. The exposed battery pack seamlessly integrates into the frame, creating a harmonious blend of classic aesthetics and electric innovation. With a driving range of up to 63 miles. The DrgnFly features a 750W engine integrated into the rear wheel and a torque sensor for smooth and instantaneous power delivery with a top speed of 28 mph.
KIA
Kia PV5 Pickup Concept Could Be a $35,000 Electric Truck.
That’s $20,000 cheaper than a Ford F-150 Lightning.
Kia is breaking into the commercial van segment with a trio of electric cargo carriers, revealed at CES in Las Vegas. Production of the first van, the PV5, will begin in 2025 in South Korea. It will come with a variety of bodies, from a cargo van to a robotaxi.
The PV5 will later be joined by a tiny PV1, designed for narrow city streets, and a larger PV7, both of which sport similar smooth bodywork to the PV5’s.
Everyday living, powered by Kia: Kia connected Home at 2024 CES demonstrates the benefits of future vehicle-to-home charging. Kia America unveiled the Kia Connected Home at CES 2024, a two-story oasis from the bustling show floor that brings the electric future into the present. The Kia Connected Home is a testament to the power of living with an electric vehicle, featuring immersive demonstrations of the all-electric Kia EV9’s bidirectional vehicle-to-home (V2H) 1 charging capabilities and the EV6’s onboard power generator (V2L)2 functionality.
Five Kia PBV concept models unveiled at CES 2024 – three Concept PV5 derivatives, Concept PV7 and Concept PV1. Kia Concept PV5 to enter mass production in 2025.
Three-phase PBV road map will transform the mobility landscape, with more models, advanced software and bespoke services to come. Concept EV3, Concept EV4 and EV6 GT and EV9 production models showcase an ‘EV Life for Everyone’.
Honda
Honda is launching a new series of EVs called the “0 Series” with two concepts: a van-like vehicle called the Space-Hub and a sleeker but still funky family car called the Saloon.
Along with a van-like Space-Hub concept, Honda also introduced a new “H” logo that’ll appear on its future electric cars. The Saloon new EV coming to North America in 2026.
The first member of Honda’s Zero Series, the Saloon’s dedicated electric platform has a high-density battery that can charge from 15 to 80 percent in 10 to 15 minutes.
Designed to be spacious, low, and wide, it uses sustainable materials throughout, an interior that continues Honda’s tradition of ease of use, and new steer-by-wire and “motion control management” systems. The seats feature posture control that uses learnings from Honda’s experience in robotics while aero is said to use learnings from the company’s racing expertise, including Formula 1.
A new “H” logo has also been revealed, with Honda planning to use the badge on its future EV models. EV Series with Two New Concept Models
Sony and Honda are working together to produce the 2026 Afeela EV sedan which wears updated styling. The revised Afeela features production-ready cues like traditional sideview mirrors instead of cameras and more substantial headlights. Afeela also released specifications, with the sedan packing a 241-hp electric motor on each axle and DC charging at speeds up to 150 kW.
Hyundai Motors
Hyundai Motor reveals vision for Hydrogen Energy and Software Solutions Beyond Mobility.
Under the theme ‘Ease every way,’ Hyundai highlights its commitment to lead human-centric life innovations with hydrogen energy as well as software and AI. The HTWO’s hydrogen solution that spans production, storage, transportation and utilization. This ’Software-defined Everything’ (SDx) strategy by redefining vehicles, fleets and transportation systems with software and AI.
Mercedes Benz
Future Mercedes-Benz EQG made its debut in camo, the electric G-Wagon is expected to see production soon. Mercedes-Benz is getting closer to launching the long-awaited electric G-class, and the evidence is this camouflaged production version that’s on display at the 2024 CES technology show. It’s our closest look yet at the EV G-wagen, and an official debut should happen by the end of 2024. Little is known about the electric G, including its official name, but we suspect it may ultimately be called EQG.
Mercedes MBUX Infotainment Goes Full Tech Bro
An AI voice assistant, NFT artwork, onboard entertainment from Sony, integration of Audible’s interface, and even a music production feature with backing from ‘will.i.am’ will soon roll out to eligible models.
VW
Volkswagen ID.4, Updated Golf Will Feature ChatGPT AI System
VW is the first automaker to integrate the chatbot—referred to as ‘Ida’—into its upcoming models. Volkswagen plans to integrate ChatGPT—an artificial-intelligence-based system—on models with VW’S latest infotainment system.
The chatbot feature expands on existing voice controls by recognizing more than explicit commands, and its capabilities will continuously evolve, VW said.
VW hasn’t yet confirmed the AI system will appear in U.S. models such as the ID.4 SUV and the updated 2025 Golf GTI, but ChatGPT will debut in other markets later this year.
2025 VW Golf GTI Will Have More Tech, New Looks, Sadly No Manual
The updated version of the hot hatch has different headlights and taillights plus a bigger screen, but it will come only with an automatic transmission.
VW revealed a camouflaged version of the updated Golf GTI hatchback. Spotted are different headlights and taillights, plus a larger screen inside. It’s expect to arrive in the U.S. for the 2025 model year. Sadly, there will be no manual transmission offered, as VW confirmed 2024 would be the last year for the three-pedal GTI.
BMW
BMW and Amazon Alexa are collaborating on the next phase of voice assistant battle. Amazon is one of several large players in the vehicle voice assistant market, a club that also includes Google and Cerence.
Polestar
Polestar continues its strategic relationship with Google. The latest innovations for cars with Google built-in are rolling out for Polestar cars, including new features that are available in Polestar 2.
Mullen Five RS Is an Extreme EV SUV Targeting over 1000 HP
With all-wheel drive and a two-speed gearbox, the Five RS is claimed to hit 60 mph in under 2 seconds and go 200 mph. The Mullen Five RS is an extremely high-performance electric SUV that’s designed and built in the United States; it’s expected to launch sometime in 2025. Mullen estimates the RS will have up to 300 miles of range, and its 800-volt electrical architecture allows fast-charging from zero to 80 percent in around 20 minutes.
Lamborghini unveils the Telemetry X concept at CES in Las Vegas
An innovative prototype system comprising real-time remote coaching, biometric data sensing, and a digital co-pilot for the ultimate track-driving experience.
Bosch Mobility announces hydrogen combustion engine for 2024, automated valet EV charging. A week after Bosch Mobility’s official launch as an independent unit, it will showed products focused on EVs and AVs, hydrogen technology and driver experiences.
HARMAN
HARMAN Announces New Automotive products to deliver enhanced safety, well-being, and entertainment experiences.
- Ready Connect: The latest addition to the Ready product family, Ready Connect provides OEMs with a future proof solution, via modular hardware upgradability from 4G to 5G.
- Ready Vision: The new Ready Vision QVUE product, which is an HDR-capable reflective display powered by Samsung Neo QLED, provides the most important information for drivers on the lower portion of the windshield, allowing for easy readability without obstructing their view of the road, while also offering a large field of view for all vehicle occupants.
- Ready Display: New variants with different sizes and privacy features for the only automotive display solution powered by Samsung Neo QLED.
- Ready Upgrade: Two new domain controllers to enable hardware and software upgrades throughout the lifecycle of the vehicle, keeping the in-cabin experience as modern as possible and elevating vehicle sustainability.
- Ready Care: Safety and well-being through cognitive load detection and closed-loop interventions, using artificial intelligence and neuroscience.
- SeatSonic: A new user-centric approach to traditional in-cabin audio system architecture, moving speakers into the seats and putting users at the center.
RECARO Automotive
New seating developments for the market leader in premium automotive seating, RECARO Automotive showed the ultra-sensory experience showcasing the wide breadth of its innovative technology and capabilities. Recaro also makes gaming chairs as well as race seats.
Google presented updates to Android Auto as well as vehicles with Google built-in. Starting with Android Auto, EVs will soon be able to share real-time battery information with Google Maps. This will provide an assortment of benefits as the navigation system will soon be able to “provide your estimated battery level for EVs upon arrival at your destination, suggest charging stops along the way, and even estimate how long charging will take based on your vehicle.”
Hyundai Debuts Air Taxi Ahead of Test Flights Later This Year
Initial test flights of its electric air taxi by the end of the year as the world’s third-largest carmaker joins the race to develop the next generation of transport.
The flying taxi will be a hybrid between a helicopter and a fixed-wing plane, while some competing models rely primarily on rotors. The battery-powered S-A2 will be quiet, efficient and zero-emission, the company said.
Hyundai is targeting the US for the initial rollout and will expand eventually to Asia and Europe. The company is considering manufacturing locations around the US but hasn’t made a decision yet.
Every year the CES show brings us the newest and coolest technology. Most of this comes to market, either way, its exciting to see what the future brings.
Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, analyst, author, and television host. A trusted car expert, Lauren provides an insider’s perspective on a wide range of automotive topics and aspects, energy, industry, consumer news, and safety issues.
Lauren is the CEO of Automotive Aspects and the Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, a global automotive news outlet. She is an automotive contributor to national and local television news shows, including Fox News, Fox Business, CNN International, The Weather Channel, Inside Edition, Local Now News, Community Digital News, and more. Lauren also co-hosts a regular show on ABC.com with Paul Brian called “His Turn – Her Turn” and hosts regular radio segments on USA Radio – DayBreak.
Lauren is honored to be inducted into the Women’s Transportation Hall of Fame and a Board Member of the Buffalo Motorcar Museum and Juror / President for the North American Car, Utility & Truck of the Year Awards.
Check her out on Twitter and Instagram @LaurenFix.
