CES 2024 Highlights: Cars That Chat, Move, and Redefine Mobility
The first major tech show of the year, CES 2024, showcased the future of automotive technology. Key trends included the integration of artificial intelligence, exciting new electric vehicle concepts, and innovative approaches to vehicle movement.
The most significant developments can be categorized into three areas: electrification, novel movement technologies, and the arrival of language-based artificial intelligence in car dashboards.
AI Takes to the Road
Automakers have been incorporating artificial intelligence into vehicles for years, particularly in autonomous driving systems. However, CES 2024 marked the arrival of large language model AI, similar to the technology that powers chatbots, in car dashboards. This advancement aims to make voice command and assistance more intuitive.
German automakers have been at the forefront of this trend. Volkswagen announced a partnership with Cerence to integrate ChatGPT into its “Hello Ida” voice assistant, offering a free, cloud-based update for its ID 4 and ID 7 electric car owners later in the year. BMW is collaborating with Amazon for its Alexa Large Language Model, while Mercedes-Benz is working with Azure OpenAI.
Soon, instead of remembering specific commands such as “Navigation” or “Send an SMS,” drivers might be able to instruct their cars to “Find a nearby restaurant with good food and EV charging, text my partner to meet me there, and then start navigation.” The car would then handle all those tasks.
New EV Concepts
While fewer mainstream electric vehicle concepts debuted than anticipated – some automakers spread these reveals throughout the year at focused events – the models unveiled were impressive.
Honda updated the Sony Honda Mobility Afeela EV concept and showcased two 0 Series EV concepts. The Honda 0 Space-Hub is a spacious, futuristic minivan design that transforms the cabin into a social space with a massive transparent roof. Its sibling, the Honda 0 Saloon, is a low-slung sports coupe with dramatic gull-wing doors. Honda plans for the Saloon to serve as the basis for a production EV, expected in 2026.
Kia presented the evolution of its Purpose-Built Vehicle concepts with the trio of Purpose Beyond Vehicle concepts: the PV1, PV5, and PV7. These models now resemble conventional vans rather than unusual autonomous pods. They utilize a modular platform and a Lego-like accessory system. Kia envisions various applications for these PBVs, from food trucks and pop-up shops to delivery vans and, of course, family-friendly minivans.
Movement in All Directions
Hundai’s division Hyundai Mobis showcased the Mobion concept, which captured attention with its e-Corner steering system that enabled the car to dance and swivel. With independent steering providing up to a 90-degree steering angle for all wheels, the Mobion can perform maneuvers such as crab driving into parking spaces, diagonal movement in confined areas, and 360-degree turns.
CES 2024 also featured Hyundai’s advanced air mobility division, which displayed the second generation of its electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, the S-A2 eVTOL. Supernal anticipates that the five-seat, battery-powered craft will begin quiet takeoffs from urban helipads, soaring over traffic at 120 mph and 1,500 feet as early as 2028.
