CES 2025, recently concluded, once again provided a glimpse into the future of automotive technology. This year’s show highlighted a significant shift in how we envision mobility. The focus was on innovative concepts, spanning modular flying vehicles and advanced holographic displays. Electric vehicles (EVs) and concept cars not only pushed the boundaries of what’s possible but also prompted a reevaluation of safety features and how we interact with our vehicles in the coming years.
After hands-on experiences with the latest vehicles and concept car technology, here are our top picks (in no particular order):
AFEELA 1: Sony and Honda’s EV Collaboration
A major highlight of CES 2025 was the highly-anticipated AFEELA 1 EV, a collaboration between Sony and Honda. Initial details, including price, pre-order specifics, and a hands-on experience of its futuristic user interface, were revealed to the public.
However, potential buyers may want to consider some key details. The Sony Honda Mobility Group announced that pre-orders are currently exclusive to California residents and that the AFEELA 1 starts at $89,900, or $102,900 for the Signature model. This price point is considerable, particularly when compared to Chinese competitors such as Xpeng, which offers EVs at around $16,000. But, of course, those vehicles don’t come with PS5 controllers or deodorized seats.
Xpeng’s “Land Aircraft Carrier”
Chinese-based company Xpeng introduced its “Land Aircraft Carrier,” a bold approach to personal transportation and a step toward the future of flying cars. This modular vehicle integrates a large, six-wheeled electric vehicle with a two-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) craft for recreational travel.
This isn’t a ‘flying car’ in the traditional sense, but the combination of a road-ready vehicle and an airborne craft is intriguing. Xpeng simplifies the flying process with minimal controls and automated systems. Though practical adoption may be years away, this $300,000 concept demonstrates a vision of seamless integration between highways and the sky.
Honda 0 Prototype Series
Honda’s 0 Prototype EV series also garnered attention, particularly the Saloon model, which blends Lamborghini-inspired design with retro ’80s minivan aesthetics. The Saloon and SUV were first revealed at CES last year. This year, Honda revealed a 2026 release date and Level 3 autonomous driving features. These features will allow the vehicle to handle most driving tasks under specific conditions, representing a step up from the Level 2+ capabilities of the Sony-Honda AFEELA collaboration. While these features may not be available in the U.S. at launch, they signify Honda’s commitment to the software-defined mobility era.
Hyundai Mobis’ Holographic Windshield Display
Hyundai Mobis made a significant impact at CES 2025 with the debut of the world’s first full-windshield holographic display, integrated into Kia’s EV9. This revolutionary technology utilizes three projectors to transform the windshield into a transparent screen. It projects navigation data, driving information, and media directly onto the glass, eliminating the need for physical displays.
Developed in partnership with optical technology company ZEISS, the display utilizes advanced light diffraction to provide clear visuals, even in bright conditions. While still under development with a target launch of 2027, it is unclear whether the technology will be exclusive to Hyundai-Kia cars or if other manufacturers will benefit from this innovation.
