Coolest Car Tech From CES 2025
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is more than just a technology expo; it’s also a major auto show. This year’s event, attracting 141,000 attendees, showcased the future of mobility with automakers unveiling innovations ranging from advanced infotainment systems to electric vehicle concepts and beyond.
BMW Panoramic iDrive
BMW introduced a new generation of its iDrive infotainment system, featuring a dashboard-spanning screen, an available 3D head-up display, and a crystal-clear central display. Running on the new BMW Operating System X, the Panoramic iDrive aims to be both powerful and user-friendly. BMW has announced that this system will be incorporated into all new models starting at the end of 2025.
Honda 0 Series
Honda presented futuristic prototypes that hint at the direction of its new electric 0 Series vehicles. The 0 Saloon and 0 SUV concepts, which Honda suggests are close to production versions set for 2026, feature distinct designs. The Saloon boasts a sleek, low-slung profile, while the SUV offers a truncated design with a U-shaped LED band on the tailgate. Details on powertrains, pricing, and range for these models are yet to be released.
Toyota’s Ventures Beyond Cars
Toyota announced a significant investment in Interstellar Technologies, a Japanese startup building rockets. This $44 million investment and the automaker’s manufacturing expertise signal Toyota’s vision of mobility extending beyond Earth. “We are exploring rockets too, because the future of mobility shouldn’t be limited to just earth or just one car company, for that matter,” said Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda, in a pointed comment about companies like Tesla.
In addition to rockets, Toyota is developing Woven City, a prototype community near Mount Fuji designed to test new mobility options and other technologies. The first phase is complete, with the first wave of “Inventors” and “Weavers” scheduled to arrive this fall. The community, built on the site of a former Toyota factory, will initially house Toyota employees and partners, eventually expanding to 2,000 residents.
Pebble Flow Trailer
The Pebble Flow travel trailer, first shown as a concept at CES 2024, reappeared in production-ready prototype form. Powered by a large battery pack that can be charged like an EV and a 1.1-kW rooftop solar array. The battery offers standard travel trailer functions and can provide a power boost to decrease the load on the towing vehicle. The trailer can also supply backup power to a home during outages. Prices will range from $109,500 to $175,000, with deliveries slated for spring.
Elaphe Sonic.1 In-Wheel Motors
Slovenian company Elaphe showcased its in-wheel electric motors, a design that could revolutionize electric vehicle performance. The Sonic.1 system can deliver up to 272 horsepower to each front wheel, providing precise control and significant power. The motors are lighter, require less space than conventional electric motors, and are expected to enhance instant responses to changing road conditions. Elaphe is working with multiple automakers to incorporate the technology.
Italdesign’s Quintessenza Concept
Italdesign’s centerpiece display was the Quintessenza, a concept car with a four-seat cabin, butterfly doors, and a hardtop convertible cargo bed. With a simple but elegant cabin, the Quintessenza has yoke-style steering and smartphone-controlled vehicle functions. Power is supplied by four Elaphe in-wheel motors.
The Aptera
The Aptera, an electric car that generates energy from the sun, also made an appearance. The vehicle promises up to 40 miles of range per day from its roof and hood-mounted solar panels. The two-seat, three-wheel hatchback has a battery pack that supports 400 miles on a single charge. Production is planned to begin in 2025, with pre-orders nearing 50,000. The target price for the launch edition is $40,000.
Xpeng AeroHT Flying Car
The Xpeng AeroHT, a two-seat flying car, offered a glimpse into the future of personal aviation. The Chinese manufacturer claims that users can learn to fly the aircraft in a few hours. The system includes an autonomous mode for point-to-point flights. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026, though widespread adoption may be further out.
Vueroid S1 4K Infinite Dashcam
The Vueroid S1 Infinite dashcam stood out for its 4K, 60-frames-per-second video capabilities and its companion app’s AI features, which enhance blurry license plates and blur faces for privacy. The system includes a low-power parking surveillance mode and is expected to sell for $349.99 starting in the second quarter of 2025.
TUC Technologies Modular Dashboard
Italy’s TUC Technology unveiled a modular connector system that allows for interchangeable vehicle components. This system aims to facilitate upgrades, allowing owners to swap out parts such as infotainment screens or charging pads. In theory, the system allows for cars that change from left- to right-hand steering with the move of the steering wheel. The technology could also extend to powersports.
Afeela 1
A joint project between Sony and Honda, the Afeela 1, is a luxury electric fastback hatch designed with entertainment and gaming in mind. Priced at $102,900 for the Signature trim, the Afeela 1’s features include semi-autonomous driving capabilities utilizing 40 sensors and all-wheel drive. Production is set to begin in mid-2026 in Ohio and expand to other markets after its California debut. The price for the base model will be $89,900, starting in 2027. The car’s estimated range is 300 miles on a single charge.
Stryten Energy’s Mobile Microgrid
Stryten Energy presented a mobile microgrid concept vehicle called “Reluctance,” a modified Jeep Wrangler. The vehicle houses a custom hybrid powertrain and a large battery power system. The system is designed to deploy a portable power solution using a hybrid diesel engine to quickly charge the batteries. These portable power solutions use lead, lithium, and vanadium batteries to deliver power to various disaster zones, commercial facilities, military installations, and first responders.
Self-Driving Mobileye VW ID. Buzz
Mobileye displayed its self-driving technology installed in a Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric minivan. Equipped with nine high-resolution cameras, three long-range lidar sensors, four parking cameras, and six short-range lidars, the vehicle is indicative of the advanced driver-assistance systems being developed.
RheoLight
RheoLight’s Crystal Glass Pigments enhances the visibility of vehicles at night, The glass microspheres improves the reflectivity of paints to improve visibility for both human eyes as well as vehicles’ sensor arrays. The paint additive is designed to improve the visibility of other cars and trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, and even the helmets worn by vulnerable road users.
CES 2025 offered a comprehensive look at the technologies driving the future of cars. While some advancements are already on the road, others hint at groundbreaking changes for years to come. From improving the visibility of vehicles at night to integrating gaming and entertainment, the innovations showcased at the show promise to answer both current demands and anticipate future consumer needs.
