The future of mobility is here: CES 2025 showcases mind-blowing tech

Las Vegas recently hosted another groundbreaking Consumer Electronics Show, where this year’s mobility innovations felt like something out of science fiction. With over 140,000 attendees, the show provided an excellent platform to discover some of the latest advancements on wheels.

FLYING CARS? Remember when flying cars were just movie props? Xpeng’s Land Aircraft Carrier is changing that narrative with its six-wheeled SUV carrying a flying machine that can take off anywhere. This $300,000 vehicle combines a traditional SUV with an eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) module, and they reportedly have 3,000 pre-orders already. We may see them over the 405 Fwy drops in a few years as the sales volume and price grow.

Once known for transistor radios and TV sets, SONY has entered the automotive industry, presenting the AFEELA 1 EV. Their first automobile is a blend of video gaming and immersive experience, the result of collaboration between tech giant Sony and automotive legend Honda. This vehicle will hit California streets next year and appeal to young drivers, as it essentially functions like a PlayStation on wheels.

HOLOGRAPHIC WINDSHIELDS ARE HERE. Hyundai Mobis and Kia unveiled the world’s first full-windshield holographic display, allowing your entire windshield to act as a transparent screen that shows navigation and driving data without obstructing your view. This technology is expected to debut in 2027 and feels like something straight out of a movie.

CHINESE ZEEKR TAKES CENTER STAGE. While not planning to sell in the USA, Zeekr demonstrates how electric vehicles (EVs) should be built. Their latest models offer incredible charging speeds (from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes!) and performance that has traditional manufacturers on edge. As an example, the Zeekr Mix, a minivan, can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds, delivering performance comparable to a Corvette or Porsche. It can also rotate the front seat 180 degrees to converse face-to-face with passengers.

**ITALDESIGN’S QUINTESSENZA CREATES WAVES.** This concept vehicle utilizes in-wheel motor technology through Elaphe propulsion. Each wheel can be powered by individual motors, allowing for more efficient control than current platforms. This creative application of power will pave the way for a new generation of high-performance EVs.

**SMART GEAR FOR SMART RIDERS.** The mobility revolution isn’t limited to cars. The iC-R Smart Motorcycle Helmet from Intelligent Cranium Helmets is revolutionizing safety with 360-degree awareness, crash detection, and a heads-up display. A must when riding the 110 north.

I’ve also lost count of how many electric bikes are available now. Two that caught my attention were VMAX and InMotion, both of which are transforming last-mile commuting with cutting-edge electric scooters and, yes, even unicycles.

All this innovative technology is also present in commercial trucks, with autonomous systems and enhanced driver visibility. Nvidia is supplying its next-generation Drive Thor in-vehicle computing platform for integration into Continental’s Aurora Driver autonomous driving system, set for mass production in 2027. Continental’s CES exhibit featured the Aurora Driver installed on a Volvo VNL tractor. Meanwhile, Torc showcased a Freightliner Cascadia model equipped with its autonomous driving system as part of an exhibit hosted by sensor technology supplier Aeva.

**THE BOTTOM LINE**: CES 2025 demonstrated that the future of mobility isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s about reimagining what movement means in the 21st century. Whether you’re cruising in a holographic-display Kia or flying over traffic in your Xpeng, one thing is clear: the mobility revolution is here. It is much more exciting than we ever imagined.