CES 2025: Day 1 Revealed Major Breakthroughs In EV And Transport Tech

One of the biggest reasons CES is among the most anticipated annual consumer electronics trade shows is that automakers reveal a whole bunch of their products—concept and ready for production.

Day 1 of CES 2025 witnessed a wide range of vehicles and vehicle technology on display, spanning cars, electric vehicles, eVTOLs, eBikes, and more, all equipped with shiny new technology.

BYD

Beginning with the world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) company, BYD introduced the world to its Yangwang U9, an EV supercar that took the internet by storm for more than just its looks, rather turning heads because of its ability to “jump”.

The vehicle’s advanced suspension technology allows it to leap in the air while in motion, propelling itself six meters over potholes, spikes, and other unwanted obstacles found on the road. As such, the supercar can even adjust its height, absorb shocks easily, and is designed to provide brilliant performance.


The Yangwang U9 comes with quad-motor drive, accelerates 0-100 km/h in just 2 seconds, and comes with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Honda

Building up from its 0 Saloon that was launched last year at CES, Honda unveiled the latest EV model in the 0 Series—0 SUV.

This midsized SUV will be the first vehicle from this series to reach customers, with the first production version set to hit North American roads by the first half of 2026. The EV will be built in Honda’s EV Hub factory in Ohio, USA. The software powering the EV will be called ASIMO OS.

The company also said it would use automated driving software co-developed by Helm.AI, but didn’t provide much information about the SUV.

Sticking to “the thin, right and wise approach to this model, we have further increased the interior space of the cabin, achieved outstandingly clear and unrestricted field of view and provide great flexibility for the seating position,” said Katsushi Inoue, Senior Managing Executive Officer of Honda Motor, speaking about the EV.


The move comes soon after Honda revealed plans to merge with co-automaker Nissan (with intentions to rope in Mitsubishi Motors).

BMW

“We felt when we looked at all the digital possibilities, that people are only using a fraction of what a vehicle can theoretically do inside,” said BMW CTO Frank Weber when speaking about BMW’s move to revamp its in-car user interface.

BMW’s Panoramic iDrive will introduce a new level of control, comfort, and connectivity.

The move will include a widget-based system that will allow users to customize the layout of the information displayed on the vehicle’s windshield and screens. However, vehicles won’t possess actual displays on the windshield, instead, this will be achieved by reflecting the info from screens embedded in the dashboard.


This move will begin with the Neue Klasse models later this year and eventually reach other models.

Segway

Known for innovative and upstanding (literally) micromobility, Segway introduced two new eBikes— the Xyber and the Xafari—as the company looks to make bike riding experiences easier, safer, more convenient, and more accessible.

Both bikes leverage Segway’s Intelligent Ride System, as well as its smart tech and features, including AirLock, which automatically shuts the bike in case of unauthorized usage, and alarms for when the bike is tampering with.

It also comes with Adaptive Pedal Assist, syncing of health and fitness data, an intelligent lighting system, remote control through the app, and IOT for over-the-air updates.

The Xyber is priced at $2,999.99, comes with three throttle modes (Eco, Sport, and Race), and can go from 0 to 20 miles per hour in just 2.7 seconds.

The Xafari costs $2,399.99 and is suitable for all riders across all terrains, and offers adjustable seat height, stem, handlebar, and display options.


Both bikes are available for pre-orders now, but deliveries are expected to be completed in February. 

Xpeng AeroHT

Chinese EV startup Xpeng unveiled its modular flying car Land Aircraft Carrier, which is essentially an electric minivan that carries a small folding eVTOL in its trunk. This eVTOL can easily be rolled out, launched, and repacked.

Priced “below $300,000”, the combined vehicle cuts out the need to handle large expensive hangars. Furthermore, the minivan it comes in can also act as a charging port, allowing the six-rotor eVTOL to be charged while it's being driven or parked.


As per Xpeng, the company has already received 3,000 intent orders for the vehicle, for which it plans to begin production this year, with deliveries slated for 2026. Furthermore, it plans to launch first in China, before entering international markets. 

Other Announcements

Autonomous vehicle company May Mobility revealed its newest electric, autonomous minibus made with Europe’s Tecnobus, which is designed to enable swappable batteries to reduce downtime. The minibus is aimed at urban transit, corporate campuses, and airports, among other community-related uses. 

Building on their 2021-announced partnership, Waymo and Zeekr have shared more details about their new robotaxi, Zeekr RT, which comes with 13 cameras, four lidars, six radars, and an array of external audio receivers. In a rather cute way, the two companies have included the smallest wipers yet, to ensure their sensors remain clean of debris.  

On the other hand, Uber partnered with NVIDIA (just as Toyota, Aurora, and Continental did) to use its Cosmos generative world model simulation tool and DGX Cloud, its cloud-based AI supercomputing platform.  

Ahead of this, Delta Airlines, which announced it was adding an AI assistant to its app, revealed a multi-year partnership with Uber that will allow users to earn SkyMiles while taking a ride with Uber or placing an order through Uber Eats (only in the US). 

What do you think about the automobile announcements coming out from CES 2025’s Day 1?

Let us know in the comments below!