CES 2025 might just reinvent the wheel this year, and we’ve seen, driven, and towed the latest that the electric vehicle industry has to offer. We’ve seen AI-powered cars about to hit the production line, high-profile electric vehicles powered by solar power, and an electric motor that promises to solve one of the most fundamental problems of the industry.
Although a lack of public charging stations, range anxiety, and the price point of electric vehicles have been cited as reasons for their slow adoption, many experts say electrified transportation is our future. At one of the world’s biggest technology shows, the auto industry is showcasing new and innovative ways for electric vehicles to solve their adoption woes — and perhaps even bypass the charging problem altogether.
This list will certainly be updated as new automotive technologies are introduced, but here’s everything a gearhead needs to know right now.
The latest automotive related technology
Donut Labs EV Motor
One of the biggest barriers to electric vehicle adoption is range anxiety, or the perceived lack of mileage these vehicles can get. Donut Labs EV thinks its new engine can help with that.
These donut-shaped in-wheel motors are completely hubless, taking up less space and weighing less than other motors. In fact, at 88 pounds, this motor weighs about a third of what the usual EV motor does, which could be a huge boon to an EV’s range.
Donut Labs also claims that the new motor is 50% cheaper to manufacture than competing products, so perhaps some of those savings will be passed on to the consumer.
Pebble Flow electric camper van
While the Pebble Flow RV was on display last year, we discovered new quality of life improvements that bring it closer than ever to reality. This electric camper cabin promises to be the perfect combination for electric vehicles and heavy diesel guzzlers.
The Flow still has a 45 kilowatt-hour battery capable of charging at DC charging stations, on RV hookups, at home, or via two-way charging with your electric vehicle. Now it also has an optional Magic Pack that will give you more control over your VR experience when paired with the app.
The Magic Pack unlocks remote positioning of the unhitched cab, automatically coupling and unhitching once you’ve aligned the cab and car, and providing power assist and regenerative braking when you tow the camper .
Regenerative braking adds drag to your braking to charge your RV – not ideal for EV drivers, as you’ll lose valuable range, but perfect for non-EV drivers looking to get in on the action glamping.
Watch this: First Drive Pebble Flow Towing Electric RV
New electric vehicles
Aptera solar electric vehicle
This premium vehicle doesn’t rely on chargers – at least not entirely. A set of solar panels integrated into the hood, roof and rear hatch of the car will give you a range of 40 miles based on solar power alone.
While it won’t save you the time of leisurely driving, resident electric car and vehicle expert Antuan Goodwin says most Americans drive less than 40 miles to work each day, meaning the Aptera EV will not need to be recharged on a daily basis. day trip.
The lightweight three-wheel design and small battery help bring the estimated cost down to $40,000, which could make the Aptera EV an attractive alternative for potential electric vehicle buyers when it releases later this year.
The Afeela 1 EV 2026
A joint venture of Sony and Honda, the Afeela 1 EV combines electric car and console, with a focus on luxury and entertainment.
Many antics have generated hype around this vehicle in the past. In addition to a 91-kilowatt-hour battery with a 300-mile range, the Afeela 1 was driven on stage with a PlayStation 5 Dual Sense controller and summoned by voice command with the vehicle’s Afeela AI personality assistant.
We now have confirmation of the price of the Afeela 1 EV when it launches in 2026: the Signature specification will be available for $102,900 with a full suite of technologies and customization. The cheaper Origin model will launch in 2027 for the low price of $89,900, accompanied by a mandatory black paint job, narrowed wheels and the tragic loss of rear seat windows.
