The best automotive technology at CES 2025

This year CES has seen a number of major automakers skip the show amid a disappointing market for tech products and a political climate that could see the market worsen. It’s not unusual for automakers to pull back major expenses like exhibiting at a trade show in response to “uncertainty,” and when it comes to the future of the U.S. auto business. United, there is a lot to go around. But even in a light year for mobility, we managed to find something cool. Here are our highlights.

XPENG AEROHT

XPENG AEROHT bills itself as Asia’s largest flying car company and says the Land Aircraft Carrier pictured here will be the first mass-produced modular flying car. The 6-rotor aircraft fits neatly into the back of the 6-rotor “mother ship” and is deployed automatically. In person, the mothership has a bit of a Cybertruck vibe, but without the terrible proportions. XPENG says production will begin in 2026, but we’ve noticed a few things that should be worked out before then, most notably that the wheels on the mothership we’ve seen don’t seem to be able to turn.

Honda Series 0

We’ve been watching the development of the Series 0 closely, especially because it’s so wild. Car companies usually come out swinging with a wild concept car, then water it down to make it legal, practical and sellable. Honda seems to stay the course here, planning to deliver something really different in 2026. The 0 Series Saloon and SUV will hit the head in traffic, but beyond its look, the cars will introduce a totally new concept in handling and an attendant in the car. who aims to be your trusted friend.

Zeekr Mix

Chinese automaker Zeekr brought three cars to CES, but the Mix was the most compelling. It’s a small van with side doors that provide incredible access to the reconfigurable passenger compartment, and boasts battery and charging technology that makes you wonder why we can’t get EVs like this in the US. The Chinese automaker to make the jump to the United States when the conditions are right.

Scout

Scout brought the Terra truck and Traveler SUV to CES. We’ve seen them before, but if you haven’t seen them in person, they’re a lot more butch (at least at this stage of their development) than comparable offerings from Rivian. Another key differentiator for Scout is the planned gasoline-powered range extender that will allow it to travel much further than a pure electric off-roader.

Royal Enfield Flying Flea S6

There were many electric bikes and scooters at CES this year, but this electric motorcycle from Royal Enfield caught my attention. Royal Enfield is one of the few old British brands that have found new life under Indian ownership. The revived company is best known for relatively affordable, retro-themed gas bikes, but this little motorcycle is electric. The Flying Flea is named after a small motorcycle designed to be dropped alongside WWII paratroopers, and the modern version is intended to provide easy and versatile electric transportation to citizens.

Suzuki Micro E-Mobility platform concept

Ok, this one is there mostly because it’s cute. But a modular and configurable electric vehicle of this size could be really useful. Suzuki had one equipped with a small plow and suggested that instead of allowing the snow to accumulate in a large parking lot and then using a truck or plow to clear it, you could put one of these small snow blowers to prevent the snow from accumulating . in the first place. Will anyone actually do it? I do not know. What do you use it for?