Electronics and Semiconductors

CES 2025: Next-gen EVs, flying bikes and solar cars

11 January 2025

CES 2025 showcased the next-generation gadgets and gear for the consumer electronics sector, but the tradeshow is also a platform for the bleeding-edge of automotive technology.

This year was no different with concepts that may never come to production and premium vehicles that will be limited in production before those same features are rolled out to other models. Electric vehicles were the focus of the show along with new infotainment and ADAS offerings.

Here’s the most exciting six vehicles found on the show floor.

Source: GlobalSpecSource: GlobalSpec

Honda 0

Japanese automotive OEM Honda Motor Co. introduced two prototypes from its Honda 0 line of vehicles that are all-electric but also show the future of dashboards and infotainment.

The Honda 0 SUV includes a range of technologies that allow for personal optimization of drivers and a steer-by-wire system that enables control of the by-wire devices — like the steering wheel, suspensions and brakes. Honda said this results in better handling of the SUV.

While the SUV is a prototype, Honda still plans to build the EV in the first half of 2026.

The Honda 0 Saloon prototype is a slick sedan that will include Level 3 automated driving technology and personal optimization capabilities through Honda’s ASIMO operating system. This EV will be on the market in late 2026, Honda said.

Source: ApteraSource: Aptera

Solar car

Over the years, there have been many concept vehicles that are powered by solar but not many have made the transition from concept to validation and then production.

Aptera Motors is looking to be one of the first with the debut of its production-ready solar electric vehicle at CES 2025. The company claims it is the first solar-powered EV designed to eliminate the need to plug in for most daily driving needs. The features includes:

  • Up to 400 miles of range on a single charge
  • Up to 40 miles of free driving during sunlight
  • Over 10,000 miles per year of solar-powered driving in sunny climates
  • Four panel solar array (hood, dash, roof and hatch)
  • Carbon fiber sheet molding compound

Source: GlobalSpecSource: GlobalSpec

Quintessenza

Italdesign USA brought to CES 2025 its Quintessenza concept vehicle with in-wheel electric motors that help the EV with better performance, power and usage.

Part luxury sedan, part truck, the concept features a flat bed but the capability to let the back seat move all the way into the open air for extended travel or as a place to sleep or just watch the countryside. All four seats rotate, allowing for conversations to happen and the concept would include automated driving capabilities so the driver could also participate.

There is a floating central dashboard that extends through the door panels and all the way to the back to the cabin along with three horizontal panels encircling the cabin. These are designed to give human-machine interface controls wherever someone may be sitting.

Source: Leo FlightSource: Leo Flight

LEO Solo

LEO Flight Corp. debuted the LEO Solo single-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flying car at CES 2025.

The vehicle is a prototype that may one day be a reality for personal flight. There are several flying cars that are coming to the market in the next few years, some with a more car look, some that look more like a hybrid between an aircraft and a car like the LEO Solo.

The aircraft complies with FAA Part 103 regulations allowing people to fly without a pilot’s license.

Source: RictorSource: Rictor

Flying motorcycle

If flying in a car is not exciting enough, maybe you can get thrills with a flying motorcycle from Rictor that was also launched at CES 2025.

Called the Skyrider X1, the vehicle is billed as an eVTOL but it is in the shape of a scooter. The multi-functional personal vehicle includes:

  • Four-axis, eight-propeller system
  • Carbon fiber composite and
  • Aviation-grade aluminum
  • Maximum flight speed of 100 km/h
  • Flight duration of up to 40 minutes
  • 50 kW onboard DC charging station

Source: Scout Motors Source: Scout Motors

Scout Traveler

American automotive startup Scout Motors Inc. made its debut at CES 2025 with two concept vehicles: The Scout Traveler SUV and the Scout Terra pickup.

The hook here is that the cars have in-vehicle satellite connectivity so that when a user is going off grid or traveling to rural areas with weak or no cell service, the vehicle becomes a Wi-Fi hotspot. It would also allow for connections while camping or hiking as the satellite connection is always on.

Both the Traveler and Terra come pre-wired from the factory for satellite Wi-Fi feature, so it does not require any DIY setup or third-party installation — which is a great feature for those not very handy. Scout Motors said the hotspot is intended to have broad reach to help drivers and passengers stay connected around the vehicle even in the deep remote areas of the world.

To contact the author of this article, email PBrown@globalspec.com


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