CES has become something of an auto show. The earliest instances of automakers at the show were limited, mostly focusing on in-car entertainment (Ford had the first big keynote address from an automaker in 2007 when they revealed SYNC). But as the automotive industry begins to shift to marketing vehicles as tech devices rather than merely just cars, CES has become an opportunity for automakers to show off their current and upcoming innovations.
What was big this year? EVs for one; concepts from major manufacturers primarily had batteries and electric motors in lieu of internal combustion. Autonomous tech was also front and center, with more automakers (like Kia and Ford) announcing they were ramping up their development of self-driving cars, as well as companies like Mobileye and Nvidia showcasing their own tech and upcoming partnerships with big manufacturers. But if one thing is clear, in-car interfaces and entertainment are getting way more sophisticated. Expect more screens, smart home connection, haptic touch and gesture control in the near future.
There was a lot to take in this year at CES, but these are some of our favorite concepts, products and announcements from this year’s show that indicate where the car industry is headed.
Chevrolet Bolt
Chevy’s new entry-level EV boasts a 200-mile range and — according to Mary Barra at her Keynote address — can recharge to 80 percent battery power in about an hour. What’s more, at a reported MSRP of $37,500 (before a $7,500 federal tax credit) it’s affordable, making the EV more appealing to the car buying masses. Look for it on sale later this year.
