**CES 2025: Where Technology Converges with the Future of Mobility**
CES has consistently been the leading venue for revolutionary technology, and while it continues to serve as a sanctuary for gadget lovers, it has progressively evolved into a vibrant automotive display. The future of transportation is here, characterized by electric power, technological advancements, and sleek designs.
Renowned for its capacity to merge cutting-edge innovation with spectacular presentations, CES has established itself as an essential platform for the automotive sector. Last year’s event offered a sneak peek at the Sony-Honda AFEELA vehicle, advancements in self-driving technology, and even concepts of flying cars that felt as though they had jumped from the pages of science fiction. The 2025 edition, scheduled from January 7 to 10 in Las Vegas, is set to build on this momentum. Here’s what to look for if you’re passionate about electric vehicles, intrigued by self-driving prospects, or fantasizing about flying to work.
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### 1. **Next-Generation EVs from Major Players**
At CES 2024, the collaboration between Sony and Honda, known as AFEELA, created a buzz with its introduction. This year, the partnership is set to take a step further, providing attendees with a firsthand look at the car’s sophisticated features and onboard technology. Now part of the Sony Honda Mobility Group, this project will reveal pre-order information and other updates during a keynote on January 7.
Honda will also introduce two prototypes from its forthcoming [0 Series EV lineup](https://0.honda/en/topics/20241219/). These models will incorporate Honda’s unique operating system and state-of-the-art autonomous driving capabilities, highlighting the company’s dedication to transforming the EV market.
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### 2. **Self-Driving Technology and Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs)**
Self-driving technology remains a significant emphasis at CES, with both startups and established companies presenting their newest innovations. While firms like [Ambarella](https://mashable.com/article/ambarella-self-driving-car-hands-on) have showcased remarkable technologies, fully autonomous, road-ready vehicles are still more of an aspiration than a reality.
This hasn’t deterred companies from investigating specialized applications for automated vehicles. For instance, Applied EV plans to unveil autonomous solutions designed for sectors such as mining, transportation, and specialized logistics. Meanwhile, the robo-trucking industry is set to make headlines, introducing groundbreaking innovations while raising discussions about the future of jobs.
A key trend at CES 2025 is the rise of **Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs)**. These vehicles emphasize software over hardware, fundamentally altering the design, construction, and operation of cars. Honda’s 0 Series embodies this transition, and numerous startups are eager to highlight how software-focused design could transform mobility.
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### 3. **Creating the EV Support Network of Tomorrow**
While the future of transportation is unquestionably electric, its triumph relies on a solid infrastructure. CES 2025 will highlight startups focused on bridging the gaps in EV charging networks, particularly as the [Tesla Supercharger network faces challenges](https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/11/teslas-profitable-supercharger-network-in-limbo-after-musk-axed-entire-team/).
One standout is EVgo, which recently [secured a $1.25 billion loan](https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/13/evgo-secures-1-25-billion-loan-amid-bidens-rush-to-approve-clean-energy-loans/) from the U.S. Department of Energy to enhance public EV charging infrastructure. However, with Trump expected to assume office in 2025, the path for EV adoption and government backing remains unpredictable, as [policy rollbacks are anticipated](https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/trump-transition-team-plans-sweeping-rollback-biden-ev-emissions-policies-2024-12-16/). For the moment, CES acts as a crucial platform for startups to present their solutions to investors and stakeholders.
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### 4. **AI Takes the Front Seat**
Artificial intelligence is no longer merely a trend in the automotive industry—it’s becoming a fundamental aspect of the driving experience. At CES 2025, AI will be the focal point, as manufacturers and startups reveal innovations that aim to change how we engage with vehicles.
One of the most eagerly awaited panels, [“Revolutionizing the Future of Driving: Unleashing the Power of AI”](https://www.ces.tech/schedule/revolutionizing-the-future-of-driving-unleashing-the-power-of-ai-sponsored-by-arm/), will feature leaders from Honda, BMW, and Rivian discussing how AI is transforming the driving experience. From smarter in-car assistants to predictive user interfaces, the potential is limitless.
Mercedes-Benz has already integrated [ChatGPT](https://media.mbusa.com/releases/release-b35d2af89e06f556bbd8fe420412e9c2-mercedes-benz-takes-in-car-voice-control-to-a-new-level) into its systems, showcasing a new level of in-car voice control.