CES, previously known as the Consumer Electronics Show, held in Las Vegas, offers a glimpse into the future of technology. This annual event showcases advancements in automotive technology, focusing on reducing emissions, enhancing safety for passengers, and delivering improved convenience and entertainment for drivers. Here are some standout innovations presented at this year’s exhibition.
**Impressive Dash Displays from BMW**
What advancements in screens and technology can we expect to find in future vehicles? BMW’s innovative in-cabin digital solution, called Panoramic iDrive, provides an intriguing preview.
The Panoramic iDrive features a comprehensive digital display that stretches across the entire dashboard, positioned at the base of the windshield. This display, known as Panoramic Vision, is designed to project vital information such as speed, EV range, navigation aids, climate control, and audio settings. Additionally, it incorporates a central touchscreen that is easy to access and a state-of-the-art head-up display capable of projecting information that appears three-dimensional on the windshield for the driver’s benefit. BMW also revealed a new squared-off steering wheel equipped with illuminated buttons for enhanced usability.
The launch of the Panoramic iDrive is anticipated in upcoming BMW models by the end of 2025.
**Honda’s New Electric Vehicles and Enhanced Charging Access**
Honda made significant strides in the electric vehicle sector at CES 2025 by introducing two entirely new electric models—the Honda 0 SUV and 0 Saloon. These vehicles, inspired by striking concepts unveiled at the previous year’s CES, maintain their bold design while becoming production-ready for release in 2026.
Manufactured in Ohio, both models will feature Level 3 automated driving capabilities, allowing drivers to operate the vehicle hands-free and with limited attention under specific conditions. Furthermore, Honda plans to implement a cutting-edge interface known as Asimo, which aims to deliver a highly personalized driving experience tailored to individual preferences.
The introduction of these new models aligns with Honda’s initiative to enhance access to electric vehicle charging. Collaborating with seven other automobile manufacturers, the goal is to establish 30,000 high-speed charging stations across North America by 2030. These stations will utilize the Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS), which has become increasingly favored among manufacturers.
**Improved Internet Connectivity on the Road**
Even in 2025, maintaining consistent internet access can pose challenges. Various methods, such as Wi-Fi, cellular, and satellite, can provide connections, but they often come with limitations and aren’t always reliable.
Consider a scenario where satellite, cellular, and Wi-Fi networks are seamlessly integrated into a single internet service pipeline. A new company from France, Stellar, is working towards this goal. The company aims to collaborate with automakers to enhance mobile connectivity using the existing hardware in cars. The ultimate objective is to ensure reliable high-speed internet access in vehicles, whether navigating urban tunnels or traversing open landscapes.
**Toyota’s Vision for a Smart City**
Toyota is envisioning a future of mobility that transcends solely electric vehicles and autonomous driving. The company is developing a comprehensive city environment in Japan,
where aspects such as construction, food supply, education, and transportation are interconnected to maximize efficiency and minimize ecological footprints. The Woven City, Toyota’s massive testing ground for automated technologies, focuses particularly on personal transportation.
Initially spanning 50,000 square miles, Woven City is set to expand to 700,000 square miles over time. By fall 2025, it will accommodate around 360 Toyota employees and their families, eventually growing to include over 2,000 residents, comprising partner companies focusing on construction, food and drink, education, and even aerospace production.
While it is uncertain how many advancements from Woven City will translate into commercial vehicles, it is evident that Toyota is poised to leverage emerging technologies effectively.
The automotive industry continues to make strides in advanced user interfaces, electric vehicle design, and even urban planning, despite the absence of fully autonomous vehicles. Although progress has been steady in recent years, we seem to be on the verge of significant innovations in the automotive sector.
