Considered North America’s biggest event for technological innovation, the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) was held in Las Vegas from January 9 to 12, 2024. Once again, it offered an infinite playground for creative minds and technology pioneers. More than ever, it is a must-attend event for the increasingly autonomous, intelligent and connected transport and mobility sector. Discover our favorite mobility innovations of the year…
#1 Hyundai subsidiary Supernal presents its flying cab
At major tech events, e-volts never fail to cause a stir… At CES 2024, Hyundai subsidiary Supernal captivated the public by unveiling its latest vehicle model… The S-A2 eVTOL, a device that merges the characteristics of a car and a vertical take-off aircraft. With a cruising speed of 190 km/h, a maximum altitude of 450 meters and a range of 65 km, the S-A2 eVTOL offers an avant-garde vision of urban mobility. What’s more, its low noise level of less than 65 decibels promises a smooth flying experience.
Supernal and Uber also announced their partnership at CES 2024… Their ultimate goal: to revolutionize air cab services for short journeys. However, concrete deployment is still a few years away. The company intends to submit its proposal to the FAA in 2025, with a planned launch in 2028. In addition, the group is planning flight tests in 2026 and commercialization as early as 2028 in the United States.
#2 Volkswagen integrates ChatGPT into its cars and SUVs
Volkswagen takes a bold step into the field of AI… At CES 2024, the German automaker unveiled the integration of ChatGPT into all its models equipped with its IDA voice assistant. This feature will enable drivers to have an AI chatbot that can read aloud the content they’re looking for. Global rollout is scheduled for the second quarter of 2024, initially in Europe, for models such as the ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, Tiguan, Passat and Golf.
Although Volkswagen is one of the first manufacturers to adopt ChatGPT, Mercedes had already integrated it into its system last summer. However, Volkswagen plans to extend ChatGPT’s capabilities beyond basic infotainment, navigation and climate control functions, offering intuitive hands-free interactions. But also by providing vehicle-specific information thanks to a narrower language model provided by Cerence.
#3 The new Google Maps feature for electric vehicle owners
Google unveils major enhancements to Android Automotive at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. The flagship announcement concerns the integration of a dedicated route planner for electric vehicles. Drivers of compatible electric vehicles will now be able to view their journey on Google Maps with specific functionalities. These include estimated battery levels on arrival, charging points and the time required for optimal recharging…
Google also highlights the possibility of planning your route from your phone, on both Android and iOS. This announcement reinforces Android Auto’s position as the leading solution for drivers looking to maximize the efficiency of their electric vehicle journeys.
#4 Urtopia integrates ChatGPT into its electric bikes
At CES 2024, innovations using artificial intelligence were unquestionably front and center… And ChatGPT was no exception. Urtopia, the electric bike specialist, unveiled the “Carbon 1 Pro”. A bike that integrates ChatGPT, OpenAI’s generative AI, to accompany cyclists. Equipped with an on-board screen that can be controlled from the handlebars, this machine displays key information for the user. These include speed, time, distance covered and weather. But this one goes even further… By activating ChatGPT, a face appears on the screen, enabling users to chat with the virtual assistant via the built-in microphone. In addition to navigation directions, ChatGPT can respond to a variety of requests, from tourist suggestions to personalized routes.
Urtopia has presented the Carbon 1 Pro as “a bike with spirit”. In addition, the company points out that ChatGPT can also read pedaling data to adjust power compensation, personalize training programs, provide recovery advice and give weather or traffic information. In partnership with Apple and the Strava fitness app, this innovation opens up new perspectives for cyclists seeking an interactive, personalized experience. Urtopia’s electric bike should be available in March for around $4,000.
#5 Kia partners with Uber to transform on-demand transportation
Uber and Kia join forces to promote electric vehicles. At CES 2024, Kia unveiled a number of futuristic concepts, arousing the interest of many curious onlookers… Among them, a “Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV)” strategy, more precisely an innovative modular vehicle called Kia PV5, adapted to the needs of each of its customers. Uber, however, was not only interested, but turned this fascination into reality by establishing a partnership with the automaker.
Kia will produce customized GVW vehicles to meet the diverse needs of Uber drivers. Whether for deliveries, public transport or VTC services. This collaboration aims to accelerate Uber’s energy transition, in response to the adoption of electric vehicles by Uber drivers.
#6 Bosch wins CES 2024 award for autonomous parking
The cars of the future, especially the electric models, are even more high-tech than their predecessors… That’s what companies like Bosch are reminding us every day. The German manufacturer distinguished itself at CES 2024 with groundbreaking innovations. Among them, the autonomous parking and recharging system for electric cars stood out from the crowd, winning the prestigious Honoree CES 2024 Innovation Award.
This innovative system, known as “Automated Valet Parking“, enables electric cars to drive themselves to a charging point in specially equipped parking lots. By simply pressing their smartphone, drivers activate a robot that automatically connects the car to the charging point. This eliminates the need for human intervention. Once the recharging process is complete, the car moves autonomously to another parking area. This revolutionary system is already operational in several APCOA parking lots in Germany. However, Bosch plans to expand it to 15 more garages, from Hamburg to Munich.
Making it easier to charge electric vehicles dispels fears about range, and is essential if electromobility is to gain widespread acceptance. With this in mind, Bosch and its partner Cariad can make parking and charging even more efficient and convenient.
Manuel Maier, Vice President Parking Products at Bosch
Bosch also took advantage of CES to present two revolutionary new mobility services… Firstly, the “Usage Certificate To Go” and the “Vehicle Health Service”. Complementing well-established services such as Battery in the Cloud, Usage Certificate To Go analyzes battery data, optimizing battery performance and extending battery life by up to 20%. The Vehicle Health Service, designed specifically for fleet operators, offers advanced features to prevent engine breakdowns, thus enhancing vehicle reliability.
#7 Nvidia seduces Chinese automakers with autonomous driving
Nvidia is shaking up the world of autonomous driving at CES 2024 with major announcements and strategic partnerships… The company unveiled key contracts, including the Drive Orin SoC powering the autonomous functionalities of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Concept. But also the powerful Drive Thor, adopted by China’s pioneer of extended-range electric vehicles, Li Auto. These advances go beyond driving… Indeed, Nvidia is exploring broader applications with AI, such as in-car personal assistants, dynamic maintenance services, and a revolution in vehicle design and sales via the 3D Omniverse collaborative platform.
Li Auto has integrated two DRIVE Orin processors into its assisted driving system. These processors have a combined capacity of 508 thousand billion operations per second (TOPS). They enable real-time processing of sensor data, thus facilitating full autonomous driving. Functionalities also include navigation on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), lane change control (LCC), automated parking and active safety features such as automatic emergency braking (AEB).
