The CES 2022 gave pride of place to the automobile. Many manufacturers presented exciting concepts, stunning technologies and great advances in intelligent and autonomous cars. Hang on your seatbelt: here is a recap of the announcements and trends that you shouldn’t miss.
Source: BMW
Each start of the year is marked by an unmissable event in the world of technology and electronics: the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where thousands of exhibitors come to exhibit their products, innovations and other advances.
In addition to televisions, PCs or smartphones, lately, the automotive sector has naturally entered the aisles of the show. Manufacturers take the opportunity to reveal sometimes sensational concepts, or more simply to present their upcoming electric cars.
In 2022, and despite the defections, the manufacturers responded. What could be better than a little recap to retrace this wonderful week of innovation.
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BMW is causing a sensation
If there is one manufacturer that has caused a sensation, it is BMW. The German brand managed to create the buzz by making an impressive demonstration of a BMW iX Flow capable of changing the color of its body. And this instantly. In short, the wow effect was real.
The idea behind this technology is to broaden the spectrum of customizations, and secondarily to use the properties of the colors to optimize the thermal regulation of the vehicle. White, for example, will tend to reject sunlight, which is useful in hot weather. It is the opposite effect for black.
Source: BMW
Before that, the firm from across the Rhine had opened the ball by revealing its BMW iX M60, a boosted version of its electric SUV already tested by the editorial staff. On the menu of the day, a lot of power: 455 kW (619 hp), a torque of 1015 Nm and an acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in the space of 3.8 seconds. All for the modest sum of 132,000 euros.
Promising concepts
The future seen by Mercedes
A show promoting innovation necessarily opens its doors to a whole host of concepts. And believe us, there were many. Mercedes has paid for a small technological demonstration with its Vision EQXX, its new benchmark in energy efficiency.
If the vehicle does not have a special vocation to leave the production lines, its battery technology, it should land in the first electric cars of the mark, by 2025. With, as objective, to provide a mastodon autonomy of 1000 kilometers. Just that.
Sony puts the cover back
Two years after showing off an electric sedan concept called Vision S01, Sony is back with a second trendy concept, this time in the form of a 7-seater SUV, the Vision S02. Its industrial look and flowing lines give it a real personality in terms of design.
Source: Sony
Inside, Sony has released the big game: 5G, artificial intelligence, autonomous driving (40 sensors), multiple screens, connectivity, immersive sound experience. In short, this technological catch-all still raises questions about Sony’s intentions: what are these concepts really for, and will they lead to something more concrete?
Chrysler is preparing for its future
The Chrysler Airflow Concept reflects Chrysler’s ambitions for electric cars. Modernity, connectivity and endurance are the key words of this promising concept, whose sleek interior and screened with clearly character. The panoramic roof brings a feeling of space.
The manufacturer goes even further with a camera integrated in each seat, so that passengers can participate in video conferences with friends, family or for work. Of course, autonomous driving – level 3 – is one of its attributes. Because after all, the future of the automobile will be decidedly focused on autonomous driving.
Indigo, a sofa on legs
Through its Indigo FLOW ™ and FLOW PLUS ™, electric SUV and van concepts for transporting people and delivering goods, Indigo Technologies wants to show that car journeys can be more than comfortable.
Source: Indigo Technologies
How? ‘Or’ What ? By integrating active suspension technology, which uses sensors to predict the road surface and adjust the ride height. A relatively rare system on consumer vehicles.
New models in shambles
General Motors pulls out all the stops
Three new electric cars from General Motors were introduced as part of CES 2022. Expected for the year 2023, the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Blazer EV SUVs have not revealed many secrets. We hardly know the price range of the Equinox, which should be sold around $ 30,000.
No, the real star of GM is called Chevrolet Silverado, an imposing electric pick-up whose price will oscillate between 40,000 and more than 100,000 dollars depending on the version. 640 km of autonomy, towing capacity of 4500 kg, 664 hp: believe us, this beautiful beast is under the pedal.
VinFast, the Vietnamese offensive
It is an unknown company in our regions, and yet VinFast has managed to have a certain resonance in the media. This Vietnamese manufacturer is launching a large-scale offensive with no less than five electric vehicles: five SUVs, with dimensions that occupy segments A, B, C, D and E – from city cars to 7-seater SUVs.
Source: VinFast
What should be remembered above all is that VinFast is eyeing the European market with a certain interest. It could also produce its vehicles directly in Germany. At present, two of its models are available – the VF8 and VF9 – in Europe for pre-orders, before its catalog is filled with other novelties.
Smarter, more autonomous cars
Autonomous driving is one of the cornerstones of electric cars today. So obviously, the CES was the opportunity to unveil its roadmap in this area. Honda, Renault and Volvo, for example, will strengthen their collaboration with Qualcomm by making more complete use of the solutions of its Snapdragon® Digital Chassis.
Volvo was then very active by presenting a new generation autonomous driving system, which will eventually allow reading, writing or working during a journey. Obviously, many conditions will have to be respected, starting with the legal framework of each country.
Electric two-wheelers on the menu
Electric two-wheelers have been honored by a few brands, some of which have come straight from France. The young growth of Biarritz, Sodium Cycles, for example exhibited a small electric motorcycle 100% tricolor and entirely made by hand. This 50cc equivalent is of course reserved for urban journeys.
Source: Damon Motorcyles
In a much more sporty and efficient register, the Canadian start-up Damon Motorcycles has revealed a second model of electric motorcycle, even though it has not yet started the delivery of its first product. This intelligent bike has it all in any case with its top speed of 274 km / h.
An annoying concern for Boring Company
The company of Elon Musk Boring Company, which aims to build a network of tunnels for cars under Las Vegas, experienced a small mishap during CES 2022. This system of “hoses” is indeed intended to remove traffic jams. Problem: traffic jams were created during the transport of people.
It turns out the congestion-busting “future of transport” is already experiencing congestion. pic.twitter.com/yJY9b0Nwjj
– Adam Tranter (@adamtranter) January 6, 2022
For the more curious, we were able to test the “Vegas Loop” in real conditions, with photos and video to support it.
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