What’s new at CES Las Vegas?
CES Las Vegas is one of the biggest tech event which is an annual trade show organised by the Consumer Technology Association, now known as Consumer Electronics Show.
January this year (2024), was the first motor show of 2024 as the car industry played a big part of the show. It took over the other electronics like mobile phones and televisions.
The CES show is an incredible experience, as it makes you question on what you are seeing, asking yourself if it is even real. The reason for this is that they speak in-great detail about the new artificial intelligence (AI). The 2024 show demonstrates the type of artificial intelligence that is installed in the electric and hybrid vehicles and it is breath-taking. The make that made the headlines of the show was Honda 0 series Saloon. However, Kia announced their plans for 2025 with the PV5, which will be the first in a series of new PBVs (vans) and people took a great interest. Kia is showing no signs of slowing down, as it will also have passenger vehicle, as well as bigger and smaller commercial vehicles too.
The most amazing part about CES, is that it isn’t just a commercial show to try and sell new products, it demonstrates what the future holds with reference to technology. The show also gives perspective to see what we are doing and how the environment will be because of AI.
CES clearly shows how the automotive world is changing rapidly. Below you will have information on some of the vehicles that was shown at the CES show last month (January 2024).
Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5
As it is common in these intermediate generations, the aesthetic changes are not radical but they are notable. Both in the compact ones and in the Golf Variant with a family body. To begin with, the brand’s new illuminated emblem stands out on the front, which combines perfectly with the infinite light that unites both headlights. There are physical buttons on the steering wheel and the infotainment touchscreen which has been put onto the dashboard to improve the user experience. It also has backlighting for the heater controls.
The front bumper has been modified with a new lower section and sides. The Volkswagen Golf GTI and the GTE, have been transferred in the form of lettering to the doors. They also have available four new colours: Crystal Ice Blue metallic, Anemone Blue metallic, Oyster Silver metallic and Granadilla Black metallic. Along with five new 19-inch wheels.
To begin with, the light hybrids debut the 1.5 eTSI engine (also called 1.5 TSI evo2), which is combined with a 48 V architecture and a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox to produce 115 or 150 HP. Always in front-wheel drive, as in all models.
On the other hand, plug-in hybrids are divided into the VW Golf eHybrid (204 HP power) and the VW Golf GTE (272 HP power). They are both linked to a 6-speed eDSG automatic transmission. They will have a new 19.7 kWh battery and will support recharging of 11 kW in AC or up to 50 kW in DC.
Finally, the petrol editions will have two versions with the 1.5 TSI engine of 115 or 150 HP with manual transmission and the 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI will equip the 2.0 TSI with 265 HP and DSG7 automatic transmission. The diesel Golfs will continue to lengthen the 2.0 TDI block and there will be an option of 115 HP with manual transmission or 150 HP automatic.
Kia Electric PV’s (Vans)
In 2025 Kia will expand into the world of vans by launching the PV5. There is also a larger van called a PV7 which is also on the cards. There is talk about PV1’s and PV3’s, however they are not yet properply planned or in production.
In 2025 the PV5 (platform beyond vehicle) is scheduled to be launched first, in 2025 which will come .
The PV5 is said to cost just over £30,0000 for the standard model. It is said to be approximately 4.7 metres long, however there will be longer-wheelbase versions available. The PV5’s are set to be available in the UK in 2026, and is aimed at small and medium businesses that use vans daily.
Honda 0 Series concepts
Honda will be introducing the new 0 series, which is set to be released in 2025/2026. The Honda 0 series will be fitted with a battery pack that is lighter and denser than what is used today which is to give an increase in the range of more than 300 miles. This vehicle will be capable of charging from 10-80% capacity in between 10 and 15 minutes. Honda has certainly gone all out on this model, which for sure will get drivers attention.
Supernal S-A2
Hyundai’s aircraft division, Supernal, eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft has been revealed. This aircraft is an alternative form of a taxi in the cities and is planned to enter production in 2028. The first S-A1 was shown in the CES back in 2020. It is electric powered and can seat up to five people including the pilot.
The Supernal S-A2’s USP will be electric powered, this is to ensure that it is much quieter than todays helicopters and light aircrafts. It is said that this aircraft is as quiet as a dishwasher and can cruise up to 120mph with an altitude of 1500ft. This aircraft is designed for short journey of between 25 to 40 miles.
It has been said that the flight tests will start in 2025 and pre-production will be tested in 2026 and 2027.
Xpeng AeroHT Land Aircraft Carrier
The Xpeng AeroHT (flying car), will begin to be in production later this year.
The Chinese company Xpeng AeroHT will be the first flying car which will be available late this year. This vehicle is designed as a six-wheel off-road truck, and equipped with a drone-styled aircraft at the rear of the vehicle, enabling it to fly short distances.
The price range for this vehicle/aircraft is believed to be between £134,000 and £157,000. However it will initially be sold in China first and gradually making the vehicles available around the world.
For another article similar to this: 2024 EV’s Scheduled to come to the UK
Want to know more about EV’s?
Here at MTC, we offer a variety of courses that can give you the information you need about Electric and Hybrid Vehicles.
Hybrid Training Course, Level 1 – Raise Awareness
Hybrid/ EV Training Course, Level 2 – Light Vehicles
Level 2, Buses, Hybrid Training Course
Hybrid Training Course, Level 2 – HGV’s
Hybrid Training Course Level 3 – Cars
The Level 1 Hybrid and Electric Training Course, is to raise awareness of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles. This course is aimed at anyone that may come into contact with Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.
Level 2 Hybrid and Electric Light Vehicle Training Course, Level 2 HGV Training Course and Level 2 Buses Training Course. The Level 2 course is aimed at mechanics and car valeters.
The Level 3 Hybrid and Electric Training Course, is aimed at technicians and mechanics.
Information about our Hybrid Courses and what we will cover:
- Safe system shut down and recommissioning.
- Methods of safe component and system test and measurement.
- Using and interpreting vehicle wiring diagrams & tech data for speedy and efficient repairs.
- Hybrid propulsion and energy generation systems.
- Brush less 3 Phase Motor form and function.
- DC and AC (3 phase) Control Systems.
- Using OEM, Pass-thru and Aftermarket Scan Tools for in vehicle system and component diagnosis.
- How to work safely on hybrid and related vehicle systems.
- How to carry out maintenance and repair activities when working on Hybrid vehicles.
- Construction and function of battery modules and related components
It is anticipated that Level 3 will be the minimum requirement in the future.
Best practice dictates that each technical staff member should be qualified to at least level 2 (service technician).
Diagnostic technicians should be qualified to level 3 (for fault diagnosis and removal, test and refit of high voltage systems).
Our trainers are experienced in the field and can provide you with all the knowledge you need.
