If you’re interested in exploring new tech in the new year, you may want to check out what was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas! Moving beyond the pandemic shutdowns, CES returned full force, showcasing new technologies from the world’s biggest companies. From giant TVs to VR headsets to electric vehicles and components, there is a plethora of new innovations to explore. This post will focus on automotive and electric vehicle technology that stood out to me from this year’s CES.
Ram 1500 Revolution Concept
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| Ram finally responds to the F-150 Lightning and other EV trucks with the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV concept. It has many unique features, such as an optional third row jump seat, and very interesting mood lighting. |
Ram has finally unveiled their answer to the F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T and Chevy Silverado EV: the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV concept. This EV truck looks sleek to my eyes and has several innovative features that a proper truck should, as well as a few segment exclusives. For example, on the interior of the Ram 1500 Revolution, there’s a rail system for customized seating setups and third row jump seats. The center console can also be removed for additional interior space and the armrest can be used as a desk – a feature we’ve seen on the F-150. You’ll be able to fit objects as long as 18 feet in the Ram 1500 Revolution via the mid-gate that includes a pass-through to the frunk.
There’s a total of 28-inches of screen in the interior and the lower screen can be removed and used as a tablet or readjusted in various positions. The upper screen can slide on the adjustable Ram Track system. One feature mentioned that I think is cool is “Shadow Mode”, which would allow the Ram 1500 Revolution to follow the driver autonomously as they walk ahead of the truck. Ram says that this truck will be capable of Level 3 autonomous driving as well, with various systems such as smart seats and the steering wheel working together to provide added situational awareness to the driver.
The Revolution will ride on the Stellantis STLA Frame EV platform and will also come with an available range extending gas engine that will be used to charge the truck’s battery. This could be a major plus for those worried about range anxiety, especially on a work site. The last vehicle I can personally remember using a range-extending engine was the BMW i3. Power figures for this EV truck aren’t known for now, but Ram says that 100 miles of range can be added in around 10 minutes with 800V DC fast charging up to 350 kW. Other capabilities will be rear-wheel steering and AWD via electric motors on the front and rear axles. Sales will begin in 2024, and I would expect there to be more official announcements on the Ram 1500 Revolution as a production version is fine-tuned.
I’m excited for this one! Ram trucks are some of the most luxurious, well-equipped trucks on the market right now. An EV model should build on that nicely.
Afeela
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| Afeela is an upcoming collaboration between Sony and Honda - large touchscreens and steering wheel yokes seem to be the norm in the automotive EV future. |
Sony has been teasing their entry into the EV space for years, but at CES 2023, they finally made it official and announced the “Afeela” brand. Afeela is actually a concept that was developed by Sony Honda Mobility, which is a joint venture between the two companies. There are no less than 45 cameras on the car and the vehicle has the next generation of Qualcomm Technologies Snapdragon Digital Chassis for ADAS and telematics. Epic Games provides software for the infotainment system. Both Sony and Honda want the software in the vehicle, networks, and UX to highlight the ownership experience rather than performance.
Level 3 driving in Afeela vehicles will be offered “under limited conditions” according to Sony Honda Mobility while Level 2 ADAS will be offered in more areas. Sony will also be open to partnerships with customers and other automotive industry companies via the Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon Digital Chassis.
If you recall, this is not Sony’s first EV concept. That title belongs to the Vision-S, revealed at CES 2020, which was then followed up by the Vision-S 02 in 2021. Many of the designers from those concept vehicles also worked on the Afeela concept. Its also worth noting that this vehicle will not be specifically called “Afeela”, but the brand it comes from will be. We will have to wait for a model name. But the Afeela brand will begin taking orders in 2025 and deliveries will begin in North America in spring 2026.
You might have to still wait some time to get your hands on an Afeela vehicle, but its quite interesting to see a non-automotive company partner with a mainstream automotive company and come out with a stylish concept such as this. I see quite a bit to technological promise in this.
Other Announcements
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| Mercedes is seeking to rival Tesla's Supercharging Network while ZF wants to keep you warm and save you some EV range. |
Companies that attended CES 2023 include Amazon, Bosch, Google, Hyundai, and LG. I always enjoy a good automotive technology and car show. It looks like there’s a lot of upcoming technology to be excited about in the coming years!
