CES 2025: Autonomous Vehicles and Top Tech Trends

TechCrunch Mobility: CES 2025 and the Resurgence of Autonomous Vehicles

Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility, your primary source for news and perspectives on the evolving landscape of transportation. Registration is free – simply follow the TechCrunch Mobility link!

Greetings! A new year has begun, and I’m pleased to be back after a two-week hiatus. Currently, I am reporting live from Las Vegas during CES 2025. As expected, the show was filled with a rapid succession of announcements, varying in significance.

A Shift in Sentiment Towards Autonomous Technology

A key observation from the event is the renewed interest in autonomous vehicles. The period of skepticism appears to be waning. This was the prevailing view among the individuals I engaged with while navigating the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Notably, many U.S. automakers were not present this year, with Scout Motors, a division of the VW Group, being a significant exception.

Prominent Displays and Emerging Players

Waymo showcased its largest exhibit to date at CES, featuring the Zeekr RT vehicle.

Beyond Waymo, a multitude of autonomous vehicle startups and related companies were also present, including:

• Applied Intuition
• May Mobility
• Tier IV (a Japanese firm)
• Polymath Robotics
• Zoox

Even John Deere demonstrated its involvement in automated driving technologies. Executives from companies like Aurora, Serve Robotics, and Waabi were also actively present at the event.

Cautious Optimism and Remaining Hurdles

The overall atmosphere was positive and enthusiastic, yet tempered by a more realistic outlook compared to the exuberance seen six or seven years ago.

Despite the positive shift, substantial obstacles remain concerning both funding and practical implementation. Even Waymo, currently a leading entity in the field, faces challenges, such as the recent incident involving a customer stranded in one of its robotaxis.

Scout Motors and Volkswagen's Manufacturing Strategy

Attending CES provides a valuable opportunity for direct engagement with industry insiders. Recent discussions included conversations with key leaders from Volkswagen Group, who expressed strong optimism regarding their new subsidiary, Scout Motors.

While Scout Motors is still in the pre-production phase and the construction of its manufacturing facility in Columbia, South Carolina, is ongoing, Volkswagen Group anticipates significant achievements from the venture.

Executives suggested the possibility of utilizing the Scout factory for the production of additional vehicles as production scales up. This could potentially involve vehicles from Rivian, Volkswagen’s new joint venture partner.

Rivian is currently focused on expanding its existing Illinois factory and has postponed plans for a new facility in Georgia.

A Platform-Based Approach to Manufacturing

Volkswagen’s manufacturing philosophy centers on platform-based production rather than vehicle-specific assembly lines. This approach allows for greater flexibility and efficiency.

If substantial similarities exist between different cars or SUVs within the broader Volkswagen portfolio – a likely outcome as Rivian-VW software and electrical systems become more prevalent – sharing manufacturing capacity and resources becomes a logical step.

This strategy aims to optimize resource allocation and streamline production processes across the Volkswagen Group.

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Recent Industry Transactions

A significant acquisition is underway, with NXP, the Netherlands-based semiconductor leader, intending to purchase TTTech Auto. This Austrian firm is a specialist in safety-critical software designed for autonomous vehicles.

The transaction will be completed entirely in cash, with a total valuation of $625 million.

NXP’s core business focuses on semiconductor solutions for automation across various sectors. They are a key supplier of chips used in sensors and cameras, which are essential components for advanced driver-assistance systems and fully autonomous functions.

This move reflects a broader trend within the semiconductor industry. Companies like Nvidia and Qualcomm are increasing their investment in automotive-grade supercomputers and development toolchains.

These resources are aimed at assisting automakers in the implementation of autonomous vehicle technologies.

Additional Notable Agreements

Amazon AWS has established a strategic partnership with Here, a company specializing in mapping and location-based technologies. The collaboration is valued at $1 billion over a decade.

Under the terms of the agreement, Here will leverage AWS’s cloud infrastructure. This will provide automotive manufacturers with the necessary resources for the development and deployment of automated driving capabilities.

Serve Robotics has secured $80 million in funding from unidentified institutional investors through a direct offering.

This capital injection followed a previous funding round in December, where Serve Robotics raised $87 million through an ATM and warrant exercises.

The combined funding will extend the company’s operational runway beyond 2026. It will also facilitate the expansion of their robotic fleet to 2,000 sidewalk delivery robots by the close of 2025.

• Key Takeaway: Increased investment in autonomous vehicle technology is evident.
• Focus Areas: Safety software, cloud infrastructure, and robotic delivery systems are receiving substantial funding.

Key Developments and Insights

CES 2025: A Summary

Let's review some noteworthy highlights from CES that may have been overlooked during the initial coverage.

BMW is preparing to introduce a redesigned in-car user interface, beginning with the Neue Klasse sedan later this year. This system will feature a widget-based design, allowing for personalized layouts and the projection of visuals onto the windshield.

Delta Air Lines revealed several enhancements, including an AI-powered assistant integrated into its mobile application and an upgraded in-flight entertainment system. Passengers will enjoy complimentary access to YouTube Premium and Music. Furthermore, a partnership with Uber will enable SkyMiles members to accrue miles through Uber rides and delivery services.

Honda showcased the newest iteration of its futuristic 0 Series, presenting the 0 SUV, a midsized electric SUV prototype. The company anticipates launching a production version of the 0 SUV in the first six months of 2026.

Segway unveiled two innovative e-bikes. The Xyber, a dirt bike currently not street-legal, and the Xafari, a customizable step-through bike, both boast advanced technology and are priced under $3,000.

Scout Motors, a Volkswagen subsidiary, distinguished itself at CES with a more conventional design approach for its Traveler SUV and Terra pickup vehicles. These models feature traditional door handles, optional gas-powered range extenders, and, notably, physical buttons alongside touchscreen controls. A built-in satellite connection is also planned.

Uber and Nvidia announced a collaboration, with Uber utilizing Nvidia’s Cosmos generative world model and DGX Cloud AI platform to accelerate the development of autonomous vehicles.

Vay, a Berlin-based startup specializing in teleoperated vehicles, is expanding its operations in Las Vegas. The company intends to increase its fleet to 100 vehicles.

Xpeng Aero HT presented a “modular flying car,” essentially an electric van equipped with a foldable eVTOL capable of vertical takeoff and landing. Xpeng is reportedly preparing for mass production this year.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Tesla’s “Actual Smart Summon” functionality, which allows remote vehicle summoning via a mobile app, is currently under federal scrutiny following reported incidents and crashes.

Developments in Autonomous Vehicles

Aurora Innovation experienced a change in its board composition with the resignation of Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. He cited a need to concentrate on his duties at the ride-hailing and delivery company as the reason for his departure.

An incident occurred involving a Serve delivery robot and a Waymo robotaxi at an intersection in Los Angeles. While no robots sustained damage, the event provides a valuable case study regarding the integration of diverse autonomous vehicle types into urban environments.

Electric Vehicles, Charging Infrastructure, and Battery Technology

Lucid achieved record production and delivery numbers in 2024. The EV manufacturer produced 9,029 vehicles and delivered 10,241.

Rivian delivered 51,579 electric SUVs, trucks, and vans in 2024, representing a threefold increase compared to 2023. The company’s production totaled 49,476 vehicles, falling short of its July forecast by 8,000 units.

Tesla experienced a decline in deliveries last year compared to 2023, marking the first year-over-year decrease in the company’s history. Even the introduction of the Cybertruck, Tesla’s first entirely new model since 2020, failed to stimulate growth. (Further details on Elon Musk’s 2024 projections for Tesla are available here.)

Turo faced significant challenges following incidents involving rented EVs being used in acts of violence. These included an incident where a Ford F-150 Lightning was driven into a crowd and another where a Tesla Cybertruck was allegedly detonated at a Las Vegas hotel. Both renters had clean records, raising questions about preventative measures Turo could implement.

Other Notable News

Tesla directors have agreed to reimburse the company up to $919 million following a Delaware judge’s approval of a settlement. This resolves allegations concerning excessive self-compensation.

Recent Automotive Developments

Upon arriving in Las Vegas, a visit to the Zoox operational facility, situated just outside the main entertainment district, was prioritized. The purpose of this visit was to experience a ride within a Zoox robotaxi. This objective was successfully achieved, with two separate trips completed. A comprehensive report, including video footage, will be available shortly.

Throughout the two journeys with Zoox, both conducted during nighttime hours, the autonomous vehicle navigated a variety of challenging scenarios. These included active construction areas, the aftermath of two separate vehicle collisions (in which we were not participants), illegally parked cars, and executing right turns at red lights. Despite the unusual nature of the experience, it felt surprisingly routine.

However, some refinements are still necessary for Zoox. While the robotaxi consistently adhered to traffic regulations and maintained a safe operating profile, there were instances of somewhat abrupt braking. Improvements to the suspension system would also contribute to a smoother, more comfortable passenger experience.

What defines “This week’s wheels”? It represents an opportunity to explore and evaluate diverse transportation solutions currently undergoing testing. This encompasses electric and hybrid automobiles, e-bikes, and even autonomous vehicle rides.