The Station: CES Galaxy Brain Edition

The Station: A Transportation Newsletter

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CES 2022 Recap

CES 2022 has concluded, and despite other noteworthy events this week, our focus will be a comprehensive analysis of the show. Prepare for an in-depth exploration of the latest innovations.

Image Credits: Giphy

For the second consecutive year, I did not attend CES in person. Previously, I had consistently walked the convention center and explored the startup displays at Eureka Park. While I missed the opportunity to connect with founders and experience new technologies firsthand, there are considerations to be made.

A return to in-person attendance may be possible next year.

Secretary Buttigieg's Perspective

Prior to diving into the CES 2022 highlights, it’s important to note that Sec. Pete Buttigieg published an opinion piece in TechCrunch last week. This coincided with his virtual address at CES 2022.

What aspects of the transportation landscape did he accurately assess? Where did his analysis fall short? I welcome your feedback and insights!

Feature Bloat in EVs

Furthermore, Jim Motavalli, a respected author and electric vehicle specialist, contributed a weekend feature article to us. This piece complements the technologies showcased at CES, addressing what he terms “feature bloat” within the EV sector.

Stay Connected

Feel free to reach out with your thoughts, critiques, opinions, or any relevant tips. You can email me at kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com. Alternatively, you can connect with me directly on Twitter – @kirstenkorosec.

Micromobility at CES

The recent CES event showcased significant advancements in the micromobility sector. A comprehensive review, compiled by Rebecca Bellan and myself, revealed that the primary trends centered around more intelligent, interconnected, and potent e-bikes and scooters.

A notable observation was the prevalence of products presented as novelties, which were, in fact, iterations of existing designs. However, these electric vehicles frequently incorporated enhanced onboard computing capabilities.

These systems synchronize with mobile applications, enabling functionalities such as vehicle location, fitness tracking, and control of features like locks and lighting.

Key Highlights from CES 2022

Bosch presented its connected smart e-bike system, a technology that, while not entirely new, received recognition as a CES Innovation Awards honoree.

Cake unveiled updates to its Ridecake connectivity application. These enhancements include tools for professional fleet managers to oversee and administer their vehicle fleets.

Delfast, a startup with roots in both America and Ukraine, introduced an improved version of its Top 3.0 electric bicycle. The company asserts this model can achieve a range of up to 200 miles on a single charge.

Moonbikes exhibited its electric snow vehicle. Though previously showcased, this event marked the first opportunity for widespread in-person examination. It's a single-track snowmobile powered by a 3 kW (4hp) electric motor, capable of reaching speeds of 26 miles per hour.

Niu introduced the BQi-C1 e-bike. The Chinese e-scooter company had previously hinted at this vehicle, but CES provided the platform to disclose pricing and technical specifications.

This step-through bike utilizes a 500W continuous and 750W Bafang rear hub motor, achieving maximum speeds of 28 miles per hour within the U.S. Priced at $1,499, the BQi will also offer app connectivity and a suite of smart security features.

Okai, a Chinese manufacturer supplying vehicles to numerous shared mobility operators, showcased five products at CES. These included a smart helmet and a smart backpack.

Segway, a prominent electric micromobility manufacturer serving both individual consumers and shared operator networks, debuted the P-Series kick scooter line and the E11a moped-style e-scooter.

Vehicle Technology at CES

Image Credits: Qualcomm Technologies

A significant amount of “vehicle tech” was presented this year. A summary follows, preceded by an overview of key trends.

CES 2022 did not primarily feature autonomous vehicle technology—at least, not to the extent seen in previous years. This assessment is based on insights gathered from industry professionals present at the event, as well as an analysis of participating companies and their respective announcements.

While not entirely absent, autonomous driving took a backseat to advancements in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), in-vehicle services designed to enhance the driver and passenger experience, and the computational resources required to support these innovations. When automated driving was discussed, it frequently centered on future possibilities, limited autonomous functionalities like parking, or a combination of both.

A detailed 3,000-word article covering the noteworthy and innovative vehicle technologies observed at CES 2022 has been prepared. Several highlights are presented below.

Competition Intensifies in the Automotive Chip Market

Intel, Nvidia, and Qualcomm all demonstrated a strong presence. Discussions surrounding “compute” power focused on two primary areas. The first involved enabling digital services and content delivery, exemplified by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis. The second area concerned support for automated driving features and advanced driver-assistance systems. Announcements were made by Intel, Nvidia, and Qualcomm, including Intel’s subsidiary Mobileye unveiling plans for a new supercomputer intended to equip passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs with autonomous driving capabilities.

The Rise of Comprehensive Connectivity

Connectivity was another dominant theme. While internet-connected vehicles have been a topic of discussion for some time, this year saw companies showcasing tangible products and services poised for imminent integration into automobiles, rather than merely hypothetical possibilities dependent on operating systems and processing power.

Amazon, Blackberry, Cerence, Google, Stellantis, and Volvo were among the companies introducing new connected features or systems. Amazon initiated its efforts in the prior year’s fourth quarter with the announcement that Stellantis would be the first automaker to integrate Fire TV for in-car entertainment into its Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. At CES, Amazon revealed plans to extend these entertainment experiences to the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler Pacifica. Furthermore, Fire TV will be pre-installed in the 2022 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Navigator models.

Google and Volvo detailed how vehicle owners would be able to access YouTube through the Google Play Store on the vehicle’s infotainment system. Announcements regarding “digital co-pilots” were also made by Cerence and Blackberry.

Progress in ADAS and Autonomous Driving

A comprehensive exploration of developments would be extensive, but companies such as GM, Volvo, TuSimple, and Gentex announced advancements in autonomous driving and ADAS technologies.

Notably, Mobileye is collaborating with Chinese automaker Zeekr to develop a fully electric autonomous vehicle for consumer use. Sales in China are scheduled to begin in 2024, with subsequent expansion into other markets.

Innovative and Unusual Developments

The color-changing car demonstrated by BMW garnered attention. However, did you know that Vietnamese automaker VinFast will issue “VinFirst” certificates, recorded on the blockchain platform in NFT format, to the first customers who preorder a vehicle? The company asserts this provides a transparent method for verifying order ownership.

NFTs and the concept of digital twins were frequently mentioned within the automotive sector at CES 2022, including an announcement from Cerence and VinFast.

Essentially, Cerence offers cloud-based software that enables VinFast—or any interested company—to create a virtual representation of its entire vehicle, encompassing software, mechanics, electrical systems, and physical behavior, alongside driver data and environmental information.

CES: The Rise of Electric Vehicles

For at least the past half-decade, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has served as a key venue for automotive manufacturers to unveil their latest electric vehicle innovations. This year continued that trend, potentially with even greater emphasis than before. Notably, Sony revisited the event with its Vision S electric vehicle concept, and announced the formation of Sony Mobility Inc., a new division dedicated to the commercialization of its electric cars.

General Motors CEO and Chair Mary Barra, who originally presented the Chevy Bolt EV at CES in 2016, returned virtually to deliver a series of announcements concerning the company’s electric vehicle initiatives.

The debut of the Chevy Silverado EV was a primary highlight. GM presented two versions: the WT, a fundamental work truck offering a 400-mile range, up to 664 horsepower, and a starting price of $39,900. Alongside it, the RST First Edition was revealed, a fully equipped truck with four-wheel steering, priced beginning at $105,000.

The Silverado EV represents the third electric truck announced by GM, following the introduction of the Hummer EV and the Sierra Denali. While details regarding the Denali remain limited – GM provided a preview last month – the Silverado appears to share a significant number of components with the impressive Hummer EV. Editor Matt Burns emphasized that the Silverado EV should not be considered a secondary project; it is arguably the most crucial of the three.

The Chevy Silverado has historically been a major competitor to the best-selling Ford F-150 pickup. It is worth noting that Ford recently announced a doubling of its production capacity for the all-electric F-150 Lightning.

Barra also confirmed, and displayed images of, an all-electric Chevy Equinox and a Chevy Blazer, both scheduled for release in 2023.

An often-overlooked detail during the event was a glimpse of a pontoon boat visible in the background as Barra spoke.

Image Credits: GM

Confirmation from GM revealed this to be the latest offering from Pure Watercraft, which simultaneously debuted the new product at CES 2022 and initiated preorders. As you may recall, the automaker acquired a 25% stake in the Seattle-based electric boat company last November.

This boat marks the first product resulting from GM’s investment in Pure Watercraft. It incorporates GM EV components. Beyond the electric boat itself, this development demonstrates GM’s wider strategy concerning EV components, a market the company estimates will be worth $20 billion by 2030. This encompasses marine applications, as well as EV crate motors for classic vehicles and the electrification of equipment like airport ground support vehicles.

I had the opportunity to speak with Travis Hester, GM’s VP of EV growth operations; look for insights from that conversation in the coming week.

Several other prominent automakers showcased electric vehicle concepts, including Stellantis with its Airflow concept and Mercedes-Benz with the EQXX.

Stellantis announced plans to transform Chrysler into an exclusively electric brand, and unveiled a comprehensive agreement with Amazon covering cloud computing, software development, and the supply of its forthcoming all-electric Ram Promaster vans.

I conducted an interview with Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, and will be sharing highlights from that discussion in the days ahead.

Mercedes-Benz presented its EQXX concept, which is not intended as a typical show car that will never reach production.

The EQXX is designed to preview the future direction of the automaker’s electric vehicles and incorporates numerous advanced technologies and features. Markus Schäfer, a board member of Daimler AG and CTO of Mercedes-Benz AG, indicated to me that these innovations will begin appearing in production vehicles starting in 2024. 

Numerous smaller companies also presented noteworthy innovations that deserve mention.

ElectraMeccanica displayed several of its single-occupant EVs, including the SOLO “O2” Oxygen, featuring a redesigned dashboard, and the SOLO Cargo, a modified version tailored for commercial applications.

Triggo showcased a unique single-occupant electric vehicle capable of reducing its width when necessary.

Image Credits: Triggo/screenshot

That concludes the CES information overview. I plan to publish interviews with Stellantis’ Tavares, GM’s Hester, and Toyota chief scientist Dr. Gill Pratt in the coming week.