CES 2025: Best EV and car tech we saw

CES 2025 is wrapping up, and as always, the show delivered a bold vision of what’s next in automotive tech. This year, the spotlight was on reimagining mobility — whether through modular flying vehicles or next-gen holographic displays. EVs and concept cars didn’t just push boundaries; they challenged us to rethink safety and how we interact with the cars of tomorrow.

After plenty of hands-on time with the latest vehicles and concept car tech, here are our top four picks (in no particular order).

AFEELA 1 Origin and Signature

Credit: Mashable / Chance Townsend

One of the big highlights of CES was Sony-Honda’s highly anticipated AFEELA 1 EV. We finally got the scoop on its price, pre-order details, and even a hands-on walkthrough of its futuristic user experience.

But don’t rush to order one just yet. Sony Honda Mobility Group revealed two key details: 1) Pre-orders are currently exclusive to California residents, and 2) the AFEELA 1 starts at $89,900 — or $102,900 for the Signature model. That’s a steep price, especially when Chinese competitors such as Xpeng are producing EVs priced at a little over $16,000 — a cost over 6 times less than the AFEELA 1’s starting price.

Then again, there aren’t any PS5 controllers or deodorized seats with those.

XPENG Aero HT Land Aircraft Carrier

Credit: Jesse Orrall / CNET

Speaking of Xpeng, the Chinese-based company showed off its “Land Aircraft Carrier” — a bold step into the future of personal transportation and flying. This modular marvel combines a massive, six-wheeled electric vehicle with a stowed two-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle for recreational escapes.

It isn’t a “flying car” in the strictest sense, but the synergy between the road-ready “Mothership” and the airborne craft is compelling. With minimal controls and automated systems, Xpeng simplifies flying. While practical adoption may be years away, this $300,000 vision of freedom captivates with its ambition, offering a glimpse of a world where highways lead seamlessly to the skies.

Honda 0 Saloon and SUV prototypes

Looks super cool, doesn’t it?
Credit: Mashable / Chance Townsend

Honda’s 0 Prototype EV series continues to grab attention, especially the Saloon trim—a curious blend of Lamborghini flair and retro ’80s dad-van vibes. Both the Saloon and SUV debuted at CES last year, but this time, Honda dropped more details: a 2026 release date and Level 3 autonomous driving.

That’s a big promise, as it allows the vehicle to handle most driving tasks under specific conditions. It’s also a leap ahead of the Level 2+ capabilities of the Sony-Honda AFEELA collab. While these features won’t be U.S.-ready at launch, it’s a bold step toward the software-defined mobility era Honda is eager to lead.

Hyundai Mobis’ holographic windshield display

It’s a lot clearer in person.
Credit: Emmett Smith / Mashable

Hyundai Mobis kind of stole the show at CES 2025 with the debut of the world’s first full-windshield holographic display, seamlessly integrated into Kia’s EV9.

This revolutionary tech uses three projectors in the car to transform the windshield into a transparent screen, projecting navigation, driving data, and media directly onto the glass without physical displays. Developed with optical technology company ZEISS, the display uses advanced light diffraction for crystal-clear visuals, even in bright conditions.

While still in pre-development, Hyundai Mobis aims for a 2027 launch. However, it’s currently unclear whether that’ll just be for Hyundai-Kia cars, or if other manufacturers might also benefit from this tech in the future.

Mashable is on the ground live at CES 2025! We’re covering all the wildest and most important developments this week, so please keep checking back in with us. Want to submit a product you represent for our teams’ consideration as we identify the Best of CES? Here’s more info on how to do it.