CES 2025 showcased a wave of groundbreaking tech that could redefine the future of electric and hybrid vehicles. From solar-powered EVs to in-wheel motors designed to extend driving range, this year’s conference addressed some of the biggest concerns potential buyers have—cost, range anxiety, and charging infrastructure.

Donut Labs In-Wheel Motor: Extending Range and Reducing Costs

One of the most eye-catching displays at CES was Donut Labs’ in-wheel motor. This hubless, lightweight motor is designed to solve a fundamental issue for EV buyers: range anxiety. Traditional EV motors are bulky and heavy, but Donut Labs’ design weighs only 88 pounds, which is about a third of the weight of standard EV motors.

This motor includes a number of key benefits:

• A smaller, more efficient design that creates more space within the vehicle for batteries or cargo.
• A lower production cost (Donut Labs claims their motor is 50% cheaper to manufacture than traditional options).

With these features, in-wheel motors could make future electric & hybrid vehicles for sale more affordable and efficient, potentially changing how automakers approach EV design.

Pebble Flow Electric RV

The Pebble Flow electric RV was a standout for adventure lovers. This RV offers a 45-kilowatt-hour battery pack that supports DC fast charging, RV hookups, and bidirectional charging, allowing it to draw power from your EV when needed.

A new “Magic Pack” upgrade introduced at CES enhances the RV’s convenience with features like:

• Remote-controlled positioning of the unhitched cab.
• Automated hitching and unhitching for easier setup.
• Electric assist and regenerative braking to improve towing efficiency.

BMW Panoramic iDrive: The Future of Driver-Assist Infotainment

BMW’s Panoramic iDrive system reimagines the vehicle dashboard with three layers of AI-powered displays:

• A projected windshield display that shows lane changes and turn-by-turn navigation.
• A digital dashboard spanning from pillar to pillar, providing essential driving metrics like speed, range, and battery levels.
• A passenger-centric infotainment display with widgets for music, maps, and more.

The system is controlled by the “Hey, BMW” voice command, allowing drivers to access information hands-free. This type of user-friendly tech could soon be a standard feature in future vehicles.

Aptera Solar EV: Powering Up with the Sun

The Aptera Solar EV is designed to harness solar energy to reduce dependence on traditional chargers. With solar panels embedded in its hood, roof, and rear hatch, the car can gain up to 40 miles of range on a sunny day, which is enough to cover most daily commutes.

For eco-conscious drivers, the Aptera is a glimpse of how future vehicles may offer off-grid solutions for short-distance travel.

What These Innovations Mean for EV Buyers

The tech showcased at CES 2025 points to an exciting future for EV and hybrid vehicles. Automakers are addressing long-standing concerns with more efficient motors, solar power integration, and upgraded infotainment systems. These developments promise to make EVs more accessible, affordable, and functional for everyday drivers and adventure seekers alike.