Everything Electric: CES 2022 Wraps Up a Week Of Cool, Cutting Edge EVs & Technology
Electrification dominated this year’s CES. Big debuts included the Silverado EV, a rejuvenated Chrysler, and mind bending technology pushing boundaries and possibilities.
It was no surprise that e-mobility tech was a major draw at the 2022 Consumer Electronic Show or CES. But the difference this year was the remarkable energy different automakers have shown in this new wave of going electric. These EVs are utilizing technology in building brilliant rides; and a few that are maybe just a little nuts.
Highlights from CES range from the newest all-electric pickup truck on the block, to ideas so far out that they seem inspired by Bugs Bunny. And that is pretty cool, if we’re boing honest. Regardless of one’s opinion on EVs; it is tough not to be impressed. Automakers have put a lot of energy in each concept. Also, the timeframes are getting tighter to get these rides on the road. However, the industry is adapting rapidly with more announcements on future plans and dates from BMW, Hyundai, and more.
Pickup Truck Wars Go Electric
Chevrolet debuted their all-electric Silverado; a major step in seeing electrification in action and working with a lot of potency. GM built the 2024 Silverado EV from scratch, basically. Using the Ultium EV Platform, it allows the Silverado versatility. Developed to work hard and play hard, the platform also makes future upgrades easier to adapt.
Like its ICE counterpart, the 2024 Silverado EV delivers a tough and great looking Chevy truck. General Motors has estimated the Silverado EV gets about 400-mile range on a full charge. And it has a 10,000 pound trailering capacity. A very helpful beast, as the ’24 Chevy Silverado will be available as both a street-performance Rally Sport Truck (RST) as well as a Work Truck (WT).
Making 664 horses and 780 lb-ft of torque, it can sprint from 0-60 mph in under less than 4.5 seconds. It charges quickly, and is loaded with standard and optional safety technologies.
Plenty of cargo space in the front and in the rear. Add in the host of new and intuitive onboard tech, and this is a major pickup.
Unfortunately, that comes with a major price tag. Fully loaded it looks to be about $105,000. But prices will flucuate. Set to debut in Spring of 2023, the Silverados available in Fall 2023 can go as low as $50-$60K. Chevrolet is already taking orders.
Chrysler Rises Again?
Stallantis and Chrysler made an impression with the debut of the Chrysler Airflow electric vehicle. The company has shown the EV in the past as a work in progress. But CES showed a fleshed out ride that Chief Software Officer Yves Bonnefont described as “more than just a concept.”
If the Chrysler Airflow EV stays close to the concept in production, it could give the company a major jolt in the market. Chrysler Airflow reportedly will have 440 miles of range on a single charge. There is no crossover or SUV in Chrysler’s anemic fleet, nor is there a vehicle that feels so new and modern. We’re hoping they go a little more structural, as per the original idea. Give it a little more appeal.
An affordable crossover EV SUV could steal Elon Musk’s lunch money; especially if it has the scorching 167 to 241 horses Chrysler is aiming for. Other tech includes Level 3 Autonomous driving, and the STLA Brain and STLA cockpit software and connectivity systems. Don’t count Chrysler out yet; a new EV backed with Stellantis’ enthusiasm, modern innovation and a reasonable price could bring Chrysler back.
And…What?
BMW introduced something very new, the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink. Straight out of a cartoon, the car’s body exterior can change color. Using electrophoretic technology, it allows the car to change color to suit the driver’s taste, to adapt to environmental conditions or just because?
It’s a big leap for digital technology, and the company might use the application inside and out. BMW also debuted the BMW iX M60 as well as the wild digital aesthetic.
Overall, CES showed a vision of future mobility and technology that is exciting and completely new. And while a few ideas failed to ring our bell, it is impossible to ignore the creative and exciting ways each automaker is using electrification to reinforce and even reinvent their brand.
Photos: GM, Chevrolet, BMW, Stellantis