At CES, EVs take a backseat to robotaxis and AI

2026-01-06 · Source: The Verge · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Robotics & Autonomous Systems, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 saw a significant shift in focus from electric vehicles (EVs) to artificial intelligence (AI) and robotaxis, reflecting a broader change in the automotive industry's priorities. Hyundai, a major EV seller, used its keynote to showcase Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot, signaling a move away from new EV model announcements. Other key announcements included Mercedes' plans to roll out its Nvidia-powered Level 2++ driver assist feature in the US later in 2025, Uber's new Lucid Gravity robotaxi for 2026, and Nvidia's introduction of open-source Alpamayo models for autonomous vehicles. This pivot comes as global EV sales growth is projected to slow in 2026 due to reduced subsidies in China, wavering policies in Europe, and policy reversals in the US, leading automakers to scale back EV plans and explore hybrids.

Key takeaway

For automotive executives and investors assessing future growth areas, the CES 2025 shift indicates that prioritizing AI and autonomous driving technologies over pure EV development is crucial for market relevance and investor appeal. Your strategic planning should account for slowing EV sales growth and increased competition in the AI and robotaxi sectors, potentially by exploring partnerships with AI chipmakers or autonomous tech developers.

Key insights

Automotive industry focus is shifting from EVs to AI and robotaxis amid slowing EV growth.

Principles

• Market sentiment drives industry investment.
• AI integration is critical for investor confidence.

In practice

• Explore AI-powered driver assistance systems.
• Investigate robotaxi development partnerships.

Topics

• Robotaxis
• Autonomous Vehicles
• Humanoid Robots
• AI Models
• Electric Vehicle Market

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Verge.