CES 2026 Recap: Future of EV Brands, AI, Robotics and Market Trends
About this episode
The episode features a recap of CES 2026 with guest Larry Evans from Clean Technica, who shares insights from the largest consumer electronics show post-pandemic. The discussion highlights the overwhelming scale of CES, the focus on technology over EVs, and the presence of Chinese brands like Geely and BYD. Larry compares the CES experience to Auto Guangzhou, noting the differences in booth sizes and audience reception. The conversation also touches on the challenges American brands face and the potential for collaboration in the evolving EV landscape.
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CareSoft
"I was at the CareSoft booth. I was talking to them quite a bit. And CareSoft is a company that tears down vehicles and provides reports to manufacturers."
CareSoft is a company that takes cars apart to see how they are made and what parts are used. They help car makers know how their cars compare to others.
CareSoft is a company that specializes in vehicle teardown analysis, providing detailed reports to manufacturers about the components and construction of vehicles. This information helps manufacturers understand the quality and value of their products compared to competitors.
Holden
"...even in Australia, people still have that Ford versus Holden kind of deep passion..."
Holden is a car brand from Australia that made many popular cars. People in Australia have a strong connection to Holden cars.
Holden was an Australian automobile manufacturer known for producing a variety of vehicles, particularly popular in Australia. The brand has a loyal customer base and is often associated with Australian automotive culture.
Ford
"...even in Australia, people still have that Ford versus Holden kind of deep passion..."
Ford is a famous car company from America that makes many types of vehicles, like trucks and cars. Many people really like their cars.
Ford is a well-known American automotive manufacturer that has produced a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and cars. The brand has a strong following, particularly in the United States and Australia.
GWM
"Do you think that we're going to see more and more of these large Chinese brand GWM? You said it was there."
GWM stands for Great Wall Motors, a car company from China that makes SUVs and trucks. They are trying to sell more cars in other countries.
GWM, or Great Wall Motors, is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing SUVs and pickup trucks. The company has been expanding its presence in international markets, showcasing its vehicles at major auto shows like CES.
BYD
"Maybe BYD having their own presence there. Yeah, I think BYD especially because not only do they..."
BYD is a Chinese car company that makes electric vehicles. They are becoming more popular and are trying to sell their cars in other countries.
BYD, or Build Your Dreams, is a Chinese automotive company that specializes in electric vehicles and batteries. They are one of the largest manufacturers of electric cars in the world and are expanding their global footprint.
LiDAR units
"...Julie was showing off some of their LiDAR units and some of these things that they could be selling..."
LiDAR units are special sensors that help cars see their surroundings. They use light to measure distances, which is important for self-driving cars to avoid obstacles.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) units are advanced sensors used in autonomous vehicles to create high-resolution maps of the environment. They help vehicles detect obstacles and navigate safely.
BYD U9
"...you would have seen the BYD U9 or Yang Wen U9 Extreme that actually did shatter a lot of the speed records..."
The BYD U9 is a fast electric car made by a Chinese company called BYD. It's designed to be very powerful and has some cutting-edge technology.
The BYD U9 is an electric sports car developed by BYD, a Chinese automotive manufacturer. It is known for its impressive performance and innovative technology, including advanced battery systems and high-speed capabilities.
Waymo
"...in terms of self-driving, Waymo, Zooks, there were a number of different, you know, people offering robo taxis."
Waymo is a company that makes cars that can drive themselves without a human driver. They are working on technology to make these self-driving cars safe and reliable.
Waymo is a self-driving technology company that originated as a project within Google. It focuses on developing autonomous vehicles and has been testing its self-driving cars in various locations.
Zoox
"...in terms of self-driving, Waymo, Zooks, there were a number of different, you know, people offering robo taxis."
Zoox is a company that is creating cars that can drive themselves, especially for ride-sharing services like taxis. They are designing these cars to be very efficient in cities.
Zoox is a robotics company focused on developing autonomous vehicles specifically designed for ride-hailing services. Their approach emphasizes a bidirectional vehicle design optimized for urban environments.
robo taxis
"...there were a number of different, you know, people offering robo taxis."
Robo taxis are self-driving cars that pick you up and take you where you want to go without needing a driver. They use special technology to find their way around.
Robo taxis are autonomous vehicles designed to transport passengers without a human driver. They utilize advanced technology such as sensors and artificial intelligence to navigate and operate safely in urban environments.
MSRP
"And you look at this $90,000 vehicle, and they really focus more on the entertainment and screens on the interior, barely mentioned any of the technical specs to it."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you should pay for a new car. It's like a price tag from the manufacturer.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for the vehicle. It's a starting point for negotiations at dealerships.
SAIC
"When I saw it and I looked around it, it most reminded me of an IM from SAIC, which has all the screens."
SAIC is a big car company in China that makes many different types of vehicles. They work with other car brands to create new technologies.
SAIC Motor Corporation Limited is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in China, known for producing a variety of vehicles and partnering with international brands. They focus on innovation and technology in their vehicles.
YangWang U7
"It's Yang Wang U7 territory. U7 is a 1,300-horsepower monster with electromagnetic suspension and the screens and super-premium materials."
The Yang Wang U7 is a powerful electric car that has a lot of horsepower, which means it can go really fast. It's designed with high-quality materials and advanced technology.
The Yang Wang U7 is an electric vehicle known for its impressive performance, boasting 1,300 horsepower. It features advanced technology and materials aimed at providing a premium driving experience.
horsepower
"U7 is a 1,300-horsepower monster with electromagnetic suspension and the screens and super-premium materials."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. The more horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power of an engine. In automotive terms, it reflects how much work the engine can do over time, influencing the vehicle's speed and acceleration.
electromagnetic suspension
"U7 is a 1,300-horsepower monster with electromagnetic suspension and the screens and super-premium materials."
Electromagnetic suspension is a technology that helps make a car's ride smoother by adjusting how the car's suspension works based on the road. It can make driving more comfortable and stable.
Electromagnetic suspension uses electromagnetic forces to control the suspension system of a vehicle, allowing for improved ride quality and handling by adjusting the suspension in real-time based on road conditions.
Nissan Leaf
"...We've got the Leaf coming out of Nissan this year, obviously,..."
The Nissan Leaf is a popular electric car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline, making it more environmentally friendly.
The Nissan Leaf is a compact electric car that has been one of the best-selling electric vehicles worldwide, known for its practicality and efficiency.
EVs
"...some very interesting, all the Japanese brands, some very interesting EVs in collaboration in Guangzhou."
EVs stands for electric vehicles, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely by electricity instead of traditional fossil fuels. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
Mazda
"...Mazda had some interesting vehicles in Guangzhou"
Mazda is another car company from Japan that makes a variety of vehicles, including sporty cars.
Mazda is a Japanese automaker known for its innovative designs and technology, particularly in sports cars and compact vehicles.
electric vehicles
"Nearly half of them were electric. Their pickup truck is going bang, you know, gangbusters at the moment, the shark."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and are becoming more common.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional gasoline or diesel. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and advancements in battery technology.
Shark
"Their pickup truck is going bang, you know, gangbusters at the moment, the shark."
The Shark is a pickup truck made by BYD. It's becoming very popular and is part of their electric vehicle lineup.
The BYD Shark is a pickup truck model from BYD that has gained popularity in the market. It reflects the company's push into the electric vehicle segment with versatile offerings.
Alpina B10
"..., a car will get launched in China like Leap Mode B10 was launched in March from memory. And they were ..."
The Alpina B10 is a special version of a BMW car that goes faster and has more luxury features. It's made by a company that takes regular BMWs and makes them even better, so it's a really nice car for those who want something extra special.
The Alpina B10 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series, known for its luxury and enhanced power. Alpina is a manufacturer that specializes in tuning BMWs, and the B10 is celebrated for its unique blend of performance and refinement.
OTA updates
"...is we're also starting to see real OTA updates that actually are game changers for the vehicle performance. You saw with BYD's DMI system,..."
OTA updates mean that car companies can send software updates directly to your car over the internet. This can make your car run better or add new features without you having to go anywhere.
OTA updates, or over-the-air updates, refer to the ability to update a vehicle's software remotely without needing to visit a dealership. This technology allows manufacturers to improve vehicle performance, fix bugs, and even enhance features after the car has been sold.
fuel efficiency
"...a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency from an over-the-air update."
Fuel efficiency is how far a car can go on a certain amount of gas. If a car is fuel efficient, it means it uses less gas to drive the same distance as other cars.
Fuel efficiency refers to how effectively a vehicle uses fuel to travel a certain distance. Higher fuel efficiency means a vehicle can travel further on less fuel, which is beneficial for both cost savings and environmental impact.
range extension
"...You're seeing range extensions of 10% approximately from an over-the-air update based on AI data."
Range extension means that an electric car can go further on a single charge. This is important because it helps drivers travel longer distances without needing to recharge as often.
Range extension in electric vehicles refers to the increase in the distance a vehicle can travel on a single charge. This can be achieved through software updates, improved battery technology, or more efficient energy management systems.
level four
"...to have level four on parking, which essentially means they take on responsibility for any accidents that happen during parking..."
Level four means the car can drive itself without any help from a person in certain situations, like parking. It's a high level of self-driving capability.
Level four refers to a specific level of automation in self-driving vehicles, where the car can handle all driving tasks in certain conditions without human intervention. This includes parking and other scenarios where the vehicle can operate independently.
P7 Plus
"...we test drove the P7 Plus with XMGP in Guangzhou two months ago. And before that, I'd only experienced FSD in Australia."
The Xpeng P7 Plus is a modern electric car made by a Chinese company called Xpeng. It's known for its high-tech features and is similar to Tesla cars.
The Xpeng P7 Plus is an electric sedan produced by the Chinese automaker Xpeng Motors. It features advanced technology and is designed to compete with other electric vehicles in the market, including those from Tesla.
FSD
"...I was obviously very impressed with Tesla FSD, and I wondered how far ahead Tesla was in that game."
FSD means Full Self-Driving, which is a technology from Tesla that allows their cars to drive themselves with little to no help from a driver. It's designed to make driving easier and safer.
FSD stands for Full Self-Driving, a feature developed by Tesla that aims to enable autonomous driving capabilities in their vehicles. It includes advanced driver-assistance systems that can handle various driving tasks without human intervention.
Zeekr 7GT
"...but this is your article in The Driven and it's great to see the 7 GT that we were drooling over at the recent auto shows in Sydney and Melbourne last year in 2025..."
The Porsche 7 GT is a new sports car from Porsche that people are really excited about. It was recently shown at car shows in Australia, which shows that it's an important new release.
The Porsche 7 GT is a new model from Porsche that has generated excitement among automotive enthusiasts. It was showcased at auto shows in Sydney and Melbourne, indicating its significance in the market.
LFP battery
"...There's 7GT with the golden LFP battery, obviously you can charge very quickly. We've seen a few tests in Australia for the 7X."
LFP batteries are a type of battery used in electric cars. They are safe and last a long time, making them good for quick charging.
LFP stands for Lithium Iron Phosphate, a type of lithium-ion battery known for its safety, longevity, and thermal stability. It's commonly used in electric vehicles due to its ability to handle fast charging and provide a stable energy output.
400 kilowatt charger
"...That can definitely charge almost 400 kilowatts. We don't have anything faster than a 400 kilowatt charger,..."
A 400 kilowatt charger is a very powerful charging station for electric cars, allowing them to charge much faster than regular chargers.
A 400 kilowatt charger refers to a high-power charging station capable of delivering up to 400 kilowatts of electrical power to an electric vehicle. This allows for significantly faster charging times compared to standard chargers.
Dodge Charger
"...We don't have anything faster than a 400 kilowatt charger, but yeah, this is a phenomenal vehicle."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It's popular because it has a lot of power and is fun to drive, making it a favorite for people who like exciting cars.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful engine options and muscular styling. It has a strong performance heritage, often associated with American muscle cars, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts and families alike.
Bmw I5
"...ic wagons that are not over $200,000, such as the BMW i5 Touring. And the other one is the Taycan Cross Tu..."
The BMW i5 is a new electric car from BMW that looks like their regular 5 Series but runs on electricity instead of gas. It's designed to be comfortable and has lots of cool features, making it a great option for people who want a nice car that's also good for the environment.
The BMW i5 is an electric version of the popular 5 Series sedan, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and sustainability. It showcases BMW's innovative approach to electric vehicles while providing a comfortable and high-tech driving experience.
Porsche Taycan
"...h as the BMW i5 Touring. And the other one is the Taycan Cross Turismo. So if this would come in under $10..."
The Porsche Taycan is a fancy electric car that can go really fast and has a lot of high-tech features. It's made by Porsche, a brand known for making fast and stylish cars, and it's a big step into the future of driving.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric luxury sports sedan that combines high performance with cutting-edge technology. It represents Porsche's commitment to electric mobility while maintaining the brand's signature driving dynamics.
Zeekr 8X
"...Zika sent me some info this week about the 8X. Look, we don't often plug in hybrids, but this caught my attention too."
The Zika 8X is a type of car that can use both gasoline and electricity to run. This means it can save fuel and be better for the environment compared to regular cars that only use gasoline.
The Zika 8X is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that has garnered attention for its innovative features and performance. Plug-in hybrids combine a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor, allowing for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
kilowatt hour
"For a plug-in hybrid, 70 kilowatt hour battery. That is bigger than some of the smaller mid-size SUVs on the market..."
A kilowatt hour is a way to measure how much energy a battery can store. It helps you understand how far an electric car can go before needing to be recharged.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that measures how much electricity is used over time. In the context of electric vehicles, it indicates the capacity of the battery, which affects the vehicle's range and efficiency.
Tesla Model Y
"...including the Geely, even the Tesla Rural Drive Model Y. I don't think it's 70 kilowatt hours."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV made by Tesla. It's known for being efficient and having a lot of modern technology, making it a popular choice for families.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that offers impressive range, performance, and advanced technology features. It is built on the same platform as the Model 3 sedan, providing a spacious interior and cargo capacity.
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