CES 2026 will focus on software and AI advancements in vehicles, with major automakers showcasing updates on software-defined cars, AI-driven features, and the Sony-Honda EV, amid a more cautious industry shift towards realistic EV development and less spectacle.
Intel announced its AI-focused chip for the automotive sector, aiming to bring AI-enhanced software-defined vehicle systems to cars, with the first chips set to roll out in Zeekr vehicles later this year. The company also revealed plans to standardize battery power for electric vehicles and improve energy management, as well as its vision for a future of software-defined vehicles with enhanced in-car experiences. Intel's efforts are part of a larger race with competitors like Nvidia and AMD to dominate the AI and automotive markets.
Hyundai announces that hydrogen will play a prominent role in its efforts to go carbon neutral by 2050, with plans to use hydrogen in passenger cars, trucks, buses, trams, and more. The company aims to offtake 3 million tons of hydrogen per year by 2035 and is also focusing on software-defined vehicles, including AI integration and a "Software-Defined Everything" strategy.