There will be some interesting, high-tech automotive debuts at the 2017 CES. The Consumer Electronics Show (2017 CES) is featuring more debuts and concept vehicles than ever before. We have compiled a list of notable debuts below and we’ll follow up this preview with additional information as it becomes available.
The (FCA) Chrysler Portal Concept:
The Chrysler Portal Concept is an electric, semi-autonomous vehicle that has a 100 kWh lithium ion battery pack.  It has a 350-kW fast charger that is able to charge the battery pack enough in 20 minutes to get up to a 150 mile range.
Fully charged, the Chrysler Portal Concept is said to have a 250 mile range. The power is fed through one electric motor to the front wheels.
Having a 118.2-inch wheelbase, the Chrysler Portal Concept is more of a minivan than a car. It has large sliding doors that slide away from each other and a track in the floor allowing the seats to slide, fold and be removed altogether. The interior has a multifunctional, smart electronic layout imagined by Panasonic with 10 docking stations for various devices.
The Chrysler Portal Concept is a SAE Level Three autonomous vehicle that can be driven by a passenger or it can drive itself.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid autonomous development vehicle:
Autonomous cars are a reoccurring theme at the 2017 CES and Ford was one of the pioneering automakers to jump into autonomy with both feet. The Ford Fusion Hybrid autonomous development vehicle will be on display hosting a number of advances since last year’s model. According to Ford, it is a smarter, more advanced vehicle than the one it replaces.
The Volkswagen I.D. Concept:
The Volkswagen I.D. Electric Vehicle Concept will have its North American debut at the 2017 CES. This is a glimpse at what Volkswagen has in mind for the near future as they begin the process of building an electric stable of vehicles. The Volkswagen I.D. Concept will have an autonomous feature, a 168 horsepower electric motor and up to 373 miles range on a single charge.
One of the unique features of the Volkswagen I.D. Concept is its ability to “look” at things. The LED lights are backed by small cameras that can identify the driver, bikes, pedestrians and other vehicles. This enhances its autonomous abilities and it looks pretty cool when the headlights focus on and follow the driver as they approach.
The Volkswagen I.D. Concept is supposed to evolve into a production version by 2020.
The Eli ZERO:
There is very little information currently available about the Eli ZERO. While it shares the looks and proportions of other electric vehicles from Peugeot and Smart, it is being built by a startup company specifically to combat inner-city traffic.
According to the automaker, “We believe Eli introduces an advanced, yet simple product that will fundamentally shift how we engage with urban fabrics. Smaller, simpler and friendlier, Eli ZERO is the ultimate two seater mobility device for agile daily movement. Eli ZERO reimagines the NEV and addresses the dynamic transportation demands of modern cities and towns by offering a versatile driving solution for both urban and suburban neighborhoods.”
In addition to these debuts, technology from automakers like Hyundai, GM, BMW and others will be on display.
The 2017 CES runs from Thursday January 5th to Sunday January 8th, 2017.
