[imagesource: General Motors]

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is a bit of a mixed bag, bringing together incredible tech in diverse fields that cover everything from headless comfort kittens to robot butlers.

It also offers a peek into the future, which is especially evident in the automotive inventions on display.

This year’s show was held virtually, but that didn’t stop innovators from showing off some of the most advanced technology in the field right now.

Here are five, via Forbes, that really caught our attention.

General Motors – Second-Gen Ultium Batteries

General Motors is set to begin their “transformation into an all-electric future”, says CEO Mary Barra.

Its second-generation Ultium batteries are the product of a partnership between GM and LG Chem.

The 2022 GMC HUMMER EV Edition 1 will be the first vehicle in production with GM’s all-new Ultium battery architecture (a preview of the concept can be seen above).

PAL-V – Flying Car

The Dutch company PAL-V describes its two-seat Liberty as “the world’s first commercial flying car”. It looks a bit like a helicopter but is actually a propellor-driven “gyroplane” with non-powered rotating blades that spin with the air and fold up when not in use.

Think Inspector Gadget.

While it hasn’t been perfected yet, it’s a promising look into the future of transport.

General Motors – e-VTOL

While we’re on the topic of the future, the Liberty might have some serious competition in both the looks and function department with GM’s e-VTOL.

It’s assumed that the flying vehicle will be a two-seater, which will be autonomously guided to its destination.

Sono Motors – The Solar Car (Sort Of)

Electric cars are great, but one of the problems standing in the way of a global rollout is access to charging stations.

Good luck finding one in Cape Town.

Sweden’s Sono Motors has decided to take the EV revolution a step further with the polymer-bodied Sion, fitted with solar panels integrated into the body panels that can extend the battery range by about 20 miles on a sunny day, giving you more time to find somewhere to plug in and recharge.

Panasonic – HUD Display

If you’ve ever driven phone in hand, open on Google Maps, trying to navigate the streets, you’ll understand the rationale behind Panasonic’s HUD Display.

It’s a colourful augmented-reality heads-up display that puts useful markers like turn-by-turn directions and hazard warnings on top of the world you’re seeing through the windshield.

No glancing away from the road or panicking when you drop your phone. It’s all mapped out ahead of you.

There are more awesome innovations for you to check out here.

It’s crazy how far we’ve come from Carl Benz’s 1886 “vehicle powered by a gas engine”.

[source:forbes]