Automotive
Nissan shows off Ariya concept, zero-emission ice cream van at CES
There’s even a self-sinking golf ball!
Apart from other car brands strutting their newest offerings, Nissan is also in full swing over at the ongoing CES 2020 in Las Vegas. Their booth showcases things that first and foremost promote sustainability with technologies that are soon within reach.
To further show what these features can do, the company has taken their technologies and developed new, creative uses for them. These are then available to experience at Nissan’s booth. Check them out:
Nissan Ariya concept: The crossover vehicle is making its North American debut and brings together advanced technologies on an all-new EV platform. It carries the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite that we’re pretty familiar with along with an expansive lineup of innovative features.
Technology experts will give demonstrations of Ariya Concept features such as the ProPILOT 2.0 advanced driver assistance system, twin-motor all-
wheel-control system, acoustic meta-material, and Smart Route Planner.
Nissan’s zero-emission ice cream van: Chill out with ice cream served from a concept van that combines an all-electric drivetrain, second-life battery storage, and renewable solar energy generation. Based on the 100% electric e-NV200 light commercial vehicle, the ice cream van’s motor is driven by a 40-kilowatt-hour battery. A portable power pack, which uses lithium-ion cells recovered from early first-generation Nissan electric vehicles, powers the on-board equipment.
The ProPILOT golf ball: Inspired by the ProPILOT 2.0 advanced driver assistance system, Nissan has created a golf ball that always manages to find the hole. At the booth’s putting green, an overhead camera will detect the position of the golf ball and hole. Sensing technology and an internal electric motor will ensure the putt stays on course until reaching the cup – just as Nissan cars equipped with ProPILOT 2.0 can maneuver along a predefined highway route.
Power Selfie: CES visitors won’t be able to drive the Formula E race car on display at Nissan’s booth, but they can recreate the exhilarating experience. With the help of high-powered fans and special effects, the Power Selfie booth records a short video to mimic the acceleration of the 100% electric race car from 0 to 100 kph in a mere 2.8 seconds. Guests will be able to create a GIF that looks as if they’re racing down the track.
Formula E race car: Nissan, the first Japanese carmaker to join the all-electric Formula E street racing championship, will show its new, Japan-inspired livery for the new season.
The Nissan LEAF e+: Nissan LEAF e+ electric vehicle features a powerful motor, long-range, advanced technologies including the ProPILOT driver assistance system (called ProPILOT Assist in the U.S. marketplace), and the innovative e-Pedal mode for one-pedal driving.
Automotive
VinFast extends free unlimited charging in 3 markets amid rising fuel prices
Customers in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines to enjoy 3 years of free unlimited charging
VinFast has announced the extension of its free unlimited charging program in three key Asian markets: India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Customers purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) in these countries (or currently own a VinFast EV) can enjoy the zero-fuel-cost advantage for three years, or until March 31, 2029.
This is amid the rising fuel costs in these countries, primarily due to the U.S./Israel-Iran war. Under the new policy, customers can charge for free at authorized V-Green charging stations.
By removing one of the largest operating costs of driving, VinFast aims to help motorists experience the economic advantages of electric vehicles (EVs) while supporting the countries’ transitions toward more sustainable mobility.
The program will be extended broadly to all customers, including both existing owners and future buyers. It will cover both private customers as well as those using their vehicles for transportation services, like the Green GSM EV taxi service network.
Alongside the free charging policy, the charging network developed and operated by V-Green is continuously expanding across the markets where VinFast operates.
This expansion helps create favorable conditions for consumers to confidently transition to greener and more sustainable transportation.
In addition to the free charging incentive, VinFast is already implementing multiple policies to promote the green transition in key Asian markets.
These include a battery subscription program that lowers upfront investment cost, a resale value guarantee policy, flexible payment options, and market-leading warranty coverage.
BYD is lighting up the electric vehicle segment. For a while now, the Chinese automotive brand has been offering affordable alternatives to the so-called giants of the market, in turn becoming a giant itself. The company has since entered other segments, including the luxury market, through its sub-brands Denza and Yangwang. Now, it’s reportedly considering an all-new venture: the world of Formula One.
The new Formula One season saw the debuts of Audi and Cadillac to the racing grid, proving that the sport isn’t averse to expanding beyond the usual ten teams. Naturally, entering the sport is not an easy process, but for the right brand, it could be a very lucrative opportunity.
According to a source from Bloomberg, BYD is currently evaluating an entry into Formula 1. Right now, the Chinese company has not made a decision, but it is an idea floating around.
Besides the rigorous entry process, owning an independent racing team can cost BYD hundreds of millions of dollars per year. It’s not a cheap sport.
That said, there are other ways for the brand to enter the grid. One of the more cost-effective options is to become a title sponsor of an existing team by providing funding and technical expertise without the stress of managing a team directly.
Alternatively, the brand can also skip the red tape by buying an existing team. Audi, for example, entered the current grid by buying the team from Sauber. Of the current grid, Alpine is reportedly considering putting the team up for sale, making it a potential target for newcomers.
Outside of F1, BYD might also have an easier time entering other competitions including the FIA World Endurance Championship.
SEE ALSO: This BYD car is now the world’s fastest car in the market
Automotive
Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo makes global debut at MWC 2026
Tech giant becomes first technology brand in Vision GT program
Xiaomi has unveiled the full-scale concept model of the Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo or Xiaomi Vision GT at MWC 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. This marks the company’s official entry into the elite Vision Gran Turismo project.
Created for the legendary Gran Turismo franchise, the electric hypercar concept represents the first time a technology company has been invited to participate in the Vision GT program. Xiaomi now joins a select group of global automakers, becoming the 36th brand to take part and the creator of the 51st Vision Gran Turismo concept overall.
The project began at the GT World Series in London, where series producer Kazunori Yamauchi personally invited Xiaomi to design its own Vision GT car. For Xiaomi’s global EV design team, the opportunity meant rethinking hypercar development from a technology-first perspective, blending advanced aerodynamics with AI-driven intelligence.
Sculpted by the wind
At the core of Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo is aerodynamic balance. Instead of chasing extreme low drag or maximum downforce alone, Xiaomi pursued efficiency between the two.
The concept follows a “Sculpted by the Wind” philosophy. Its teardrop cockpit silhouette, integrated air ducts, and airfoil-shaped structural elements guide airflow seamlessly from front to rear. The body avoids excessive add-ons, relying instead on built-in aerodynamic solutions.
Signature design elements serve dual purposes. Cross-shaped headlights integrate into the airflow system, while the halo-shaped taillight sits within a massive rear air outlet. An Active Wake Control System surrounds the rear with micro-perforations that manage turbulent air using real-time speed and angle data.
The Accretion Rims feature vortex-style wheel covers that remain visually stationary while the car is in motion, reducing drag from rotating surfaces. Internal turbine fins help cool the brakes during operation.
Through iterative simulation testing, Xiaomi says the concept achieves a drag coefficient of 0.29, downforce of negative 1.2, and an aerodynamic efficiency rating of 4.1 — figures that highlight balance rather than extremes.
A “sofa racer” interior
Inside, Xiaomi departs from the rigid, track-focused cabins typical of hypercars. The “Sofa Racer” concept emphasizes comfort without sacrificing control.
A ring-shaped cockpit architecture wraps around the driver, blending dashboard, doors, and seats into one continuous structure. Breathable 3D-knitted fabric materials aim to provide both support and warmth.
At the center is Xiaomi Pulse, an intelligent assistant integrated into the dashboard. Working alongside Xiaomi HyperVision and the company’s HyperOS platform, the system adapts displays and interactions based on driving mode and environmental data. Physical controls remain tactile and precise, including an infinite-shaped steer-by-wire wheel.
The concept also integrates into Xiaomi’s broader “Human × Car × Home” ecosystem. Powered by XiaoAi AI Assistant and the Xiaomi MiMo foundational model, the car connects with personal devices and smart home products, positioning itself as part of a unified digital lifestyle.
Xiaomi has also envisioned a companion driving simulator designed as furniture for the home, extending the Vision Gran Turismo experience beyond the vehicle itself.
Yamauchi praised the project, noting how the design successfully resolves the tension between low drag and high downforce. Further details about the car’s arrival in Gran Turismo 7 will be announced at a later date.
With its Vision Gran Turismo debut, Xiaomi signals a broader ambition: redefining the electric hypercar through AI integration, ecosystem connectivity, and aerodynamic precision.
-
Reviews5 days agoPOCO X8 Pro Max review: A new beast from the far east
-
News5 days agoPOCO X8 Pro Series: Price, availability in the Philippines
-
Laptops2 weeks agoApple MacBook Neo Review
-
Computers2 weeks agoGIGABYTE collaborates with Capcom for RE Requiem custom PC
-
Apps1 week agoGoogle Maps is finally getting a 3D mode
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoThe internet is thirsting over the One Piece Season 2 cast
-
Features1 week agoGalaxy AI on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
-
Automotive2 weeks agoBYD is reportedly considering an F1 team









