Welcome to a very special “mobile studio” edition of the channel. Today, Abby and I are at the Las Vegas Convention Center for CES 2026. This is my first time attending the Consumer Electronics Show, and it is a massive, sensory-overload experience that makes SEMA look small by comparison.
As a tech nerd and EV enthusiast, I’m in my element here. We’re going to be walking the West, South, Central, and North Halls to see what’s coming in the world of electric vehicles, robotics, and the hardware I use to build the SherwinM channel. Let’s dive in!
EV Innovation: Beyond the “Big Two”
While my driveway is currently a mix of Tesla and Rivian, CES is the place to see what the rest of the world is doing.
1. Zeekr M-9: The Luxury Powerhouse
One of the most impressive vehicles I saw was the Zeekr M-9, a three-row SUV currently available in China. It features a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) platform with a 72 kWh battery, offering 380 km (approx. 235 miles) of pure electric range before the gas engine kicks in.
- Luxury Specs: The second row features massage controls built into the doors, power-folding seats, and a 220V outlet capable of exporting 2200 watts.
- The Model X Competitor: It features automatic power doors with sensors similar to the Model X, and a massive fold-down screen from the roof.
2. Afeela (Sony x Honda)
The collaboration between Honda and Sony, Afeela, had a major presence. It features a yoke steering wheel and screens stretching across the entire dashboard. While the tech is cool, I’m a bit skeptical of the Honda-based platform until we see more real-world performance data.
3. Robotic Charging: Auto-Voltek
I found the “holy grail” for my garage: Auto-Voltek, a robotic arm that automatically plugs into your EV. It supports both NACS (Tesla) and CCS standards. It uses lasers and sensors to find the port and move around on wheels—no more forgetting to plug in at night!
Robotics and AI: The Minimum Wage Killers?
The Robo-Sense booth was a bit eye-opening. Seeing advanced humanoid robots and robotic arms performing complex tasks is a stark reminder of where the service industry is headed. I even saw a robot playing high-speed ping-pong against a human—and it was winning!
Smart Home & Power Solutions
I’m always looking for ways to improve the “Shed Studios” and my home power setup.
- EcoFlow: They are showcasing massive home battery backups and smart panels that are a viable alternative to the Tesla Powerwall, especially if you want more flexibility in your installation.
- Dream Glass: I saw some incredible electrochromic glass (similar to the Gen 2 Rivian roof) that can change opacity with a switch. This tech is finally trickling down into more accessible products.
The “Vegas Loop” Experience
Abby and I took a ride in the Vegas Loop (The Boring Company’s tunnels). It’s a game-changer for getting between halls. No traffic, quick transit, and interestingly, the attendants at the stations now insist on opening and closing the Tesla doors for you—true “Model X service” for every passenger!
Final Thoughts on CES 2026
My first CES was a whirlwind. It’s a lot to process, and I didn’t even see half of it! I’m seriously considering starting a second, dedicated tech channel to cover all the non-EV “toys” and hardware I saw here. Let me know in the comments if that’s something you’d watch.
Thank you to everyone who subscribes and supports the channel—your views are what allow me to attend these incredible industry events.
