Honda has initiated mass manufacturing of the Afeela 1 electric vehicle, a partnership with Sony.
Sony's Afeela 1: A Tech-Forward Luxury EV Hits the Pre-Production Stage
Sony's much-anticipated electric vehicle (EV), the Afeela 1, is now in the pre-production stage, marking a significant step towards its 2025 launch. This collaborative project between Sony and Honda promises to be a game-changer in the EV market, offering a tech-forward luxury experience with a strong focus on entertainment, advanced sensors, and autonomy.
The Afeela 1 is being produced at Honda's East Liberty plant in Ohio, US. This partnership between Sony and Honda represents a different approach for Sony compared to other EV startups, as the company ventures into the automotive industry.
Under the hood, the Afeela 1 boasts a powerful dual-motor setup, each producing 240 horsepower. This results in a total output of approximately 480 horsepower. The vehicle is equipped with a 91 kWh battery pack, aiming for an EPA-estimated range of around 300 miles. Fast charging is also a key feature, with a maximum charge rate of 150 kW, making it compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network.
One of the standout features of the Afeela 1 is its focus on entertainment and connectivity. The digital cockpit offers augmented reality (AR) and spatial audio, while in-car entertainment includes large digital displays. The front passengers are greeted by a dashboard screen that spans the entire width, and each rear passenger gets a 12.9-inch LED screen. Additionally, the Afeela 1 features digital wing-mirror displays.
The Afeela 1 is equipped with an impressive sensor suite, including 40 sensors such as lidar, radar, ultrasonic, and regular cameras. This advanced technology supports Level 2+ autonomous driving assistance, powered by a high-performance onboard ECU delivering 800 TOPS of AI processing.
Regarding pricing and launch details, pre-orders for the Afeela 1 are now open, with a $200 refundable deposit. The production is starting in East Liberty, Ohio. While specific pricing information has not been released, the Afeela 1 is positioned as a luxury or near-luxury electric saloon, suggesting a premium pricing tier to compete with established EV players. The roll-out strategy is phased and strategic, beginning regionally before wider availability.
The first pre-production Afeela cars are expected to be seen on the streets later this year, with the first deliveries scheduled for mid-2026, initially focusing on California. A Japanese launch is expected next year.
In summary, the Sony Afeela 1 is a high-tech, entertainment-rich, luxury electric vehicle co-developed with Honda, now in pre-production for a 2025 launch focusing on California. With its powerful dual motors, advanced sensor suite for autonomous support, and a strong emphasis on connectivity and immersive media experiences, the Afeela 1 is set to make a significant impact in the EV market.
- Sony's Afeela 1, a tech-forward luxury electric vehicle, is being produced at Honda's East Liberty plant, signifying Sony's entrance into the automotive industry.
- The Afeela 1, a collaboration between Sony and Honda, is aiming to disrupt the EV market with features such as advanced sensors, autonomy, and entertainment.
- The Afeela 1 is expected to offer a premium pricing tier, positioning itself as a luxury or near-luxury electric saloon, competing with established EV players.
- The Afeela 1 showcases Sony's foray into the transportation sector, merging technology, cars, and lifestyle, especially with its focus on electric-vehicles.
