Summary
- Afeela, the electric vehicle joint venture between Sony and Honda, is set to launch in 2025 ahead of 2026 deliveries
- The car will be a software-driven electric sedan with entertainment content from Sony and advanced features
- Honda has aggressive plans to catch up in the electric vehicle market with technologies developed in-house and a production hub in Ohio
- The Afeela prototype will be updated and showcased at CES 2025, featuring advanced technology and AI-driven features
- Afeela aims to offer a large battery capacity, dual-motor all-wheel drive, and access to the Tesla Supercharger network, with a starting price around $50,000
Article
Afeela’s Launch Plans
The electric vehicle joint venture between Sony and Honda, known as Afeela, is set to launch in 2025 ahead of 2026 deliveries. It is a software-driven electric sedan built by Honda in Ohio and powered by a library of Sony video games, movies, and other entertainment content. The final specifications are still unknown, but more details are expected to be revealed at CES 2025 in January.
Honda’s Aggressive Plans
Honda is working on aggressive plans to catch up in the electric vehicle market, with a large production hub in Ohio and the development of new technologies in-house. The partnership with Sony to create the Afeela brand is part of this strategy. Afeela aims to incorporate advanced features such as hands-off automated driving assistance, similar to Chinese EVs that currently lead the industry.
Afeela’s Prototype Evolution
Sony Honda Mobility officials have confirmed that an updated version of the Afeela sedan prototype will be unveiled at CES 2025. The Afeela sedan prototype was previously showcased at CES in 2023, highlighting AI-driven technology. The updated version is expected to introduce new advancements in the sedan, providing a glimpse of the brand’s innovative approach to electric vehicles.
Afeela’s Unique Features
The proposed Afeela sedan is expected to be powered by a 91 kWh lithium-ion battery with dual-motor all-wheel drive, generating at least 400 horsepower. The vehicle will feature 150 kW DC fast charging capabilities, utilizing a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard plug and access to the Tesla Supercharger network. Inside, the Afeela will boast multiple screens, entertainment content from Sony, and a software ecosystem designed for creators.
Afeela’s Position in the Market
The Afeela brand is positioned as Japan’s response to cutting-edge EVs emerging from China, featuring a heavy emphasis on software, in-car entertainment, and advanced technology. While Japanese automakers have been slow to enter the EV market, collaborations like Afeela combine Sony’s software and entertainment expertise with Honda’s manufacturing knowledge. The brand aims to compete with Chinese manufacturers and cater to evolving consumer preferences in the electric vehicle sector.
Production and Market Potential
While Afeela plans to begin production late next year and launch sales in 2026, uncertainties remain regarding the brand’s success in the market. The decision to introduce a new and unproven brand could pose challenges, especially considering potential changes in government policies and consumer preferences. However, the joint venture between Sony and Honda signals a shift towards software-defined vehicles and innovative collaborations shaping the future of the automotive industry.
Read the full article here
