Summary
- Afeela 1, the first electric vehicle from joint venture between Honda and Sony, set to arrive in 2026
- Base model priced at $89,900, Signature model at $102,900, available for reservations with $200 deposit
- Features include Level 3 automation, plant-based/recycled interior materials, Sony’s 3D sound system
- Dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain with 241-hp motor per axle, aiming for 300 miles of EPA range
- Production of Afeela 1 to take place in Ohio, alongside Honda’s 0 Series models for 2026 and premium Acura brand EVs
Article
The Afeela 1, an electric vehicle from a joint venture between Honda and Sony, is set to be released in 2026. The base Afeela 1 EV will be priced at $89,900, while the Signature trim will cost $102,900. Reservations are now being accepted with a $200 refundable deposit required, however, the vehicle will only be available initially in California. Software-enabled features such as driver assistance and voice recognition are subscription-based and complimentary for the first three years of ownership.
At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Sony and Honda confirmed the pricing for the Afeela 1, revealing that the base Origin model will cost $89,900 and the Signature grade will be priced at $102,900. The Signature model, which comes with additional features such as 21-inch wheels and a rear-seat entertainment system, is expected to start deliveries in 2026, a year earlier than the Origin model which won’t be available until 2027. The vehicle will feature Level 3 automation capabilities and will ship with driver-monitoring systems.
The Afeela 1 shown at CES 2025 closely resembles the prototype shown in 2024, featuring an array of sensors to enable Level 3 automation. The hatchback measures 193.5 inches in length and features a spacious interior with door-to-door screens and a yoke-style steering wheel. The car boasts an audio system with Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Technologies for an immersive experience, along with a variety of screens for entertainment purposes. The interior is made of plant-based or recycled materials, reflecting the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
The standard dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain in the Afeela 1 includes one 241-hp motor per axle, with a 91-kWh battery pack aimed to deliver 300 miles of EPA range. The vehicle will offer NACS charging and can charge at a rate of 150 kW using DC fast-charging. Sony’s interest in electric vehicles dates back to the Vision S concept introduced at CES 2020, with the Afeela brand announced in 2023 following a partnership with Honda in 2022. Production of the Afeela 1 will take place in Ohio, where Honda is expanding plants to accommodate EV production.
The Afeela 1 is designed to offer a luxurious and technologically advanced driving experience, with features such as Level 3 automation, immersive audio systems, and an emphasis on sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials. The vehicle represents an important milestone in Sony and Honda’s collaboration in the EV market, with plans to expand production in the future to include other electric models. The Afeela 1’s pricing and features reflect a commitment to innovation and high-quality performance in the electric vehicle industry.
Read the full article here