Sony Honda Mobility Launches Afeela 1 EV Pre-Sales in US

Sony and Honda have launched pre-sales for their electric vehicle (EV), the Afeela 1, in the United States, with deliveries scheduled to begin in mid-2026. This initiative marks a significant step in the collaboration between the two companies, which formed a joint venture, Sony Honda Mobility, in 2022. The Afeela 1 is designed to offer an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles, making it a competitive option in the growing EV market. The vehicle will be manufactured at Honda's Ohio plant, with initial deliveries focused on the California market before expanding to other regions in the United States and Japan by the end of 2026.

The Afeela 1 is equipped with advanced features, including a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This AI integration is expected to significantly enhance the driving experience and user interaction. The vehicle will also support Tesla's Supercharger network, providing convenient charging options for users. The starting price for the Afeela 1 in the U.S. market is set at $89,900, although this price does not include potential tariffs.

One of the standout features of the Afeela 1 is its comprehensive entertainment system, which includes Sony's audio system and noise-cancellation technology. The vehicle will be compatible with popular content platforms such as Amazon Music, Spotify, Zoom, and Epic Games. The project's leader, Izumi Kawanishi, emphasized the importance of AI in achieving autonomous driving capabilities and highlighted the development of in-car entertainment systems for autonomous driving modes. Additionally, Sony Honda Mobility has partnered with Microsoft to develop a cloud-based conversational AI assistant for the vehicle.

The collaboration between Sony and Honda brings together Honda's expertise in automotive manufacturing, safety technology, environmental science, and after-sales service with Sony's strengths in imaging sensors, communication networks, entertainment content, and AI. This partnership aims to create a new era focused on pure electric vehicles and mobility services, leveraging the combined strengths of both companies to innovate and capture market share in the rapidly evolving EV sector.