Sony Honda Mobility has reached an important milestone at CES 2025 by starting pre-orders for its first electric vehicle, known as the Afeela 1. This electric car is the initial product resulting from the collaboration between tech giant Sony and car manufacturer Honda, who recently revealed their plans to merge with Nissan.
Afeela 1 Trim Levels and Pricing
Currently, the Afeela 1 will be available in two trim levels in the US:
Both versions come with a three-year subscription for several features, including a Level 2 driver assistance system and various AI-driven functionalities. Pre-orders have begun for customers in California. To secure their order, EV buyers are required to pay a $200 refundable deposit, with deliveries for the Signature model anticipated to commence in mid-2026. Meanwhile, the more affordable Afeela 1 Origin variant is expected to see deliveries delayed until 2027.
Performance and Design Features
The Afeela 1 boasts a range of up to 300 miles based on EPA standards and is compatible with Tesla’s widespread Supercharger network in the US. Its design aims to convey a sense of both elegance and sportiness, resembling vehicles like the Lucid Air and the Tesla Model S. The electric car comes with 40 sensors and cameras dedicated to the driver assistance system. Each of the two electric motors delivers 180 kW, while the battery has a capacity of 91 kWh and supports charging at a rate of 150 kW.
Interior Experience and Market Challenges
The interior of the Afeela 1 Signature features a massive screen that spans the entire dashboard. Sony and Honda Mobility are focused on enhancing the driving experience through various AR integrations and an emphasis on entertainment, which could attract tech-savvy EV enthusiasts.
With the Afeela 1, Sony and Honda are attempting to carve out a niche in a competitive market of high-end electric vehicles. Nonetheless, the launch occurs in a rapidly evolving EV landscape that is facing issues like dwindling demand and the reduction of tax incentives in the US and other places.
Long-term Competition
In the long run, the Sony Honda Afeela 1 will need to compete against formidable electric vehicle contenders from China, who can offer significantly lower prices than this new electric sedan. California is often viewed as a key EV market where Chinese electric cars are mostly absent, but it remains uncertain how well the Afeela 1 will perform against established players like Tesla and other traditional automakers.
Source: Link