The anticipated Afeela electric vehicle, a joint endeavor between Sony and Honda, is officially available for preorder after five years of development. During the CES 2025 press conference, Sony Honda Mobility revealed pricing and preorder specifics for the Afeela 1. The vehicle will come in two versions: the Afeela 1 Origin priced at $89,900 and the more deluxe Afeela 1 Signature at $102,900, both of which include a complimentary, three-year subscription to an array of in-car features, such as Level 2+ driver assistance and an AI-powered personal assistant.
Preorder availability is currently limited to California residents, who can place a refundable $200 deposit to secure their spot in line. Details on whether the Afeela will expand availability to the rest of the United States remain unclear. The vehicle is designed with a focus on impressive specifications, including an EPA-estimated range of up to 300 miles and compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network, marking a notable feature for potential EV buyers.
In terms of aesthetic appeal, the Afeela features a sleek and modern design, appearing reminiscent of prominent electric vehicles like Tesla and Lucid Air, with short overhangs and an extended wheelbase. Available only in “Core Black,” the vehicle boasts a plethora of technological advancements. Among these are extensive interior screens that span the width of the dashboard, a configuration of 40 sensors and cameras for semi-autonomous driving, and all-wheel drive capabilities. Furthermore, the incorporation of augmented reality elements and immersive “virtual worlds” in the driving experience positions Afeela as a fierce contender in the competitive luxury EV market.
During the CES presentation, CEO Yasuhide Mizuno showcased one of the vehicle’s advanced features by summoning it on stage using the voice command “Come on out, Afeela.” While this feature highlighted the vehicle’s innovative capabilities, its inclusion in the final production version remains uncertain, described as more of a demonstration than a confirmed feature.
The automotive landscape has undergone substantial change since Sony introduced its Vision concept in 2020. The demand for electric vehicles in the U.S. saw peaks and troughs, stabilizing recently, and the Biden administration has rolled out various incentive programs for EV buyers, which might see adjustments in the upcoming political climate. Meanwhile, China has solidified its position as a leading EV producer, prompting Honda to explore strategic partnerships, such as a merger with Nissan, in a bid to enhance its competitiveness against Chinese manufacturers.
With its sophisticated design and advanced technological features, the Afeela is poised to become a tangible reality for consumers. The anticipation surrounding its launch reflects the growing excitement among EV enthusiasts and potential buyers, indicating a significant move within Sony and Honda’s strategic transition into the automotive sector.
As for what’s next, Sony Honda Mobility will provide further insights into the customer experience associated with owning an Afeela in an upcoming press conference. As the EV market evolves, the stakes are high for brands like Afeela to not only meet but exceed consumer expectations as they finalize their place in the rapidly changing landscape of electric vehicles.
Afeela signifies more than just an innovative vehicle; it embodies a collaborative vision aimed at redefining luxury in the electric automotive space while addressing the technological needs of a modern driver.