AFEELA 1 EV By Sony Revealed at CES 2025

Sony Honda Mobility is stepping into the electric vehicle game with the introduction of its AFEELA 1 electric car, unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show. This event marks a significant step for the highly anticipated vehicle, expected to launch sales in California by 2026.

Sony's electric vehicle journey began back in 2020 when it revealed the VISION-S project at its keynote during the same event. Initially, this announcement felt more like a concept than a reality. However, Sony's subsequent partnership with Honda brought the dream closer to life. By 2023, the vehicle received its official name, AFEELA, with a planned release set for 2026.

This year, Sony used its Consumer Electronics Show presentation to offer a fresh look at the AFEELA 1. Although the segment dedicated to the vehicle was shorter compared to prior years, it provided key updates, including pricing and availability details.

The AFEELA 1 will be available in two trims: the Origin and the Signature. Reservations are currently open for a refundable two hundred dollar deposit. The Origin trim starts at eighty-nine thousand nine hundred dollars, while the higher-end Signature trim is priced at one hundred two thousand nine hundred dollars.

The Signature trim offers several additional features compared to the Origin. Buyers opting for the more expensive model will enjoy a broader selection of colors, rear entertainment screens, a camera-based rearview mirror, and larger wheels. Another notable advantage of the Signature trim is its earlier delivery window, slated for mid-2026. In contrast, the Origin trim will only be available in 2027.

Sony has noted that feature availability may vary and has not yet released a full specification sheet. As the release date approaches, more details about the vehicle’s features and capabilities are expected to emerge.

Sony’s expertise in software and entertainment is one of the unique aspects of this electric vehicle. The company has emphasized its goal to seamlessly integrate advanced software solutions into the vehicle, enhancing both entertainment and driver assistance systems.

The AFEELA 1 will feature a “personal agent,” which functions as a digital assistant for passengers and drivers. This system is expected to support entertainment, navigation, and autonomous driving features, powered by forty-five sensors embedded in the car. A demonstration during the keynote showcased Sony Honda Mobility's Chief Executive Officer, Yasuhide Mizuno, commanding the car through his smartphone. The vehicle responded by autonomously driving onto the stage—a clear nod to the potential for future autonomous capabilities.

In a previous demonstration, Sony showcased the car’s ability to be controlled using a PlayStation 5 controller. While such features may not make it to the production model, they demonstrate Sony’s commitment to innovation and the possibilities of integrating cutting-edge technology into its vehicles.

Another intriguing aspect of the AFEELA 1 is its subscription-based model for certain features. Buyers will receive a complimentary three-year subscription to the personal agent and autonomous driving services. However, Sony has yet to disclose pricing for these services after the initial period. While subscription models are becoming more common in the automotive industry, they often receive criticism from consumers. Sony has acknowledged that these terms are “subject to change,” leaving the door open for adjustments based on feedback.

For now, reservations for the AFEELA 1 are limited to California residents. This state has the largest electric vehicle market in the United States and some of the strictest emissions regulations. While it is common for automakers to prioritize California to meet regulatory requirements, the decision is somewhat puzzling in this case. Sony does not produce internal combustion vehicles, and Honda has already expanded its electric vehicle offerings beyond California with the Honda Prologue.

It remains unclear why the AFEELA 1 launch is initially restricted to California. Sony Honda Mobility has not provided a timeline for availability in other states but may expand its reach depending on demand.

The AFEELA 1 represents a bold step forward for Sony Honda Mobility. With its sleek design, advanced technology, and focus on entertainment, the vehicle aims to carve out a unique space in the electric vehicle market. As more details emerge, the AFEELA 1 will undoubtedly continue to attract attention from both enthusiasts and casual buyers alike. For now, Californians have the exclusive opportunity to reserve this innovative electric vehicle.

#afeela1ev #sonyhondamobility #ces2025

[kenny]

89000??? Won't be able to sell any in any market

[alko_xo]

They could “reveal” this for the next 5/10/15 years.

[CThienV]

This car won't stand a chance at $102k

[winterheat]

$200 reservation fee is refundable... not like Tesla, told me the wrong info that they can ship the car from Sacramento to Bay Area, but then Sacramento called me saying that they will not, and then the deal didn't go through, and then Tesla insisted on charging me $250 "buy" fee, and when I told them wrong information was given to me, Tesla responded "DO YOU have any proof?" Yes, I have tremendous respect for Elon Musk

[patrykkruszewski]

It's actually a good thing to combine electromobility with entertainment, but there are few haptic buttons in the center console, which I personally think is a shame. The tablet, which serves as the instrument cluster, should have been better integrated into the dashboard, and the displays on the passenger seat are fine. Honda builds good cars and Sony builds good consumer electronics, let's see if it works out.

[DeltaOps]

That looks like a terrible product. Who the hell would buy this over Tesla or BYD?

[SeventhArt]

After Xiaomi and Huawei EVs, Sony joined the EV gravy train. Apple car did not make it but maybe Nokia EV is doable...

[TheRajmoney]

These CEO's sound so fake. trying so hard.

[kaibrunnenG]

Huawei and Xiaomi already yrs ahead of Sony for EV cars and they also look better than this.

[bobbyjones]

Nobody wants a cab, people want cars they can drive themselves. They don’t care if there’s a taxi service built-in…lol😂

[bobbyjones]

What a deal $89, 000 that’s a chump change! Heck, most families can buy that cash probably!😂

[Kumar-bgnr]

What a scam. $100K for basically a smartphone on wheels. Yeah, because I NEED to watch TikTok videos while I am driving. Cars are dying indeed.

[TheRajmoney]

bit too late,
Sony shouldn't get into a market thats not for them.
they tried laptop - fail
Phones - fail
cars?
just stick to sound and video. thats it.
make a cheaper TV, monitors, better affordable headhpones, do that.

[CASEYouTube]

Seriously? You don’t even talk about range and speed?

[MattSmith-kslc]

It's official. Car ownership is dead. The government really needs to improve public transportation.

[jimbrown]

They are years too late. Tesla exists and their cars cost half the cost. Tesla's self-driving tech is 8+ years ahead of anyone else. No one else has the data that Tesla has nor the a.i. neural networks. This will flop so hard. But they are releasing this car in California so there are bound to be people who will buy it based on them having way too much money that they know what to do with.

[piperbob]

Is in battery driven ? I really don't think batteries are the way ahead - what's going to happen to all the world's millions of massive car batteries when they can no longer hold their charge ? There must be a better way (?) I have heard that capacitors might be the answer (?) or maybe hydrogen cells where only water is the by-product. What do you all think ?

[陽天-gg]

The question is whether it has an advantage over other autonomous driving companies such as Tesla.

[Shah-gcpf]

This show why Japanese has lost their magic touch on R&D and design. Chinese startups can do better than this

[deltacodealpha]

Can't beat BYD or Xiaomi or Tesla. on price or quality. just dive up. Will short sony for this. nfa