From Concept to Reality
Four years after revealing its EV ambitions, Sony is making it happen.
The Afeela 1 has officially entered pre-production at Honda’s East Liberty plant in Ohio, USA.
This isn’t full-scale production yet. Instead, Sony is building test-ready units for final validation. These will pave the way for customer deliveries starting mid-2026.
The Honda Partnership
Rather than build its own factory, Sony teamed up with Honda.
The strategy avoids the costly, slow path of starting from scratch and mirrors successful alliances in the EV industry.
By tapping into Honda’s established expertise, Sony can focus on what it knows best—technology, entertainment, and user experience.
Pricing, Orders, and Markets
The Afeela 1 starts at $89,900 for the Origin trim and $102,900 for the Signature.
A $200 refundable deposit secures a spot.
California will get the first deliveries, with Japan expected to follow in 2027.
Packed with Tech
This is a car built for gadget lovers.
It features 40 sensors—lidar, radar, ultrasonic, and cameras—for advanced driver assistance.
Inside, you get active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and massive display coverage. Rear passengers enjoy 12.9-inch LED screens, while the dashboard is dominated by a screen spanning its full width. Even the side mirrors are digital displays.
Performance and Range
Under the hood, the Afeela 1 carries two 240 hp motors, a 91 kWh battery, and a 300-mile estimated range.
Charging peaks at 150 kW, which isn’t class-leading, but Sony is betting buyers will value its tech suite over raw speed.
The Road Ahead
The EV landscape has moved quickly since the Afeela 1’s specs first dropped. Rivals now offer longer ranges and faster charging.
Still, Sony’s mix of high-tech features and Honda’s build quality could carve out a niche. Pre-production models should start appearing on streets later this year—and that’s when we’ll see if this bold collaboration can disrupt the EV market.
