► Afeela 1 will head to production soon
► Available now and priced from $89,000
► Will arrive in Japan in 2026
For the last few years – usually at CES – Sony and Honda have shown off EVs called the Afeela 1 and Afeela 2. They even made an entirely new company; Sony Honda Mobility Inc, to make them. However, according to a new statement from SHM, the Afeela 1 project has been cancelled – as has development of the Afeela 2 SUV.
The statement reads that the, ‘decision comes following discussions between its parent companies, Sony Group Corporation and Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
It’s a sad end for a product that looked unlikely but genuinely interesting, but it was also rather inevitable. Honda’s recent decision to severely cut back on its core, in-house EV plans meant that the SHM business case was no longer feasible – so it was only a matter of time.
Indeed, the statement reads: ‘as a result of Honda’s reassessment of its automobile electrification strategy announced on March 12, 2026, SHM will not be able to utilize certain technologies and assets that were originally planned to be provided by Honda at the time of SHM’s initial business planning.’
‘In light of this change, SHM has determined that it does not have a viable path forward to bring the Models to market as originally planned.’
The car has ben available to reserve in California for a while but those $200 feeds will be refunded in full. SHM will live on, bu tit’s future is uncertainty without any products to release.
You can read our original story – along with all its optimism – below.
Afeela goes on sale
The Afeela 1, the electric saloon from Sony and Honda’s new Sony Honda Mobility brand, is finally going on sale. The car was debuted a few years ago now, but at this year’s CES show in Las Vegas, the new company announced final specs, pricing and delivery details for its first EV.
‘Sony Honda Mobility strives to evolve relationships with people through intelligent mobility and revolutionize the travel experience,’ said Yasuhide Mizuno, chairperson and CEO of Sony Honda Mobility at the annual technology show. ‘We are very pleased to unveil Afeela 1, developed for the era of autonomous driving, at CES 2025. Afeela 1 can be called a buddy, combining advanced software with meticulously refined hardware.’
Keep reading for everything you need to know about Sony’s first EV.
How much will it cost?
The Afeela 1 will be available in two trims, with the base level Origin trim starting off at $89,900. For reference, that’s a good chunk more than the entry-level Tesla Model S AWD in America, but some $5000 cheaper than what the top-of-the-line Model S Plaid version commands.
These cheaper Origin models will be delivered in 2027 and roll on 19-inch wheels. Just one colour will be offered: Core Black.
The Signature trim rises to $102,900 (around £82,000) and gets you larger 21-inch wheels, an entertainment system for rear passengers and more cameras. The Signature will be offered in three, muted colours: Tidal Gray, Calm White, and Core Black.
Sony Honda Mobility is targeting a production range of around 300 miles, and when the battery does run out, customers in the States will be able to use Tesla’s US Supercharger network.
Order books for the Signature will open in California later this year, with deliveries expected in the second half of 2026. The cheaper Origin model will follow soon after. Japan will get its hands on the Afeela 1 in 2026 – but there’s no word on Europe yet. Still, if you live in California, you can reserve one now for just $200.
It looks like the concept!
It does, and that’s not a good or a bad thing, as there’s nothing too memorable about the Afeela 1. Instead, it’s quiet and sophisticated a bit like Sony’s understated audio products. It measures 4915mm in length, 1900mm in width and is 1461mm tall with a 3000 mm wheelbase. That’s puts it at roughly the same size as Tesla’s Model S too.
In person the Vision S concept felt to be a similar size, though SHM’s styling made it feel a little chunkier and more upmarket. As seen on the Vision S, the Afeela 1 also benefits from screens which can provide information to the driver, or other road users depending on the situation.
What about the tech?
Both models major on safety and entertainment tech, using around 40 sensors to power their ADAS systems. The Afeela 1’s ECU uses AI technology (of course) to more accurately run the car’s numerous pre-sense systems. Gamers will also recognise the Unreal graphics engine, which the Afeela 1 uses to visualise its environment to passengers on the dash.
As seen on the Vision S concept cars, voice control and Sony’s sound expertise also play a key role in the cabin, with passengers able to enjoy 360 Spatial Sound Technology on the higher end model. A range of apps – from TikTok to Spotify – will also be offered and 70% of the interior is recycled.
Oh, and the driver will need to use a yoke steering wheel. It’ll be interesting to see whether SHM has gone for a Toyota or Tesla-style approach to its steering-feel.
And one more thing…
Interestingly Sony Honda Mobility says the prices above include ‘3-year complementary subscription for certain functionality and features,’ which suggests consumers will have to pay to play for features after that time. It’s a decision we’ve seen before, and one that even BMW has had to U-turn on with its short-lived CarPlay subscription. Let’s see what happens…
What next?
Sony also revealed a SUV version of its Afeela car, so it’s likely that could follow in the next few years. Like Xiaomi, SHM will lead with a high-end saloon before a more family orientated car.
Context:
Sony and Honda cancelled their Afeela EV project despite nearing production and taking reservations.
Context:
This shows how quickly EV partnerships can collapse when parent companies shift strategies mid-development.
Context:
Honda's broader retreat from in-house EV development in March 2026 made the joint venture unsustainable.
