Sony Honda Mobility Unveils ‘Afeela’- Its Maiden EV

Japanese conglomerates Sony and Honda have unveiled the prototype and the name of their first electric vehicle produced in partnership at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, USA.  In May last year, Sony and Honda forged a joint venture – Sony Honda Mobility. The new electric vehicle is named ‘Afeela.’

Yasuhide Mizuno, CEO, Sony Honda Mobility, said that the new car is a symbol of ‘a new relationship between people and mobility.’

The official announcement by Sony Honda Mobility held that the sedan is a four-door fastback having sport look in design. It features a ‘media’ light bar and the EV is capable of interacting with both people and other vehicles owing to the technological applications. Sony describes it as “an interface for a new era”. Additional details of the electric vehicle include a sleek roofline, digital mirrors and 21-inch wheels with aerodynamic features. The size of the new EV is 4,895mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,460mm tall.

Cabins on the sides look small. Sony Honda Mobility held that the digital screen is placed in the center on the dashboard. At a time five persons can sit with ease in the car. The sunroof is sleek and good sized.

The makers have provided digital screens on the back of each seat. There is also the yoke steering wheel that has both touchpads and buttons. Without disclosing the powertrain system in length, Sony Honda Mobility said that the car is going to be an all-wheel drive. The headlights add to the apparance.

The Snapdragon Digital Chassis technology from Qualcomm is employed to offer AI systems related technologies. Afeela can process up to 800 trillion operations per second. It is fitted with 45 cameras and sensors that power level 3 automated driving systems. The CEO of Sony Honda Mobility said, “As safety and security are essential to mobility, we will integrate Sony’s sensors and the Honda safety along with other intelligent technologies.”

Yashuhide Mizuno said that Sony Honda Mobility is anticipating starting taking pre-orders in the first half of 2025 and will start sales of the car within the same year. He also informed that mass production of the Afeela will start soon.