Sony’s Afeela 1 EV is finally going on sale
- by CAR Magazine
- Jan 07, 2025
- 3 Comments
- 2 Likes Flag 0 Of 5
âºÂ Available now and priced from $89,000
âºÂ Will arrive in Japan in 2026
The Afeela 1, the electric saloon from Sony and Hondaâs new Sony Honda Mobility brand, is finally going on sale. The car was debuted a few years ago now, but at this yearâs CES show in Las Vegas, the new company announced final specs, pricing and delivery details for its first EV.
âSony Honda Mobility strives to evolve relationships with people through intelligent mobility and revolutionize the travel experience,â said Yasuhide Mizuno, chairperson and CEO of Sony Honda Mobility at the annual technology show. âWe 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.âÂ
Keep reading for everything you need to know about Sonyâs first EV.
How much will it cost?Â
The Afeela 1 will be available in two trims, with the base level Origin trim starting off at $89,900. For reference, thatâs 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.Â
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.Â
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 Teslaâs US Supercharger network.Â
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 â but thereâs 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 thatâs not a good or a bad thing, as thereâs nothing too memorable about the Afeela 1. Instead, itâs quiet and sophisticated a bit like Sonyâs understated audio products. It measures 4915mm in length, 1900mm in width and is 1461mm tall with a 3000 mm wheelbase. Thatâs puts it at roughly the same size as Teslaâs Model S too.Â
In person the Vision S concept felt to be a similar size, though SHMâs 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 1âs ECU uses AI technology (of course) to more accurately run the carâs 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 Sonyâs 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 â from TikTok to Spotify â will also be offered and 70% of the interior is recycled.
Oh, and the driver will need to use a yolk steering wheel. Itâll be interesting to see whether SHM has gone for a Toyota or Tesla-style approach to its yolk feel.
And one more thingâ¦Â
Interestingly Sony Honda Mobility says the prices above include â3-year complementary subscription for certain functionality and features,â which suggests consumers will have to pay to play for features after that time. Itâs a decision weâve seen before, and one that even BMW has had to U-turn on with its short-lived CarPlay subscription. Letâs see what happensâ¦Â
What next?
Sony also revealed a SUV version of its Afeela car, so itâs 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.
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