Engineers are now working to refine the details—ensuring precise part fit, seamless paint application, and flawless assembly—before the vehicle heads into full-scale production in 2026. The Afeela 1, first unveiled as a concept in 2023, has been touted as a bridge between traditional automotive engineering and the connected, entertainment-rich future envisioned by Sony.
It will come in two trims: the Origin, with a starting price of roughly \$89,900, and the Signature, beginning at about \$102,900. Both versions will feature dual 180-kilowatt motors, all-wheel drive, and a 91-kilowatt-hour battery, targeting a driving range of around 300 miles. The Signature model is slated for delivery in mid-2026, while the Origin will follow in 2027.
For Sony, the Afeela 1 represents not just a vehicle but a showcase for its prowess in sensors, artificial intelligence, and user interface design—capabilities that the company believes will become central to the driving experience. The car’s cockpit is expected to offer immersive entertainment and advanced driver-assistance systems, combining Honda’s manufacturing expertise with Sony’s electronics and software strengths.
The East Liberty Auto Plant, already known for producing Honda’s SUVs and sedans for the North American market, has been outfitted to accommodate the demands of producing a premium EV laden with cutting-edge technology. This step into pre-production reflects months of collaboration between engineering teams from both companies, blending Honda’s reputation for manufacturing reliability with Sony’s ambition to redefine mobility.
The launch of the Afeela brand also signals a broader shift in the auto industry, as legacy manufacturers and tech companies increasingly join forces to confront the challenges and opportunities of electrification. Sony Honda Mobility, formed in 2022, has positioned itself as a challenger to established luxury EV brands, betting that its mix of entertainment, connectivity, and performance can carve out a distinct identity in a crowded market.
The road to production has been carefully choreographed: prototype testing has taken place on multiple continents, software has been refined in parallel with hardware, and manufacturing processes have been optimized to ensure the consistency expected at the model’s price point.
While the Afeela 1’s technical specifications—dual motors, long-range battery, and high-output charging capability—align it with other luxury EV offerings, its differentiators may lie in the in-cabin experience. Sony Honda Mobility has promised an interface that integrates cloud services, high-resolution displays, and game-like interactivity, hinting at a vehicle that could serve as both a mode of transportation and a personal entertainment hub.
Market analysts say the car’s pricing positions it against competitors such as the Tesla Model S, the Lucid Air, and high-end offerings from German automakers, though the Afeela’s emphasis on digital life could give it an edge among tech-savvy buyers.
For Honda, the project underscores its commitment to electrification, as the automaker accelerates toward its goal of phasing out internal combustion vehicles in major markets. For Sony, it is a bold foray into an industry that demands not just innovation but the ability to execute at scale—something the company hopes to achieve through Honda’s manufacturing backbone.
By the time the first Signature models roll off the line in mid-2026, the Afeela 1 will have faced the scrutiny of both automotive traditionalists and technology enthusiasts. Whether it can meet the high expectations set by its creators will be one of the most closely watched stories in the evolving EV landscape.