Sony Showcases Afeela EV, Navigates it with a PlayStation Controller at CES 2024

Jan 10, 2024 10:51 PM EST

A WHITE GAME CONSOLE — (Photo : PEXELS/Kerde Severin)

For several successive years, Sony has been a notable participant at CES, showcasing its collaborative venture with Honda on the revolutionary Afeela electric vehicle (EV). Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the realization of this car, Sony introduced an entertaining twist to the narrative during CES 2024.

PS5 Maneuvers Afeela EV

In a departure from conventional reveals, they skillfully navigated the latest version of the Afeela EV onto the grand stage at Sony's CES event, utilizing the innovative PlayStation DualSense controller. This distinctive demonstration, driven by a desire to captivate the audience, was more of a playful spectacle than concrete proof of a forthcoming PlayStation-influenced vehicle.

Reports shared details of Afeela's unique entrance in CES 2024. Entering its fifth year of unveiling the much-anticipated AFEELA, slated for a market debut in 2026, Sony's CES 2024 press conference diverted attention towards the software intricacies of this cutting-edge automobile.

While the specifics of the PlayStation-controlled vehicle's imminent release remained elusive, the CES 2024 showcase affirmed the event's penchant for extravagant spectacles. The latest revelation featured Sony maneuvering its updated Afeela concept car onto the stage, steering it with its flagship PlayStation 5 controller-a seemingly innocuous yet visually striking manifestation of brand synergy, leaving the audience to determine the merit of this innovative display.

Afeela EV Specs, Features

According to a report in Elecktrek, the Sony Afeela EV concept was initially outlined with specifications indicating a 400kW (536hp) dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, accelerating from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 4.8 seconds, and boasting a top speed of 240km/h (149mph). As far as its knowledge extends, these performance metrics remain the targets Sony is striving to achieve.

While details regarding the price and battery size remain undisclosed, the anticipated release of this electric vehicle is still two years away, implying that pricing information will likely emerge closer to the actual launch.

At CES 2024, Sony has chosen to leverage its prowess in electronics, placing a spotlight on the Afeela's sensing and infotainment systems. According to the trend in modern electric automobiles, the Afeela will have several sensors for autonomous driving.
Within the Sony Afeela EV, Sony envisions elevating the infotainment experience by leveraging its extensive background in consumer entertainment. The company is committed to incorporating continuous over-the-air software updates as part of its strategy.

Impressively, interior photos unveiled during CES 2024 showcase expansive displays in both the front and back seats, strongly suggesting the potential for PS5-level performance within the car. The DualSense controller, initially designed for gaming, has characteristics that could be used in cars.

Its haptic feedback, facilitated by voice coil motors in the palm grips, could translate the nuances and imperfections of the road, providing a tactile experience that extends to sensing weather conditions.

Force feedback, which responds to different stresses and pressures, may also simulate gas and brake pedal dynamics during driving. As stated in Mashable, these capabilities provide fascinating potential, but using a game controller, especially one for youngsters, to operate heavy machinery raises concerns.

The image of a game controller being employed in such life-or-death situations evokes memories of the third-party controller used by Stockton Rush, the CEO of submarine tourism company Oceangate, to navigate a submersible.

Tragically, this submersible went missing and imploded last June, a distressing event observed by the world with a sense of horror.