Sony and Honda's Afeela Revolution: SUV and Compact Models Revealed

Feb 15, 2024 11:32 PM EST

CLOSE UP OF ELECTRIC LAMP AGAINST BLACK BACKGROUND — (Photo : PEXELS/PIXABAY)

Sony and Honda will develop electric vehicles under the brand name Afeela. The electric sedan is set to launch next year,2025. There has already been news regarding this project. However, a recent source predicts that two more vehicles will be added to the portfolio by the end of the decade.

Sony,Honda: Afeela, SUV and Compact

As reported in The Drive, all three vehicles will be built on the same chassis, which is a modified version of Honda's new 0 Series platform. Additionally, Honda's own 0 Series EV, based on its Saloon concept, is scheduled for production in 2026, following the release of Sony's sedan but preceding its SUV.

The Drive cited Nikkei's report,an Afeela SUV will be release in 2027. An economical compact car will arrive between 2028 and 2030. The study also states that Sony Honda Mobility aims to grow its workforce to around 500 people.

The three will be built on a modified version of Honda's new 0 Series chassis. Honda's 0 Series EV is inspired by the Saloon concept. Honda planned to begin manufacturing in 2026, after the launching of Sony's car but before its SUV.

Given its reputation for manufacturing televisions and gaming consoles, it's no surprise that the Afeela cars are poised to excel in technology. Sony has already demonstrated significant use of augmented reality and pledged Level 3 automated driving capabilities. Leveraging its expertise from Gran Turismo developer Polyphony Digital, Sony intends to involve them in Afeela car development, although specific contributions have yet to be outlined.

Latest Compact and SUV Model from Afeela

According to Car and Driver, the Afeela sedan will debut in 2025. While Afeela has announced that orders for the sedan will commence in that year, it's anticipated that actual sales in the U.S. won't commence until 2026. The subsequent year, 2027, is earmarked for the introduction of Afeela's second vehicle, expected to be an SUV closely linked to the electric sedan.

A more affordable compact model is anticipated to be available to customers by 2028 at the earliest, according to Nikkei Asia. It's projected to be approximately the size of a Toyota Corolla. All three models are planned to utilize a shared platform to minimize costs and streamline development.

Additionally, the compact model is expected to share components with Honda's own lineup of EVs under development, contributing to cost efficiency. The report also indicates that certain features and functions may be omitted from the compact model to maintain affordability.

The sedan will be the first to enter the market. While initial estimates suggested a starting price of around $45,000, Nikkei Asia reports that the four-door sedan is expected to surpass 10 million yen in its domestic market, roughly converting to $66,000. Equipped with all-wheel drive, the Afeela sedan will feature a 241-horsepower electric motor on each axle and a 91.0-kWh battery capable of charging at speeds of up to 150 kW.

Afeela's upcoming automobiles will add on to the top competition in EVs market. Indeed, Sony and Honda's collaboration brings another competitive lineup.