Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) has recently announced a strategic partnership with HERE Technologies, a Netherlands-based company, to incorporate advanced location data and technology into their new electric vehicle (EV) brand, Afeela.
This collaboration will see the integration of HERE’s Navigation SDK into Afeela’s digital cockpit and HERE SDK Explore into its mobile app, both powered by HERE’s unified mapping architecture. The unified mapping architecture supports various in-car systems and location-based applications in Afeela’s software-defined vehicle platform, offering features such as advanced visualization, augmented reality, and EV range management.
The HERE Navigation SDK will enhance the in-vehicle infotainment system with reliable navigation, EV-specific features, and safety information across digital displays. Additionally, the HERE SDK Explore will power the Afeela mobile application with real-time map updates, seamlessly connecting the vehicle’s functionality to the digital lives of drivers and passengers.
Izumi Kawanishi, the representative director, president, and COO of Sony Honda Mobility, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that navigation is a crucial component of Afeela, and with HERE Navigation SDK, they aim to create an intuitive and personalized mobility experience.
Furthermore, HERE Professional Services will support Afeela’s intelligent architecture, transforming mobility into an extension of the driver’s digital life. Mike Nefkens, the CEO of HERE Technologies, highlighted the development of a live platform that enables Afeela to stay connected and provide a uniquely connected digital cockpit experience.
Afeela 1, SHM’s first model under the Afeela brand, was unveiled at the CES 2025 event in Las Vegas. The Afeela 1 EV features over 40 sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, and ultrasonic technology, to power an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Production of the Afeela 1 EV is set to begin in the US at an existing plant in Ohio, with sales starting in California in 2025 and deliveries expected by mid-2026.
The vehicle will be available in two trims, with starting prices at $89,900, including a three-year complimentary subscription for selected features and functionalities. Sony Honda Mobility Company, a joint venture between Sony Group Corporation and Honda Motor Company, is focused on developing battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to cater to the growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions.
