Sony Honda Mobility has officially unveiled its AFEELA 1 EV at the Consumer Electronics Show, providing key details about the highly anticipated electric vehicle. The AFEELA 1 is set to hit the California market in 2026, marking a significant milestone for Sony’s foray into the automotive industry.
The journey towards the AFEELA 1 began in 2020 when Sony first teased an EV project at its CES keynote, known then as the VISION-S project. Over the years, Sony formed a partnership with Honda and eventually christened the electric car as the AFEELA, with a planned release date of 2026.
During this year’s CES keynote, Sony revealed pricing and availability details for the AFEELA 1. The base model, known as the “Origin” trim, is priced at $89,900, while the higher-end “Signature” trim comes in at $102,900. The Signature trim offers additional features such as more color choices, rear screens, a camera rear-view mirror, and larger wheels. Interestingly, opting for the Signature trim also secures an earlier delivery in mid-2026, compared to the Origin series slated for 2027.
While specifics on the differences between the trim levels remain somewhat vague, Sony hinted at potential variations in features as more information becomes available. The company emphasized its expertise in software and entertainment, highlighting the integration of vehicle software to enhance the driving experience through the “AFEELA personal agent” and electronic driver aids.
Notably, Sony showcased the AFEELA 1’s “personal agent” capabilities during the keynote, demonstrating voice commands and interactions with the vehicle. The company also mentioned subscription-based services for the personal agent and autonomous driving features, with a complimentary 3-year subscription included with the purchase.
However, reservations for the AFEELA 1 are currently limited to California, a common strategy among automakers due to the state’s stringent emissions regulations and high EV adoption rates. While Sony and Honda do not have emissions obligations to fulfill, the focus on California raises questions about potential expansion to other states in the future.
For interested buyers in California, reservations for the AFEELA 1 are now open on the official website for a refundable fee of $200. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, the AFEELA 1 represents a significant step for Sony Honda Mobility in the competitive automotive landscape.
