Sony Honda Mobility, the joint venture formed by the two Japanese giants, will name its new electric vehicle brand Afeela, and has shown off the latest version of its tech-heavy prototype at this year's CES show in Las Vegas.
Affela – it is apparently based on 'feel', which the firm says is at the 'heart of the mobility experience' – will spearhead Sony Honda Mobility’s EV plans, and is set to launch its first electric car by 2025.
The Afeela prototype, showcased at CES 2023, takes the form of a four-door streamlined saloon and features digital door mirrors and 21-inch alloy wheels. It is heavily based on the Sony Vision S concept that firm has previously developed as an automotive test vehicle.
Sony Honda Mobility says that the sleek exterior silhouette of the Afeela is reminiscent of a “spaceship” and “evokes a feeling of a new mobility experience”. At 4895mm long, 1900mm wide and 1460mm tall, the Afeela is similar in size to the Hyundai Ioniq 6.
Afeela’s as-yet unnamed prototype also features a ‘media bar’ which sits at the front of the car, which can interact with people as well as other vehicles.
Inside the Afeela takes a minimalist approach, with Sony Honda Mobility adding that the interior, “embraces the occupants in a soft cocoon-like space’.
Upfront a huge screen spans the length of the dashboard, while smaller screens have been integrated into the back of the seats. There is also a steering yoke which is similar to that of the Lexus RZ 450e.
Sony Honda Mobility say the production version of the Afeela saloon will be equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon Digital Chassis technology, which the firm says will offer a “safe and secure mobility experience” that is also fully customisable.
The prototype, according to Sony Honda Mobility, is fitted with 45 cameras and sensors inside and outside the car that operate its level three automated driving systems.
Augmented reality is aso set to feature, adding a personalised in-car experience. Sony Honda Mobility is also set to partner with Epic Games to add “new entertainment possibilities such as the metaverse”. Augmented reality will also support the Afeela’s navigation system.
The Afeela will be available for pre-order in 2025 with first deliveries due for spring 2026 in North America.
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