Sony and Honda have made a splash at CES 2025 with the announcement that pre-orders are now open for their groundbreaking electric vehicle, the Afeela 1. This stylish EV marks the first collaboration between the tech giant and the reputable automaker, which has recently revealed plans to merge with Nissan.
If you’re in the market for a premium electric ride, the Afeela 1 will be available in two distinct versions for US customers. The Afeela 1 Origin is priced at $89,900, while the more upscale Afeela 1 Signature starts at $102,900. Both versions come with a three-year subscription that includes a Level 2 driver assistance system and an array of AI-enhanced features. Currently, pre-orders are being accepted from buyers in California, requiring a $200 refundable deposit. Deliveries for the Signature model are targeted for mid-2026, whereas those looking forward to the Origin model will need to wait until 2027.
The design of the Afeela 1 is crafted to strike a balance between elegance and sportiness, reminiscent of vehicles like the Lucid Air or Tesla Model S. It boasts an impressive range of up to 300 miles, according to EPA standards, and is compatible with Tesla’s ubiquitous Supercharger network across the United States. Packed with 40 cameras and sensors, the car promises advanced driver assistance capabilities. Its dual electric motors, each producing 180 kW, are paired with a 91 kWh battery that can charge at a rate of up to 150 kW.
Inside, the Afeela 1 Signature features a massive screen that spans the entire width of the dashboard, setting a new standard for in-car entertainment. Sony and Honda Mobility are focusing heavily on AR integrations and immersive entertainment options catering to tech enthusiasts and savvy EV drivers.
However, the Afeela 1 enters a fiercely competitive landscape of luxury EVs at a time when market demands are fluctuating and tax credits are decreasing across the US and globally. Beyond the borders of California, a significant hub for electric vehicles, the Afeela will need to distinguish itself not just from domestic rivals like Tesla, but also from emerging competition from Chinese manufacturers known for more competitive pricing. How Sony and Honda’s Afeela will navigate this challenging terrain remains to be seen, but its innovative approach is already turning heads in the automotive world.
