Everything you need to know about the Afeela 1, Sony’s first electric car

Sony and Honda are going electric together with the Afeela 1. Find out what this newcomer has to offer.

Sony Honda Mobility presents the Afeela 1 in its “almost” final version. Revealed at CES 2025, this electric sedan will first be available in California in 2026 before expanding to other American states.

Afeela 1: we will not see her in France

When two Japanese manufacturers join forces, the result can only be interesting. In 2023, Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) presented the Afeela 1, an electric sedan which was already generating enthusiasm. Two years later, during the CES 2025 in Las Vegas, the near-production version of this car has finally been revealedannouncing its imminent entry into the market. The Afeela 1 will be available first in Californiaand buyers can already reserve their copy for just $200. The reason for this geographical choice? California, with its strict emissions regulations and its attraction to electric vehicles, provides an ideal breeding ground for testing the capabilities of this newcomer. Deliveries will begin in mid-2026, before possible expansion to other states and even other countries.

Under the hood, the Afeela 1 promises top-notch performance with two electric motors of 180 kW (or 245 hp) each. It is equipped with a 91 kWh lithium-ion battery, capable of charging at powers of up to 150 kW. But that’s not all. SHM has integrated more than 40 sensorsincluding roof-mounted lidar, to offer fairly advanced autonomous driving functions. The Afeela Intelligent Drive system enables Level 2+ autonomous driving, using cameras, lidar, radar and ultrasonic sensors to ensure safety and comfort. As for its autonomy, its manufacturers announce 482 km according to the EPA approval cycle.

An immersive user experience

The Afeela 1 does not just offer good electrical performance. Inside, it features a yoke-style steering wheel and a breathtaking panoramic screen. The infotainment system is based on a customizable screen, controlled by the Afeela personal voice agent. Apps like Spotify, TikTok and Zoom will be available.

SHM has also placed emphasis on acoustic comfort, with an audio system optimized for each seat and advanced noise reduction technology. Nearly 70% of the interior is made from plant-derived and recycled materialsdemonstrating the brand’s ecological commitment.

With its length of 4,915 mm, a wheelbase of 3,018 mm and a roof height of 1,460 mm, the Afeela 1 is distinguished by a rather elegant silhouette without upsetting the codes. It sports a multimedia bar at the front of the hood (be careful of impacts), capable of serving as an external information screen, and a sophisticated double wishbone suspension at the front and multi-link at the rear for driving comfort. optimal. The Afeela 1 will be available in two versions : the high-end Signature and the entry-level Origin. The Signature version, priced at $102,900 (yes, it stings), offers 21-inch alloy wheels, three exterior colors, two interior colors and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Origin, expected for 2027, will be more sober with 19-inch rims, a single black exterior color and a refined interior. Although the Afeela 1 is initially intended for the US market, with production planned in the US, SHM has not yet revealed plans for international distribution.

Source: www.autoplus.fr