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In collaboration with Honda, Sony Group Corporation introduced its first electric vehicle, the Afeela 1, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas. This electric sedan, developed under the Sony Honda Mobility joint venture, focuses on integrating advanced technology and entertainment features into the automotive industry.
The Afeela 1 will be available in two trims: the Origin model costs $89,900, while the Signature model goes for $102,900. Both models come packaged with a complimentary subscription of three years of optional advanced features and services. However, the company is only taking pre-orders from users living in California through their website, which includes a refundable amount of a $200 deposit.
The Afeela 1 model is set for mass production at a state-of-the-art facility in Ohio, with the official launch of production planned for late 2025. The market will launch the vehicle in mid-2026, making it a competitive electric vehicle market. After the U.S. launch, the company also suggested expanding availability to other regions, including Japan.
The Afeela 1 offers a level of comfort and vehicle control with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that leverage artificial intelligence and 40 sensors, including cameras, LiDARs, and radars. The system offers incredible driving assistance throughout the entire process, including quite precise situational awareness and complete relief of the driver's stress.
In the cabin, the car is featured with a personal avatar based on artificial intelligence, allowing you to speak with it using voice commands. Thus, this assistant is for operating vehicles, proposing routes, and providing real-time information to improve the trip. The external car panel contains AI vision, which provides an enhanced view of the environment, aiding in maneuvering during its usage.
The interior of the Afeela 1 is designed as a “creative entertainment space,” using Sony’s experience in the production of audiovisual devices. The car gives each seat individual screens and integrates with apps such as Amazon Music, Spotify, TikTok, Zoom, and others. Some of the features that add value to the car include 360-degree Spatial Sound technology and noise cancellation technology from Sony.
Limited components of the Afeela 1 are derived from plastics, as its designers utilized plant-based over 70% of the car’s inside surfaces. This corresponds with current consumer preferences for eco-friendly automotive solutions.
It also supports the Tesla Supercharger, which means long-distance traveling to charge the vehicle will be easy. The Afeela 1 set an intended range of 300 miles per charge due to the new generation of electric car consumers and sustainability.
The introduction of Afeela 1 shows the company’s desire to incorporate innovation into mobility while incorporating advanced tech. With its smart design, integrated technologies, and attention to the environmental aspect, the vehicle is designed to be the future of electric vehicles, as envisioned by Sony. It is expected that the Afeela 1 is going to provide a luxury driving experience, which makes the car a promising entrant into the new electric vehicle market.