Sony Honda Mobility unveils preproduction model of the Afeela 1 and new prototype

The new electric car brand Afeela, a collaboration between Sony and Honda, showcased two vehicles ahead of CES in Las Vegas: a pre-production version of the already known Afeela 1 sedan and a prototype of an electric SUV inspired by the Afeela 1's design.

Afeela afeela prototype min — Afeela 1 (left) and new prototype (right)
Image: Sony Honda Mobility

The Afeela 1 has been generating significant interest for the past three years. In 2023, Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) unveiled its first prototype of a battery-electric limousine at the CES tech trade show. The company continued refining the vehicle and eventually revealed its name, Afeela 1, at CES 2025, along with a price tag of $89,990.

The Japanese alliance has now taken another major step forward. At this year’s CES in Las Vegas, running from 6 to 9 January, SHM is showcasing a pre-production version of the Afeela 1. With this move, the partners aim to demonstrate that the market launch is imminent. Deliveries of the battery-electric limousine are set to begin later this year in California, followed by Arizona in 2025. Additionally, deliveries in Japan are scheduled to commence in the first half of 2027.

The fact that the Afeela 1 will initially be available only in two US states and Japan may partly reflect its focus on highly automated, and, later, autonomous driving, which requires special regulatory approvals. The system relies on 40 sensors (18 cameras, one LiDAR, nine radar sensors, and twelve ultrasonic sensors) and a Qualcomm computer with 800 TOPS of processing power. However, some of the driver assistance features will be available via a paid subscription in the future.

On this topic, SHM provided the following update: the company is continuously developing its Afeela Intelligent Drive driver assistance system, expanding it into a comprehensive AI model that integrates a vision-language model (VLM). Building on Level 2+ driver assistance systems, which support journeys from start to destination, the company aims to achieve Level 4 functionality in the future. This would transform the vehicle interior into a “driverless” environment, allowing passengers to enjoy entertainment.

In autumn 2025, as part of preparations for mass production, SHM conducted test runs of the Afeela 1 on the production line at Honda’s plant in East Liberty, Ohio. The pre-production vehicles are now being exhibited at CES 2026. In spring, SHM plans to open Afeela Studios in Torrance and Fremont, California, combining showroom and delivery operations to offer a comprehensive brand experience.

Afeela yasuhide mizuno min — Image: Sony Honda Mobility

Sony honda mobility afeela fremont min — Image: Sony Honda Mobility

Sony honda mobility afeela torrance min — Image: Sony Honda Mobility

Afeela afeela prototype yasuhide mizuno min — Image: Sony Honda Mobility

Afeela prototype min — Image: Sony Honda Mobility

In addition to its concrete plans for the Afeela 1, Sony Honda Mobility has also introduced a new prototype, simply named ‘Afeela Prototype 2026’. This model is a battery-electric SUV coupé, whose design closely resembles the Afeela 1. While details such as dimensions or technical specifications are not yet available, SHM states that the vehicle builds on the core concept of the Afeela 1 while offering greater spatial flexibility and accessibility to provide value and enjoyment to a broader range of users.

Sony Honda Mobility plans to develop a production model based on this prototype, with a market launch in the USA scheduled for 2028.

shm-afeela.com (Press release), shm-afeela.com (Prototype)