Sony Honda Mobility’s Afeela 1 Accelerates Towards Market Launch with CES 2026 Preview
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Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) is signaling a swift approach to market for its highly anticipated Afeela 1 electric vehicle, showcasing a pre-production version at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. After three years of development, the Japanese alliance is demonstrating its commitment to delivering a new era of intelligent, electric transportation.
The journey began in 2023 with the unveiling of the initial prototype at CES, followed by the official naming and $89,990 price tag reveal at CES 2025. Now, with the pre-production model on display, SHM aims to solidify confidence in its timeline for deliveries.
Initial Rollout Focused on Key Markets
Deliveries of the battery-electric limousine are slated to begin later this year in California, with expansion to Arizona in 2025. Japan will follow in the first half of 2027. This phased rollout may be strategically linked to the vehicle’s advanced driver-assistance systems, which require specific regulatory approvals.
“The initial limited availability reflects a deliberate focus on regions prepared for highly automated driving technologies,” one analyst noted.
A Sensor Suite Designed for Autonomy
The Afeela 1 boasts an impressive array of technology, relying on 40 sensors – including 18 cameras, one LiDAR, nine radar sensors, and twelve ultrasonic sensors – coupled with a Qualcomm computer delivering 800 TOPS of processing power. This robust system is designed to support increasingly autonomous driving capabilities. While some driver assistance features will be offered through a paid subscription model, SHM is actively developing its Afeela Intelligent Drive system.
According to a company release, the system is evolving into a comprehensive AI model integrating a vision-language model (VLM). Currently operating at Level 2+ driver assistance, supporting end-to-end journeys, the long-term goal is to achieve Level 4 functionality, effectively transforming the vehicle into a “driverless” environment for passenger enjoyment.
Production Preparations Underway
In autumn 2025, SHM conducted crucial test runs of the Afeela 1 on the production line at Honda’s East Liberty, Ohio plant, preparing for mass production. To enhance the customer experience, SHM plans to open Afeela Studios in Torrance and Fremont, California, this spring. These locations will combine showroom and delivery operations, offering a comprehensive brand experience.
Expanding the Vision: Introducing the Afeela Prototype 2026
Beyond the Afeela 1, Sony Honda Mobility unveiled a new prototype at CES 2026: the Afeela Prototype 2026. This battery-electric SUV coupé shares design similarities with the Afeela 1 but promises greater spatial flexibility and accessibility.
“The Prototype 2026 builds on the core concept of the Afeela 1, aiming to broaden its appeal to a wider range of users,” a senior official stated.
SHM intends to develop a production model based on this prototype, with a US market launch targeted for 2028.
The continued development and strategic rollout of the Afeela vehicles demonstrate Sony Honda Mobility’s ambition to become a significant player in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.
