Sony Honda Mobility Accelerates AFEELA EV Launch, Targets 2026 Deliveries
Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) is poised to disrupt the electric vehicle market, confirming plans to begin shipping pre-production versions of its highly anticipated AFEELA EV to the United States by the end of 2026. The announcement, made at CES 2026 in Las Vegas on December 8, 2026, marks a significant milestone for the joint venture between technology giant Sony and automotive leader Honda.
AFEELA 1: Initial Rollout and Expansion Plans
The first model, officially named AFEELA 1, will serve as SHM’s flagship pre-production vehicle. Initial deliveries are slated for California in 2026, with a planned expansion into Arizona in 2027 and Japan in the first half of 2027. Production testing is already underway at Honda’s East Liberty automotive plant in Ohio. The estimated price point for the AFEELA 1 is approximately $89,900.
Beyond AFEELA 1: The Prototype 2026 and Future Models
Alongside the AFEELA 1 update, SHM unveiled the AFEELA Prototype 2026, a crossover-type vehicle that will underpin a future production model scheduled for launch in early 2028. While specific technical details and interior features remain undisclosed, the company emphasized a strategic focus on the US market, acknowledging the growing popularity of pickup trucks and their potential influence on consumer acceptance.
Reimagining Mobility as an “Entertainment Space”
The vision for AFEELA extends far beyond simply building an electric car. Sony and Honda are positioning AFEELA as a “creative entertainment space,” leveraging artificial intelligence to create an intuitive and personalized driving experience. “AFEELA seeks to offer an experience driven by artificial intelligence, in which the vehicle functions as an intelligent partner capable of understanding the user’s preferences and emotions,” according to a company release. This approach aims to maximize the value of time spent in the vehicle, transforming commutes into engaging and productive experiences.
Advanced Technology and Autonomous Driving Capabilities
At the heart of AFEELA lies the AFEELA Intelligent Drive system, incorporating advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) with Level 2+ capabilities designed to simplify navigation from origin to destination. Looking ahead, the alliance aims to achieve Level 4 automation, ultimately creating a driverless environment focused on occupant entertainment.
The vehicle’s digital ecosystem will be powered by a Personal Agent utilizing Microsoft Azure OpenAI, enabling natural and highly personalized interactions. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis will provide the foundational electronic architecture. Furthermore, SHM is fostering innovation through the AFEELA Co-Creation Program, inviting developers to contribute to in-flight entertainment options, and offering a cloud API and development environment for Android applications. The innovative “X-to-Earn” concept introduces a mobility services platform with an incentive model based on tokens and cryptographic technologies.
Expanding Brand Experience with AFEELA Studios
To build excitement and provide hands-on experiences, SHM has established AFEELA Studios. These physical spaces have already hosted over 24,000 onboard demonstrations and welcomed more than 100,000 visitors in their first year. New studios and delivery centers are planned for Torrance and Fremont, California, next spring, alongside the launch of the AFEELA Advanced Access program, offering phased experiences and driving demonstrations later this year.
With its presence at CES 2026, Sony Honda Mobility has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning AFEELA as a groundbreaking convergence of mobility, technology, and entertainment, paving the way for the production of its first electric vehicle and a new era of automotive innovation.
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