Sony’s first electric car has finally arrived!
- Published on 06/01/2026 14:54
- Modified on 07/01/2026 10:29
Sony is about to take a historic step by officially becoming an electric car manufacturer.
Through its joint venture with Honda, Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) has launched the first phases of pre-production of the Afeela 1, its very first electric car. The first validation units are currently being assembled at the Honda factory in East Liberty, Ohio, marking a key milestone ahead of a targeted commercial launch in mid-2026.
Long kept under wraps in 2025, the young brand Afeela confirms that it is sticking to its industrial timeline. The goal of these pre-series vehicles is clear: to validate the manufacturing processes and ensure the expected level of quality. Susan Dulik, product quality manager at SHM, emphasizes the promise made to customers: to provide an experience in line with the Afeela vision, combining advanced technologies and reliability worthy of Honda standards.
A true Sony concept
Technically, the Afeela 1 positions itself in the highly competitive segment of premium electric sedans. It adopts a dual-motor architecture producing around 400 hp, a 91 kWh battery promising nearly 480 km (300 miles) of range, and rapid DC charging capped at 150 kW via a Tesla-type NACS connector. These are decent figures, but they lag behind some direct competitors, which can be more efficient at a similar price point.
Where Sony Honda Mobility intends to make a difference is in the onboard experience. The Afeela 1 emphasizes a deep integration of Sony technologies, with a strong focus on entertainment, connectivity, and comfort. Safety is also a major pillar of the project: no less than 40 sensors are onboard, including cameras, radars, ultrasounds, and lidar, paving the way for level 3 automated driving, planned for later via updates.
Anticipated as one of the most unique electric launches of 2026, the Afeela 1 intrigues as much as it raises questions. Reservations are already open, requiring a refundable deposit of 200 dollars. The question remains whether Sony’s vision will be enough to captivate in such a competitive market.
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This page is translated from the original post "La première voiture électrique Sony arrive enfin !" in French.
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