🤯 $89K Car: Worth The Investment? 🚗💨
Tech
Afeela’s Bold Return: A New Era of Sony-Infused EVs
Sony Honda Mobility’s joint venture, Afeela, made a significant statement at CES 2026 with its inaugural standalone press conference, firmly establishing its commitment to a future defined by integrated entertainment and automotive technology. The company reiterated its focus on the upcoming Afeela 1 electric sedan, unveiling fresh details regarding personalization features and ambitious plans for US manufacturing, alongside the surprising reveal of the Afeela Prototype 2026 concept.
The Afeela 1: More Than Just Range
Responding to initial concerns regarding the Afeela 1’s specifications, Sony Honda Mobility America pivoted its messaging, emphasizing that the vehicle’s value lies in its cutting-edge in-car entertainment ecosystem and sophisticated driver assistance and autonomous technology, rather than solely relying on impressive range or acceleration figures. The company is aiming to deliver a bespoke experience, catering to individual driver preferences.
Afeela Co-Creator Program: A Universe of Customization
Sony unveiled the Afeela Co-Creator program, a pivotal initiative designed to foster a dynamic ecosystem of content partners. This program will allow developers to create downloadable experiences for the Afeela vehicle, encompassing dynamic wallpapers, customizable instrument cluster color schemes, ambient lighting effects, and bespoke dashboard applications – all accessible through a smartphone app. Initial offerings will draw inspiration from PlayStation’s Astro Bot and Gran Turismo games, introducing custom themes and e-motor sounds.
Expanding the Afeela Experience: Studios and Test Drives
To broaden consumer engagement, Afeela is strategically expanding its presence with four California-based studio hubs, offering prospective customers the chance to experience the Afeela 1 and its expansive dashboard firsthand. Furthermore, a dedicated Afeela Advanced Access test drive program for early reservation holders is slated to launch later this year. Looking ahead, Arizona is being targeted with planned studio expansion and pop-up events anticipated in 2027.
US Production Begins: Ohio as the Heart of Afeela
Production of the Afeela 1 will commence in the United States, with a key manufacturing location at Honda’s plant in Ohio, where dry-run preproduction is already underway. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in California by late 2026, followed by Japan in the first half of 2027. Pricing remains competitive, ranging from $89,900 for the Origin specification to $102,900 for the Signature model.
This article is AI-synthesized from public sources and may not reflect original reporting.