The Afeela 1, Sony and Honda’s first joint venture into the electric vehicle market, is set to make waves with its high price tag.
Starting at $89,900, the base model of the Afeela 1 positions itself as a luxury contender in the electric vehicle (EV) market. For comparison, the Tesla Model S starts at $79,990 in the U.S.
For those wanting the full package, a more advanced version of the Afeela 1 will cost $102,900.
The base model price also includes a three-year subscription to select features, adding a tech-savvy twist to the offering.
Revealed two years ago, the Afeela 1 is the flagship product of a partnership between tech giant Sony and Honda, which began in 2020.
Production of the vehicle will take place at a new facility in Ohio, with initial sales limited to California.
By 2026, Sony and Honda plan to expand sales across the U.S. and Japan, although there’s no word yet on whether the car will be available globally.
“Sony Honda Mobility is working to develop relationships with people through intelligent mobility to revolutionize the travel experience,” said Yasuhide Mizuno, board member and CEO of Sony Honda Mobility Inc., in a press release.
A Tech-Centric Electric Vehicle
The Afeela 1 is more than just a car; it’s a showcase of cutting-edge technology.
Developed under the motto “autonomy, augmentation, belonging,” the vehicle is packed with 40 sensors—including cameras, lidar, radar, and ultrasonic sensors—to monitor and analyze its surroundings. The data is visualized on a sleek in-car display powered by the Epic Games engine, delivering a futuristic, user-focused driving experience.
Although detailed technical specifications remain under wraps, Sony and Honda have revealed their target: a range of 300 miles (approximately 482 kilometers) on a single charge.