Sony-Honda EV Afeela Electric Car Prototype Debuts Globally

Sony-Honda EV Afeela electric car has debuted globally. The new JV will launch an AI-rich Afeela model by late 2025 in the global market.

• Global launch by the end of 2025
• Deliveries are to begin by early 2026
• Likely to feature augmented reality tech

As the automotive world is moving toward EVs, new JVs are forming. One such JV is Sony-Honda formed back in 2022. However, the Sony-Honda EV Afeela prototype e-car has now debuted globally. Meanwhile, this upcoming fastback sedan is scheduled for launch by early 2026. Read more details about it below.

Also Read - Citroen eC3 vs Tata Tiago EV: Detailed Comparison

Sony-Honda EV Afeela Details

Speaking of the showcased prototype, Afeela looks pretty decent as per EV standards. There is no clumsy design language but simple big plain & curvy body panels. Additionally, the roofline design makes it look enough futuristic. Meanwhile, the 21-inch alloys of the Afeela concept look straight from the future. Overall design appeal is interesting but simple at the same time. At the front, Afeela comes with a media bar that can connect with cars & humans around. As per the JV, it is the "beginning of a new era".

Undoubtedly it is a new era because Afeela uses Qualcomms Snapdragon Digital Chassis technology. It is the first of its kind and has never been seen on any ICE or EV models ever. Furthermore, the prototype measures 4.9 mts in length which makes it equivalent to Hyundai Inoiq 6. However, we can not comment exactly on what it will compete with when launched. On the inside, the simplistic design approach continues with white interiors. A big panoramic sunroof and minimal panels make up enough space. However, the single-piece screen will act as an infotainment as well as a driver display.

As this is just a concept, for now, the production model will largely look like it. Sony-Honda is also in talks with games designer Epic Games to embed a gaming system in it. As per the company, it will take car entertainment to a whole new level with Afeela. Meanwhile, it will also have augmented reality chassis with level-3 AI. Currently, this tech is under development and expected to debut by 2024. Afeela's concept uses 45 cameras and sensors to process up to 800 trillion operations per second. For now, there is no info on its battery backup & driving range but we suspect it will deliver well above the 500 km/charge mark.

Verdict

At the showcase event, the officials claimed that the JV will start accepting pre-orders by mid-2025. However, it will be anytime in early 2026 that the Afeela concept hits the road. Additionally, the company might rename the production model during the launch. If the Afeela concept launches internationally; there is a high possibility of it being launched in India in 2026. At least we can hope for that. Right?

Also Read - Mahindra XUV400 vs Tata Nexon EV: Variant Comparison