Sony Honda Mobility, a joint venture between two Japanese giants, has unveiled its first electric vehicle: a sleek, four-door fastback sedan brimming with cutting-edge technology. This ambitious project, initially showcased as a prototype at CES 2023, aims to redefine the driving experience by seamlessly integrating advanced AI and even a powerful game engine.
CEO Yasuhide Mizuno introduced the Afeela brand, emphasizing its focus on creating a novel and symbiotic relationship between humans and mobility. Powered by dual electric motors, one on each axle, the all-wheel-drive vehicle delivers a robust 241 horsepower. While the combined horsepower figure remains undisclosed, the vehicle boasts a 91-kWh battery pack enabling 150-kW fast charging. Based on preliminary estimates, the Afeela could offer a competitive range of 250-275 miles on a single charge, aligning it with the Tesla Model 3.
Safety and driver assistance are paramount. The prototype incorporates an impressive 45 cameras and sensors meticulously placed throughout the vehicle's interior and exterior. This sophisticated system continuously monitors the driver's actions, proactively anticipating and mitigating potential collisions.
Leveraging Qualcomm's Snapdragon Digital Chassis technology, the production model will possess extraordinary processing power, capable of executing an astonishing 800 trillion operations per second. This computational prowess will unlock advanced AI capabilities, personalized experiences, and a host of innovative features.
The Afeela EV reimagines vehicle access with a touchless entry system. As the driver approaches, the car automatically unlocks, communicating seamlessly with the companion smartphone app. For those who prefer manual control, discreet physical buttons are integrated near each window.
The interior boasts a futuristic design, featuring a Tesla Model S-inspired U-shaped yoke-style steering wheel that adjusts automatically based on the driver's height. A rotary controller positioned in front of the center armrest provides intuitive access to the fully digital dashboard. Dual screens on the dashboard offer a comprehensive panoramic view of the vehicle's surroundings, with the rearview mirror seamlessly transitioning between a standard mirror and a rear camera feed.
The spacious cabin comfortably accommodates five occupants, enhanced by a panoramic roof that creates a serene and inviting "cocoon-like" atmosphere. Ambient lighting further elevates the ambiance, while rear passengers enjoy individual screens mounted on the backs of the front seats. The Afeela also introduces "Ridevu," an in-car entertainment system that grants access to a vast library of premium content from Sony Pictures Entertainment.
The Afeela is designed to learn and adapt to individual driver preferences. Beyond driving dynamics, the vehicle can analyze calendar data from linked smartphones to anticipate daily commutes, proactively suggesting optimal routes and adjusting driving patterns accordingly.
The integration of Epic Games' Unreal Engine is a groundbreaking innovation. This powerful game engine will be instrumental in visualizing vital data within the vehicle through intuitive and visually captivating augmented reality experiences.
Externally, the Afeela exhibits a sleek and aerodynamic profile, reminiscent of the Hyundai Ioniq 6. Distinctive design elements include a clean roofline, digital side mirrors, 21-inch black alloy wheels, and a unique "media" light bar on the front fascia. This interactive light bar facilitates communication with other vehicles and enables the sharing of crucial data. The vehicle also incorporates an advanced air-spring suspension system and a staggered tire arrangement with larger rear tires.
While the Afeela promises a revolutionary driving experience, many details, including driving dynamics, 0-60 mph acceleration, top speed, and the real-world implementation of its innovative in-cabin features, remain to be unveiled.
The Afeela electric sedan is scheduled to go on sale in late 2025, with pre-orders commencing in the first half of the year. North American deliveries are anticipated to begin in the spring of 2026. This ambitious project represents a significant step forward in automotive innovation, merging cutting-edge technology with a user-centric approach to redefine the future of mobility.