Honda, Sony announce new Afeela EV brand; prototype unveiled at CES

Sony Honda Mobility claims that the prototype features 45 cameras and sensors that power its level 3 automated driving systems.

Published On Jan 05, 2023 06:56:00 PM

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Honda-Sony electric prototype front quarter.

Honda-Sony electric prototype rear quarter.

Sony Honda Mobility, the joint venture formed between the two Japanese industrial giants back in May 2022, has revealed the name of its new electric vehicle brand. Called the ‘Afeela’, the firm has also debuted a prototype at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Sony Honda Mobility chief executive Yasuhide Mizuno stated that it represented “a new relationship between people and mobility.”

Production version to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis technology
Deliveries slated for early 2026 for international markets
Will use augmented reality tech

Afeela EV prototype: exterior and interior

The four-door fastback sedan sports a clean design and features a ‘media’ light bar at the front that can interact with both people and other vehicles. Sony describes it as “an interface for a new era”. Additional details include the sleek roofline, digital mirrors and aerodynamic 21-inch wheels finished in black. Overall, the car measures 4,895mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,460mm tall – similar in size to the Hyundai Ioniq 6.

On the inside, the sedan features a minimalistic cabin with the panoramic digital screen taking centre stage on the dashboard. The cabin has enough space for five occupants, who sit beneath a large panoramic sunroof. Other details include the digital screens positioned on the back of each seat and the yoke steering wheel which features both touchpads and buttons.

Afeela EV prototype: technical details and launch timeline

The firm has yet to provide the powertrain details for the prototype but has confirmed that it will feature a double-wishbone suspension at the front and multi-link suspension at the rear along with all-wheel drive. Sony Honda Mobility also stated that the production model will use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis technology, which provides drivers with artificial intelligence systems, enhanced personalisation and other intuitive technologies.

Additionally, the vehicle can process up to 800 trillion operations per second, and has been fitted with 45 cameras and sensors to power its level 3 automated driving systems, which are currently in development. It will also use augmented reality and cloud data, and partner with games designer Epic Games, which, Sony Honda Mobility says, involves “seamlessly integrating real and virtual worlds, and exploring new entertainment possibilities through digital innovations such as the metaverse”.

The exact name of the Afeela prototype has yet to be revealed, but Sony Honda Mobility did confirm that it will be available for pre-order in the first half of 2025, with deliveries slated for early 2026 for international markets.

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