At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Sony Honda Mobility unveils a new prototype EV at a time when many global automakers are scaling back their electric vehicle plans. The joint venture between Sony Group and Honda Motor used the world’s biggest tech show to reaffirm its long-term commitment to electric mobility, advanced software, and immersive in-car experiences.
AFEELA Prototype 2026: A New SUV Concept
The highlight of the event was the world premiere of the AFEELA Prototype 2026, a compact SUV concept designed with greater spatial flexibility and accessibility. Compared to the earlier AFEELA sedan, this prototype features a larger footprint and SUV-like proportions, drawing inspiration from Sony’s earlier Vision-S 02 concept. With this reveal, Sony Honda Mobility unveils a new prototype EV that signals its intent to expand beyond sedans into more versatile body styles aimed at global consumers.
AFEELA 1: Moving Closer to Production
Alongside the new prototype, the company shared important updates about its first production vehicle, the AFEELA 1 sedan. Presented as a near-final pre-production model, the AFEELA 1 has already completed trial production runs in Ohio in late 2025. Deliveries are expected to begin in California in late 2026, followed by Japan in the first half of 2027. The vehicle is priced from $89,900 for the Origin trim and $102,900 for the Signature trim.
Technology That Blends Mobility and Entertainment
A major differentiator for AFEELA vehicles is their deep integration of entertainment and digital technology. The AFEELA will be the first car to offer built-in PlayStation Remote Play, enabling occupants to stream PS4 or PS5 games directly on the vehicle’s expansive dashboard displays. Powering these experiences is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis, delivering AI-driven connectivity and performance.
An interactive AFEELA Personal Agent, built using Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, provides conversational, personalized assistance, enhancing the human–machine interaction.
Advanced Safety and Autonomous Ambitions
Both the AFEELA 1 and the new prototype are equipped with around 40 sensors, including 18 cameras and LiDAR. These systems support Level 2+ driver assistance today, with a long-term goal of achieving Level 4 autonomous driving.
Looking Ahead to 2028
Despite weakening EV demand and market uncertainty, Sony Honda Mobility unveils a new prototype EV as a clear statement of confidence. With production targets set for as early as 2028 and a strong focus on software, co-creation, and autonomy, Sony Honda Mobility unveils a new prototype EV to redefine how technology and mobility converge in the years ahead.
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