Afeela, the new electric vehicle joint venture between Japan’s Sony group and Honda, is planning to introduce a lineup of three vehicles by the end of the 2020s, aiming to compete with the likes of Tesla in the U.S. In addition to the sedan it has already showcased in per-rproduction forms, there are plans for an SUV and a low-cost compact electric vehicle.
Japanese giants Sony and Honda revealed their collaboration in establishing a new joint venture named Sony Honda Mobility in 2022. The partnership debuted its first prototype, a spacious and technologically advanced all-electric sedan, at CES 2023. This vehicle will be marketed under the newly formed Afeela brand.
Read: Afeela Sedan Inches Closer To Production As Updated Prototype Debuts At CES
Now, reports indicate that the sedan was just the start. Unnamed sources told Nikkei that, following the debut of the production version of the sedan in 2025, a related SUV will be unveiled in 2027, and an affordable compact car will arrive in 2028 or later.
All three vehicles will be introduced under the Afeela brand and will utilize the same platform to streamline production costs. Although specific details are currently limited, reports indicate that the SUV will boast even more advanced technology compared to the sedan.
Meanwhile, the compact vehicle will prioritize cost reduction by featuring fewer tech features and will be similar in size to a Toyota Corolla or a Volkswagen Golf. Additionally, it will share components with Honda’s EVs, which are being developed independently of any Afeela products.
Although still in the development stage, Sony Honda Mobility states that the Afeela sedan will feature a 91 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and motors at each axle that combine to produce 483 hp (360 kW / 489 PS).
Tech development is being spearheaded by Sony, which is collaborating with brands like Microsoft to craft a conversational voice assistant leveraging its AI technology. The infotainment system, co-designed with Epic Games, incorporates gaming-inspired features such as monster mode. Additionally, reports suggest the company is working on video games that drivers can enjoy directly from their vehicles.