Japanese companies Sony and Honda have announced the cancellation of the launch of the Afeela electric vehicles, despite the models being fully ready for market release. Production was set to begin at the end of 2026; however, due to changes in market conditions, the project has been shelved.
This is reported by Finway
Reasons for the Closure of the Afeela Project
The partnership between Sony and Honda involved the creation of a joint venture, Sony-Honda Mobility, which was to manufacture Afeela electric vehicles at American factories. The Afeela 1 electric sedan was planned to be sold at a starting price of $90,000. However, recent changes in electric vehicle policies in the US, implemented by the Donald Trump administration, have led to a sharp decline in demand for electric vehicles in the American market. In response, Honda adjusted its strategy, favoring hybrid models and abandoning several electric projects. This cut affected not only Afeela but also the Honda 0 and Acura RSX models.
“The Afeela electric vehicles from Sony and Honda will not go into production. The decision to halt production of the models, which were practically ready, was made at the last moment.”
History and Technical Specifications of Afeela
The first concept of the electric vehicle under the Sony brand was presented at the CES 2020 exhibition in Las Vegas, and the Afeela 2 electric crossover was unveiled the following year. By 2026, the partners showcased production-ready versions of the models, which impressed with their innovative design: a body length of about 5 meters, a streamlined profile with an arc-like roof, and an interior featuring a yoke steering wheel and a panoramic display spanning the entire width of the dashboard. The equipment included autopilot, cameras instead of mirrors, and all-wheel drive with an electric powertrain producing 489 hp and a 91 kWh battery. The range of the Afeela electric vehicles was expected to exceed 480 km.
Despite the high level of readiness and innovation, market circumstances forced the manufacturers to abandon the Afeela series launch.