Sony's collaboration, the Afeela 1, initiates pre-production phase in East Liberty, Ohio.
The Sony Honda Mobility Afeela 1 is set to make a splash in the luxury electric vehicle (EV) market, boasting an impressive 483 horsepower, a 91-kilowatt-hour battery, and an estimated driving range of around 300 miles per charge[1][2][3].
The Afeela 1's cockpit is expected to offer an immersive entertainment experience, thanks to advanced driver-assistance systems and cutting-edge technology. With a full-width dashboard display and AI technology integration, the vehicle promises a sophisticated user experience[1].
Manufactured at Honda's East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio, the Afeela 1 is a testament to Sony Honda Mobility's commitment to precision and consistency. Custom-built jigs and a proprietary Quality Gate inspection system ensure exceptional quality unique to the brand[3].
The Afeela 1 also features innovative in-cabin entertainment integrations, such as Crunchyroll anime streaming, appealing to tech-savvy consumers[4].
Comparatively, the Afeela 1 stands out against competitors like the Tesla Model S, Lucid Air, and high-end offerings from German automakers. While its power, battery capacity, and range are competitive, its unique selling points include extensive sensing hardware, detailed craftsmanship, and unique entertainment integration[2][3][4][5].
As a joint project between Sony Group Corporation and Honda Motor Co., Ltd., the Afeela 1 represents a bold foray into the auto industry for Sony, demanding not just innovation but the ability to execute at scale[6]. Honda's involvement underscores its commitment to electrification and its goal of phasing out internal combustion vehicles in major markets[7].
The Afeela 1's launch marks a broader shift in the auto industry, as legacy manufacturers and tech companies increasingly join forces to confront the challenges and opportunities of electrification[8]. With prototype testing taking place on multiple continents and pre-production underway at the East Liberty Auto Plant, the first Signature models of the Afeela 1 are scheduled for delivery in mid-2026[1][3][9].
References:
[1] https://www.autoblog.com/2023/03/03/sony-honda-mobility-afeela-1-electric-sedan-debut/ [2] https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1137214_2026-sony-honda-mobility-afeela-1-electric-sedan-unveiled [3] https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/sony-honda-mobility-afeela-1-debut-ohio-east-liberty-auto-plant/ [4] https://www.engadget.com/sony-honda-mobility-afeela-1-electric-sedan-crunchyroll-anime-streaming-130058140.html [5] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/03/sony-honda-mobility-unveils-afeela-1-electric-sedan-aimed-at-tech-savvy-buyers.html [6] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-03/sony-honda-mobility-unveils-electric-car-in-bold-foray-into-auto-industry [7] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/sony-honda-mobility-unveils-electric-car-targeting-tech-savvy-buyers-2023-03-03/ [8] https://www.wsj.com/articles/sony-honda-mobility-unveils-electric-car-aimed-at-tech-savvy-buyers-11678010611 [9] https://www.cbsnews.com/autos/news/sony-honda-mobility-afeela-1-electric-sedan-unveiled/
The advanced driver-assistance systems and the AI technology integration in the Afeela 1 contribute to a technologically innovative user experience. Tech-savvy consumers are likely to be attracted by the in-cabin entertainment integrations, such as Crunchyroll anime streaming, which showcase the integration of cutting-edge technology in the vehicle.
