Sony Honda Mobility, SHM, has officially unveiled its inaugural EV, the Afeela 1, at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. This marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between Sony and Honda, aiming to redefine mobility by integrating advanced technology with automotive engineering.
Design and Features
The Afeela 1 boasts a sleek, minimalist design, emphasizing harmony and universality. The interior incorporates eco-friendly materials, including plant-based and recycled components, underscoring SHM’s commitment to sustainability. A standout feature is the “Media Bar,” an exterior display that facilitates interactive communication between the vehicle and its surroundings, enhancing user engagement.
Performance and Specifications
The Afeela 1 is available in two trims: the Afeela 1 Origin, starting at $89,900, and the Afeela 1 Signature, priced at $102,900. Both models come with a complimentary three-year subscription that includes Level 2+ driver assist and AI-powered personal assistant features. The vehicle offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 300 miles and supports Tesla’s Supercharger network, ensuring convenience for long-distance travel.
Production and Availability
Manufacturing is slated to commence at Honda’s advanced facility in Ohio, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026 for the Signature trim and 2027 for the Origin trim. Preorders are currently open exclusively for California residents, requiring a refundable $200 deposit. SHM plans to expand availability to other markets following the initial launch phase.
AFEELA Intelligent Drive
The AFEELA Intelligent Drive utilizes SHM’s proprietary ADAS, which employs 40 onboard sensors—including cameras, LiDAR, radar, and ultrasonic sensors—to gather data about the vehicle’s surroundings.
It features an Electronic Control Unit, ECU, with a computing power of up to 800 TOPS, enabling sophisticated driving assistance through three key processes: Perception, Prediction, and Planning.
This system reduces the driver’s workload from departure to parking, visualizing the monitored environment and driving conditions on the display using Unreal Engine technology.
AFEELA Personal Agent
This interactive personal agent allows drivers to control various in-car functions through natural dialogue. Beyond controlling vehicle features, users can engage in conversations with the agent and receive suggestions for activities. The communication is tailored to each driver, enhancing comfort and entertainment during travel.
Entertainment-Optimized Interior Space
The cabin is designed under the concept of “Mobility as a Creative Entertainment Space,” featuring unique sound systems and displays tailored for each seat. Passengers can enjoy a variety of apps and content from entertainment partners. The vehicle incorporates SHM’s noise-canceling technology to ensure a quiet environment, complemented by strategically placed speakers using Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Technologies for an immersive audio experience.
Dynamics Performance Focused on Human-Mobility Integration
AFEELA 1 aims for seamless integration between humans and mobility, offering agile and stable handling that responds intuitively to driver input. Utilizing robotics-derived control technologies, it integrates motor, brake, and suspension systems for optimal ride comfort across various terrains while providing soundproofing that enhances the in-car entertainment experience.
Design Pursuing Harmonious Universality
The design prioritizes passenger comfort with a concept of “Oval” enveloping the cabin. Both interior and exterior designs focus on timeless aesthetics, with smooth surfaces devoid of excessive ornamentation. The interior uses high-quality functional materials derived from plants or recycled sources for about 70% of its surface area. Additionally, recycled materials are utilized in the body steel and some chassis components.
Through these features, AFEELA 1 represents a significant step in redefining the relationship between people and mobility, combining advanced technology with a focus on user experience and sustainability.
As AFEELA 1 rolls into the future, it seems like the car is not just a mode of transport anymore—it’s your new best friend on wheels! With an intelligent personal agent that can chat with you and an entertainment system that rivals your living room, who needs a road trip buddy when your car can keep you company?
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