The highly anticipated AFEELA EV, a collaborative effort between Sony and Honda, is now on display for the public in Los Angeles, ahead of its scheduled release in California in 2026. This marks a significant milestone for both companies, as they bring their innovative electric vehicle to the forefront of the American market.

Sony first introduced the concept of an electric vehicle at CES 2020, a move that initially seemed surprising given the company’s roots in consumer electronics. The concept, which was announced with much fanfare, was met with skepticism. However, fast forward to today, and after several developments and a strategic partnership with Honda, Sony has confirmed that the AFEELA EV will be available in California starting next year.

Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) has chosen a unique approach to showcase the AFEELA EV, opening a dedicated space in the heart of Los Angeles at the Westfield Century City mall on Santa Monica Blvd. This location is strategically chosen, as Century City has a rich history tied to the movie industry, making it a fitting place for a high-tech, innovative vehicle.

The studio opened to the public this weekend and will remain open for the next six months, until August 1. Visitors can drop by anytime to see the vehicle and ask questions, or book a demo to experience the car’s interior and technologies. However, test drives are not yet available.

Previously, we had the opportunity to get hands-on with the AFEELA prototype at the same mall, though it was at a temporary booth rather than a dedicated space. The prototype showcased several impressive features, but there was still considerable work to be done.

As a reminder, SHM recently announced a base price of $89,900 for the AFEELA, with the option for additional subscription fees for some features after an initial 3-year period. The first available trim level, the AFEELA 1 Signature, will start at $102,900.

If you’re in Southern California and eager to see the AFEELA EV for yourself, you can visit the display anytime or book a time slot in advance for an in-car demonstration.

Electrek’s Take

I’ve been impressed with the maturity of the pace of Sony’s announcements with this vehicle. While it seemed a little pie-in-the-sky originally when they announced the concept, every year they’ve refined it and have mostly kept away from making unrealistic promises or crazy timelines unlike some other EV startups out there.

That is, until last year, when they joined the AI buzzword bandwagon which seemed like a total waste of time. Plus, the recent announcement of a $90k base price and additional suggestion of long-term subscription fees for feature use was not great to hear – but that hasn’t been finalized yet, so we’ll have to see exactly where things go from here.

There does still seem to be a lot of work to do over the course of the next year before the AFEELA’s “mid-2026” release, but things do seem to be progressing at a reasonable pace.

And, oddly enough, despite its late entry to the EV market, this is still going to be one of the first Japanese EVs available in the US. Toyota has the bZ4X (and the derivative Lexus RZ and Subaru Solterra), Nissan has the Leaf and Ariya, and Honda has the Prologue (and Acura ZDX) – which is made in partnership with GM. Meanwhile, a company known for its consumer entertainment products is going to jump into the pack with the rest of its country’s auto industry – by building a ground-up EV before some of its countrymen did so.

“I’ve been impressed with the maturity of the pace of Sony’s announcements with this vehicle. While it seemed a little pie-in-the-sky originally when they announced the concept, every year they’ve refined it and have mostly kept away from making unrealistic promises or crazy timelines unlike some other EV startups out there.”

Electrek

As the AFEELA EV approaches its release date, it will be interesting to see how it performs in the competitive American EV market. With established players like Tesla, Ford, and GM already making significant strides, Sony and Honda will need to ensure that the AFEELA offers unique features and value to stand out. The potential for additional subscription fees for features could be a double-edged sword, offering flexibility but also raising concerns about long-term costs.

The AFEELA EV’s entry into the market could also signal a shift in consumer expectations. As more companies, including tech giants, venture into the EV space, consumers may demand more innovative and integrated technologies in their vehicles. This could lead to a new era of competition, where traditional automotive companies must innovate not just in engineering but also in software and user experience.

In conclusion, the AFEELA EV represents a significant step forward for Sony and Honda, and it will be fascinating to watch how it fares in the competitive EV landscape. With its unique features and strategic partnerships, the AFEELA has the potential to make a significant impact on the American market. As we approach the release date, it will be crucial for SHM to continue refining the vehicle and addressing any concerns about pricing and subscription models.