CES 2023: Sony and Honda reveal Afeela EV
Electric sedan from Sony and Honda JV to rival Tesla Model 3 and feature cutting-edge autonomous techHonda and Sony have formed a joint venture to co-develop electric cars that will be sold under a new Afeela brand.
Revealing its plans at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the newly formed Sony Honda Mobility Inc pulled the drapes off an advanced prototype sedan that will evolve into a production car.
Announcing that Afeela would begin taking pre-orders in 2025, Sony Honda Mobility Inc said sales would initially be focused on the North American market when deliveries begin in 2026.
The four-door sedan is said to represent a “new relationship between people and mobility”, and although no further details have been released, it looks to be a rival for cars like the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai IONIQ 6.
The Afeela sedan has sleek, curvy lines, no door handles, digital rear-view mirrors and large 21-inch wheels.
The cabin is dominated by a ‘media bar’ that is said to be capable of interacting with people and other vehicles.
Measuring 4895mm long, 1900mm wide and standing 1460mm tall, the Afeela is 201mm longer, 51mm wider and 17mm taller than the Tesla Model 3.
It’s not known what platform the Afeela sits on, but double front-wishbone and a multi-link rear suspension hint at a decent drive.
Inside, there should be lots of space for up to five occupants, while a panoramic roof adds lots of light.
As well as the front media bar that stretches across the dash and consists of at least four screens, rear passengers get a pair of touch-screen monitors to access the infotainment system.
Instead of a traditional steering wheel, there’s a yoke-like tiller that uses steer-by-wire tech to pivot the front wheels.
Other new tech included is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis technology that combines artificial technology and around 45 cameras and sensors to provide Level 3 autonomous driving.
In geofenced locations, that should allow the Afeela sedan to drive itself while occupants watch a movie, browse the internet or read.
Next-gen augmented reality and cloud data will also be part of the Afeela’s tech armoury, with Sony Honda Mobility Inc teaming up with Epic Games to potentially explore gaming-on-the-move opportunities.
More details concerning the powertrain, costs and whether or not right-hand drive markets like Australia will be on the menu is yet to be announced.
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