Sony Honda Mobility ends Afeela EV project as Honda refocuses EV strategy

Sony Honda Mobility (SHM), a joint venture between Sony and Honda established in 2022, has cancelled its Afeela-branded electric vehicles. This move follows Honda's recent change in global electric vehicle strategy, which included scrapping its 0 Series SUV and sedan just months before their planned US production.

Key Highlights

• Sony Honda Mobility cancels Afeela EVs after Honda shifts electric car strategy
• Afeela 1 sedan bookings opened in California with prices starting near 90000 USD
• SHM to refund all Afeela 1 bookings and cancels planned SUV launch

Key Reasons for Afeela EV Cancellation

Honda's reassessment of its electrification plans led to the decision. According to an official statement, SHM can no longer use certain technologies and assets that Honda originally intended to provide. Without these resources, SHM determined it could not bring the Afeela models to market as planned.

The Afeela 1 sedan, SHM's debut electric vehicle, was first shown in January 2024 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Bookings for the Afeela 1 opened in January 2025 in California, with prices starting just under 90,000 USD (Rs 84.71 lakh). SHM set up multiple showrooms in the US and established a production line for the Afeela 1 at Honda’s East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio. The initial launch was scheduled for 2026.

Afeela 1 Features and Refunds

The Afeela 1 sedan featured a 91kWh battery and a dual-motor powertrain producing 475hp. It offered a claimed range of up to 482 km. The car included advanced technology such as an end-to-end dashboard screen, cameras replacing traditional mirrors, autonomous driving features, a conversational AI assistant, and PlayStation Remote Play integration for in-car gaming.

SHM is expected to issue full refunds to customers who booked the Afeela 1. The company had also revealed a prototype of its second model, a coupe SUV, at CES 2026. This SUV was planned for a 2028 US launch, but those plans have now been cancelled.

Future of Sony Honda Mobility

The future of the SHM joint venture remains uncertain. Sony, Honda, and SHM have agreed to review the business direction of the partnership. The three companies will continue discussions and evaluate the future of SHM. They plan to announce the joint venture's future direction, long-term positioning, and potential contributions to mobility as soon as possible.

Conclusion

The cancellation of the Afeela EV line marks a turning point for both Sony and Honda, signaling a deeper reassessment of their roles in the evolving EV landscape. While disappointing for enthusiasts, Honda’s renewed focus on core electric technology and sustainability could pave the way for more refined and future-ready vehicles in the coming years.