The automotive world is buzzing with excitement as the Afeela 1 electric vehicle from Sony Honda Mobility has officially entered its pre-production phase. Taking place at Honda’s East Liberty manufacturing facility in Ohio, this milestone represents a crucial step toward bringing consumers one of the most technologically advanced electric sedans ever created.
The Afeela 1 isn’t just another electric car—it’s a complete reimagining of what modern transportation can be. Born from the collaboration between two Japanese giants, Sony and Honda, this vehicle promises to deliver an unprecedented blend of entertainment technology, artificial intelligence, and premium automotive engineering.
Current Pre-Production Activities at Honda’s Ohio Plant
Engineers and technicians are working around the clock at Honda’s East Liberty plant, meticulously crafting each pre-production unit with precision that goes far beyond typical automotive manufacturing standards. The facility, which has been producing Honda vehicles since 1989, now hosts the most advanced vehicle assembly process Honda has ever undertaken.
During this critical phase, every component is being thoroughly tested and validated. Specialized scanning equipment checks panel gaps to ensure they meet exact specifications, while engineers verify that suspension components align perfectly. The level of attention to detail is extraordinary—even the car’s unique polishing process requires hand-finishing during pre-production, though robots will handle this task once mass production begins.
Advanced Technology That Sets Afeela Apart
The Afeela 1 comes equipped with an impressive array of sensors and cameras that create a comprehensive monitoring system. With 18 cameras, 1 LiDAR unit, 9 radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, the vehicle maintains 360-degree awareness of its surroundings. This advanced sensor suite enables both Level 2 and Level 3 driver assistance capabilities.
Computing Power and AI Integration
At the heart of the Afeela 1 lies an incredibly powerful computing system capable of 800 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second). This processing power enables real-time decision-making for autonomous driving features and powers the vehicle’s sophisticated infotainment systems.
The AI-powered Personal Agent serves as a digital co-pilot, using voice commands and human-like interaction to enhance the driving experience. This system can adjust vehicle settings, provide navigation assistance, and even monitor driver alertness through the integrated Driver Monitoring Camera.
Entertainment and Interior Experience
Sony’s entertainment expertise shines through in the Afeela 1’s cabin design. The interior features a dashboard that spans from door to door, comprised entirely of screens that create an immersive digital environment. Rear passengers enjoy dedicated screens that provide access to movies, television, music, and games during travel.
Audio Excellence
The vehicle’s audio system utilizes 360-degree spatial sound technology with Dolby Atmos support and active noise cancellation. This creates a concert-hall experience within the cabin, allowing passengers to enjoy audiophile-quality sound reproduction while traveling.
Manufacturing Excellence and Quality Control
Sony Honda Mobility has established what they call the “Stargate Quality Gate”—their own inspection station that double-checks Honda’s manufacturing work before vehicles reach customers. This additional quality control layer ensures that each Afeela 1 meets the exceptionally high standards both companies demand.
The manufacturing process includes unique elements not found in typical automotive production. Each vehicle receives special polishing and sanding treatments to achieve a uniform reflective surface that mirrors the car’s environment. This attention to surface quality is necessary because the Afeela 1’s minimalist design philosophy means every imperfection would be clearly visible.
Pricing and Trim Options
| Trim Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Origin (Base) | $89,900 |
| Signature (Premium) | $102,900 |
The Origin trim features 19-inch alloy wheels and comes exclusively in Core Black, with deliveries expected in 2027. The Signature trim upgrades to 21-inch wheels, includes rear entertainment screens, and offers three color options: Tidal Gray, Calm White, and Core Black. Signature customers can expect delivery in mid-2026.
Performance Specifications
Powertrain Details
The Afeela 1 utilizes a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, with each motor producing 180 kilowatts for a combined output of 360 kilowatts (480 horsepower). This setup provides excellent traction and performance while maintaining the smooth, quiet operation expected from a premium electric vehicle.
Battery and Charging
A 91-kilowatt-hour battery pack provides an estimated 300-mile driving range, making it suitable for long-distance travel. The vehicle supports fast charging at rates up to 150 kilowatts, including compatibility with NACS (North American Charging Standard) stations, ensuring broad charging network access.
Software and Subscription Services
Both trim levels include three years of complimentary access to premium features including Afeela Intelligent Drive and the Afeela Personal Agent. After this period, customers must maintain subscriptions to continue using these advanced capabilities, reflecting the ongoing development and server costs associated with these AI-powered systems.
The infotainment system incorporates Epic Games’ Unreal Engine technology, creating gaming-quality graphics for navigation displays and entertainment applications. This partnership enables 3D rendering capabilities that bring maps and interfaces to life with unprecedented visual quality.
Production Timeline and Availability
Pre-production activities will continue throughout 2025, allowing engineers to refine manufacturing processes and address any quality concerns before mass production begins. The first customer deliveries are scheduled for mid-2026 for Signature trim customers, with Origin trim deliveries following in 2027.
Currently, reservations are available exclusively to California residents for a refundable $200 deposit. Sony Honda Mobility plans to expand availability to additional states as production capacity increases.
Market Position and Competition
The Afeela 1 positions itself as a direct competitor to luxury electric sedans including the Tesla Model S and Lucid Air. However, its focus on entertainment technology and AI integration creates a unique market position that emphasizes the digital experience alongside traditional automotive performance.
Industry analysts note that while the pricing limits the vehicle’s mass-market appeal, the Afeela 1 serves as an important technology demonstration platform for both Sony and Honda. The knowledge gained from this collaboration will likely influence future, more affordable models from both companies.
As pre-production continues at Honda’s Ohio facility, the automotive industry watches closely to see how successfully Sony and Honda can blend their respective expertise. The Afeela 1 represents more than just a new electric vehicle—it’s a glimpse into the future of transportation where entertainment, artificial intelligence, and mobility converge.
With its combination of cutting-edge technology, premium materials, and innovative manufacturing processes, the Afeela 1 is poised to establish new standards for what consumers can expect from their vehicles in the electric age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the Afeela 1 be available for purchase?
A: Signature trim deliveries begin mid-2026, while Origin trim availability starts in 2027.
Q: What happens to premium features after the three-year period?
A: Customers must maintain paid subscriptions to continue using Afeela Intelligent Drive and Personal Agent features.
Q: Can I reserve an Afeela 1 outside of California?
A: Currently, reservations are limited to California residents, with expansion planned as production increases.
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