Sony supplied an replace on the 2026 Afeela electrical sedan being co-developed with Honda at CES 2024, however solely briefly, and solely after half-hour or so of debate in regards to the firm’s media and gaming efforts.
That properly summarized Sony’s priorities. Sony Honda Mobility, the enterprise entity created to deliver the Afeela model to market, is making clear that the model’s EVs might be a platform for apps and leisure. One of many subjects mentioned within the press convention was a “digital platform for co-creation” that can permit app builders to simply run third-party apps and providers on Afeela infotainment methods.
Afeela electrical sedan prototype as proven at CES 2024
The vehicles will even embrace a “conversational private agent” utilizing AI from Microsoft, and options that fuse the digital with actuality from Polyphony Digital, the sport studio that produces “Gran Turismo”—one of many high Sony PlayStation titles.
In one more tie-in to its gaming enterprise, an Afeela prototype was pushed onstage at Sony’s press convention with a PlayStation 5 controller. That is only for present, however Sony mentioned the manufacturing Afeela EVs can have driver-assist methods knowledgeable by AI.
Nevertheless, the Afeela prototype was basically as offered at CES a 12 months in the past. We seen some visible modifications—aspect mirrors now wanting U.S.-spec, plus entrance and rear particulars showing just about production-ready—however the inside is identical, full with a steering yoke.
Afeela electrical sedan prototype as proven at CES 2024
Sony confirmed that no important modifications had been made, however mentioned the automotive will cost at as much as 150 kw. That can possible be no vanguard by the point it arrives in 2026.
Sony first hinted at EV plans with its Imaginative and prescient S idea, which was unveiled at CES 2020. It later adopted that up with the Imaginative and prescient S-02 SUV idea, earlier than confirming the partnership with Honda in March 2022.
Later that 12 months, Sony and Honda confirmed that the manufacturing model of the Afeela sedan can be U.S.-built, and would arrive in 2026. Sony hasn’t but instructed whether or not a manufacturing SUV akin to the Imaginative and prescient S-02 idea is U.S.-bound, although.
