Summary
- Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) debuts the AFEELA 1 pre-production model at CES 2026, with US deliveries starting late this year
- A second, world-premiere “AFEELA Prototype 2026” is unveiled, targeting a 2028 market launch
- The vehicles will feature Snapdragon Digital Chassis architecture and AI-driven interactive “Personal Agents”
Sony Honda Mobility has officially confirmed that its highly anticipated EV, the AFEELA 1, will begin customer deliveries in California by late 2026. Ahead of the CES 2026 Las Vegas showcase, SHM outlined a roadmap that integrates Sony’s entertainment prowess with Honda’s manufacturing legacy. The announcement also included the surprise world premiere of the AFEELA Prototype 2026, a second model designed for greater spatial flexibility, slated for a 2028 production run.
The AFEELA 1 serves as the flagship for SHM’s “Intelligent Drive” philosophy. Utilizing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis, the vehicle is built on a next-gen E/E architecture that supports Level 2+ and future Level 4-equivalent autonomous capabilities. The interior is designed as a sanctuary of immersion, featuring an “Immersive Audio” system and PS Remote Play integration, effectively turning the backseat into a high-fidelity gaming lounge.
Beyond hardware, SHM is launching the “AFEELA Co-Creation Program,” an open-source initiative allowing developers to create bespoke in-vehicle themes and apps via Android-based APIs. This ecosystem is further supported by a new on-chain mobility service platform, which uses token-based incentives to reward creators and users alike. Visually, the pre-production AFEELA 1 remains sleek and minimalist, appearing in “Calm White,” “Tidal Gray,” and “Core Black” palettes that emphasize its tech-forward, understated aesthetic.
By merging AI-driven personal agents with a gaming-grade cockpit, AFEELA is suggesting that the next generation of EVs will be defined by software, not just horsepower.
