The buzz around the Sony Honda Mobility AFEELA EV has been growing for years, and at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the anticipation reached a fever pitch. Finally, we got a near-complete look at the AFEELA 1, the electric vehicle slated to hit California roads in 2026. For those eagerly awaiting details, the most crucial piece of information has arrived: the Afeela Car Price.
Sony’s journey into the EV market began in 2020 with the VISION-S concept, initially seeming like a far-off idea. However, partnerships with Honda solidified the project, and by 2023, the name AFEELA was announced along with a target launch year. Each year at CES, Sony has provided updates, and this year’s keynote delivered the details everyone was waiting for – the Afeela car price and availability. While the keynote segment was concise, it packed in the essential details regarding cost and when you can expect to get behind the wheel.
Sony Honda Afeela EV car reveal at CES
The AFEELA 1 will come in two trims: “Origin” and “Signature”. Reservations are now open for a refundable $200 fee. The base Afeela car price for the Origin trim is set at $89,900, while the Signature trim starts at $102,900. This positions the AFEELA 1 in the premium EV market, aligning it with competitors offering advanced technology and features.
While Sony has yet to fully detail the differences between the trims, the AFEELA website offers some initial insights. The $13,000 price jump to the Signature trim includes more exterior color options and rear screens for passenger entertainment, as seen in hands-on previews of the prototype. Additionally, the Signature trim boasts a camera-based rear-view mirror and upgraded larger wheels, adding to the premium feel and features.
Afeela trim levels comparison
Perhaps the most significant difference influenced by the Afeela car price point is the release timeline. Opting for the Signature trim means earlier access, with deliveries expected in “mid 2026.” The Origin trim, despite being the base model, will only be available in 2027. It’s worth noting that the website mentions “features may vary,” suggesting that further specifications and details are still to come as the release date approaches. Potential buyers should stay tuned for a comprehensive spec sheet to fully understand what each Afeela car price entails.
Sony’s previous announcements have emphasized their expertise in software and entertainment as a core differentiator for AFEELA. They aim to create a vehicle that seamlessly integrates software to enhance both passenger entertainment and driver assistance. The “AFEELA personal agent” and advanced electronic driver aids, powered by a suite of 45 sensors for potential autonomous driving capabilities, are central to this vision.
At the CES presentation, Sony Honda Mobility CEO Yasuhide Mizuno demonstrated the “personal agent” features, showcasing voice interaction with the car via a smartphone to control its stage entrance and exit. This demo builds upon last year’s spectacle of driving the AFEELA prototype onto the stage using a PlayStation 5 controller, highlighting Sony’s playful approach to technology integration, though these demos are not confirmed production features.
It was also revealed that key features like the “personal agent” and autonomous driving functionalities will operate on a subscription basis. The AFEELA 1 includes a 3-year complimentary subscription, but post-trial pricing remains undisclosed and “subject to change.” Given the mixed public reception to subscription models in the automotive industry, particularly for features like autonomous driving, Sony may need to reassess this strategy as they approach market launch. The final Afeela car price experience will depend not only on the initial cost but also on these ongoing subscription fees.
Currently, AFEELA 1 reservations are exclusively open to California residents. This initial focus on California is a common strategy in the EV market, as California is the leading state for EV adoption and enforces stringent emissions regulations. Launching in California allows manufacturers to gain a foothold in a significant EV market and comply with environmental mandates. While Sony itself doesn’t have emissions to offset, Honda, as a traditional automaker, does benefit from EV sales in compliance-focused states.
Honda’s recent entry into the US EV market with the Prologue SUV has shown promising sales figures across various states, indicating broader market appeal beyond just California. Therefore, the California-exclusive launch of AFEELA 1 might seem somewhat unusual for both brands. Questions remain regarding the timeline for expanding reservations and sales to other states. For now, those interested in securing an AFEELA 1 at the announced Afeela car price can place a refundable $200 reservation on the AFEELA website – provided they are located in California.
For those in California eager to be among the first AFEELA owners, the announced Afeela car price and the opening of reservations mark a significant step closer to reality. As more details emerge regarding trim levels, feature specifications, and wider availability, the AFEELA 1 is shaping up to be a noteworthy entrant in the premium EV landscape.
