Sony Honda Mobility, the joint venture between Sony and Honda, has decided to pull the plug on its Afeela electric vehicle project. The move comes after Honda recently revised its global EV strategy, which also led to the cancellation of its upcoming 0 Series models.
According to an official statement, the change in Honda’s direction meant that certain technologies and support promised earlier would no longer be available. As a result, Sony Honda Mobility found it difficult to continue with the Afeela lineup as originally planned.
The first model, the Afeela 1, was expected to launch in 2026. It had already generated interest, with bookings opening in early 2025, especially in the US market. The company has confirmed that all customers who made bookings will receive full refunds.
The Afeela 1 stood out mainly for its strong focus on technology. It featured a large, full-width display across the dashboard, advanced driver assistance systems, and even entertainment options like PlayStation integration. On the performance side, it was equipped with a dual-motor setup producing around 475hp, paired with a 91kWh battery offering a claimed range of over 480km.
Sony Honda Mobility had also showcased a second Afeela model earlier this year. This coupe-SUV concept was planned for a 2028 launch, but those plans have now been dropped as well.
The bigger question now is the future of the joint venture itself. Both companies have said they will review the direction of Sony Honda Mobility and evaluate what comes next. With the EV market evolving quickly, it remains to be seen whether the partnership will return with a new strategy or take a different path altogether.
