Sony has finally lifted the veil on the pricing of its highly anticipated Afeela electric vehicle, a joint venture with Honda, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025. In a major announcement, Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida revealed that the four-door Afeela EV will have a starting price of $89,900, with a higher trim version starting at $102,900.
The Afeela brand, launched in 2023, has been shrouded in mystery, with Sony and Honda gradually releasing details about the vehicle. The EV is designed to combine the reliability and manufacturing prowess of Honda with the infotainment and software capabilities of Sony. The production version of the Afeela is expected to tone down some of the more concept-like features shown in early designs, such as the lack of door handles.
One of the unique features of the Afeela EV is its focus on the interplay between software and hardware, with sensors and screens playing a starring role. The vehicle will come with a three-year complimentary subscription to certain functionality and features, although details on what these features entail are still scarce. More information about the Afeela is expected to be released on Tuesday during a separate CES press conference.
In addition to the pricing announcement, Sony also revealed that reservations for the Afeela EV are now open for customers in California. A refundable $200 fee is required to reserve the vehicle, with deliveries expected to begin in the near future. This marks a significant milestone for the Afeela brand, which has been generating buzz in the electric vehicle community for months.
The Afeela EV's pricing puts it in a competitive range with other luxury electric vehicles on the market. The starting price of $89,900 is comparable to other high-end EVs, such as the Tesla Model S and the Lucid Motors Air. However, the Afeela's unique focus on software and hardware integration may set it apart from its competitors.
The partnership between Sony and Honda is an interesting one, bringing together two companies from different industries to create a unique product. The Afeela EV's success will depend on its ability to appeal to customers looking for a luxury electric vehicle with advanced technology features. With reservations now open, it will be interesting to see how the market responds to this new entrant in the EV space.
As the electric vehicle market continues to grow and evolve, the Afeela EV's entry is a significant development. With its focus on software and hardware integration, the Afeela has the potential to shake up the industry and provide a new kind of driving experience for customers. As more details emerge about the vehicle, it will be interesting to see how it fares in the competitive EV market.