Sony-Honda Afeela EV Discontinued – Big Shift in Honda’s EV Strategy

Sony and Honda have jointly announced that they are discontinuing their co-developed Afeela EV, as Honda revises its broader electric vehicle strategy. Notably, Honda has also recently shelved its O Series for the US market.
Japanese giants Sony and Honda jointly developed a new electric car under the Afeela nameplate through the Sony-Honda Mobility venture, which was established in 2022. The companies had also showcased prototype models, including the Afeela SUV and sedan, at the Japan Mobility Show.

Sony-Honda Mobility Afeela EV to be Discontinued

However, the brands have now announced that they are scrapping the development of the Afeela EV due to Honda's shift in its global electric vehicle strategy. This comes just weeks after Honda confirmed the discontinuation of its O Series EV lineup for the US market. Globally, there has been economic disruption, and many brands are re-strategising their plans. Luxury brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Lamborghini have already postponed their plans to become fully electric by 2030.
Honda, being one of the key players in the global automotive market, is also reassessing its electrification plans. The US, being one of the largest car markets, has revised its EV policies, which are now less favourable for many manufacturers. Now the Afeela EV, originally planned for the US market, has been discontinued. This car was scheduled for production this year, with a launch expected by the end of 2026. Bookings for the Afeela 1 electric car started back in January 2025 for the US market.

Afeela EV Specs

Sony and Honda had also opened multiple new showrooms for the Afeela EV. The car was expected to feature a large 91 kWh battery pack, offering a claimed range of 482 km, along with a dual-motor setup. It was also expected to bring exclusive Sony features such as PlayStation integration. The interior featured cameras, autonomous driving capabilities, and a seamless touchscreen infotainment system designed for optimal viewing angles. It also included a centre console with a dial controller.

The official statement added, "SHM will issue full refunds of the reservation fees received for current holders of reservations for AFEELA 1 in California in the U.S. SHM will continue discussions with Sony and Honda regarding its future business plans." Many global players have faced significant losses in recent years, particularly due to electrification plans. With EV timelines being pushed beyond 2030, Chinese manufacturers are likely to gain stronger dominance in this segment, while Tesla remains the only major Western player.

Source: https://www.drivespark.com/four-wheelers/2026/sony-honda-afeela-ev-discontinued-honda-ev-strategy-shift-083155.html