Afeela EV From Sony-Honda is Getting Closer to Production; An Updated Prototype was Shown Off

The updated Afeela electric sedan prototype was unveiled at CES 2024 by Sony Honda Mobility, a joint venture between the tech giant and the Japanese automaker. The most recent prototype appears to be a sneak peek at the road-going model, with an updated design that suggests the electric vehicle is getting closer to production. The vehicle is anticipated to be available for purchase in 2026.

Among the most obvious design updates are a redesigned front bumper and an elongated nose with a built-in digital display. Sleek headlamps sit under an illuminated strip, to either side of the digital display. The revised prototype has conventional side mirrors and thicker pillars. It is anticipated that the taillights and rear bumper will also be updated.

The sedan's dimensions have also been updated in addition to the design changes. The car's dimensions have increased; it is now 4,915 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,460 mm tall, with a 3,000 mm wheelbase. This indicates that the new prototype is 20 mm longer than the old one. The wheelbase, height, and width, however, are unchanged.

Once inside the cabin, the car doesn't change from the previous prototype. There is, however, a new center console that has two wireless smartphone chargers. A newly designed rearview mirror and a somewhat altered steering wheel are two more interior features.

Powered by a PS5 Controller

An intriguing demonstration at CES 2024 was the Afeela electric sedan being operated by a POS5 controller. Yasuhide Mizuno, CEO of Sony Honda Mobility Inc., drove the EV onto the stage using a PS5 controller to demonstrate the car's software-defined nature before discussing the in-car software experience.

What’s moving the car?

With an all-wheel drive setup, the Afeela electric sedan is propelled by two electric motors. Accordingly, all four wheels receive power from the electric motors installed in the front and rear axles. Since the maximum power output of each of these electric motors is 241 bhp, the car should be able to produce up to 482 bhp in total. An array of 91 kWh lithium-ion batteries powers the electric motors. The Afeela sedan's powertrain has not been extensively disclosed by Sony Honda Mobility, but it has been confirmed that the EV will be able to charge at both 11 kW Level 2 and 150 kW DC fast rates.

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