In a significant turn of events, the collaborative effort between Sony and Honda to produce Afeela electric vehicles (EVs) has come to an abrupt end. Following Honda's strategic reevaluation of its electrification plans, Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) has decided to discontinue the Afeela EV program. This decision was communicated through a joint press release, stating that Honda's revised strategy has “fundamentally altered” SHM’s business operations, particularly the use of technologies and assets planned for contribution by Honda.
This news comes as a disappointment, especially since SHM had recently opened order books for the Afeela 1 sedan—a luxurious, S-class-sized EV. The vehicle, initially showcased nearly three years after the establishment of SHM and almost half a decade after Sony presented its first electric sedan concept, was set to debut in mid-2026. The Afeela 1 boasted a 91kWh battery pack, promising a range of approximately 483 kilometers on a single charge. Additionally, an SUV prototype, previewed earlier this year, was also part of the Afeela lineup.
The abrupt cancellation of the Afeela series prior to its market introduction casts uncertainty over the future of the SHM joint venture itself. Sony, Honda, and SHM have affirmed their commitment to ongoing discussions regarding the venture’s future. They aim to assess SHM’s role, long-term positioning, and contributions to the evolving mobility landscape, with plans to announce a definitive direction as soon as possible.
This strategic pivot is part of a broader shift within Honda, which recently announced the discontinuation of its 0 Series SUV and sedan, along with the Acura RSX, due to shifting market conditions. However, the third model in Honda’s 0 Series—the smaller 0 Alpha SUV—remains in development, with an anticipated launch in India still on schedule.