Sony and Honda shocked audiences ultimately yr’s CES by asserting the collectively established electrical automobile model Afeela, and presenting a prototype for the model’s first mannequin, a considerably innocuous midsize sedan.
At this week’s 2024 CES in Las Vegas, Afeela offered an up to date model of the sedan prototype, one that’s extra consultant of the manufacturing model due on sale within the U.S. in 2026. The primary powertrain specs had been additionally introduced.
The visible variations between the 2 prototypes are onerous to identify, however the newest model wears new lights and fascias at each ends, plus precise aspect mirrors as a substitute of the rear-facing cameras of the unique present automobile. The inside primarily seems the identical, although, and nonetheless features a yoke-style steering wheel.
The sedan measures 193.5 inches lengthy, making it about two inches shorter than a Honda Accord however with a wheelbase that is nearly seven inches longer.
Afeela electrical sedan prototype as proven at CES 2024
Energy comes from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. Every motor is rated at 241 hp, which ought to end in spirited efficiency. The battery is a 91-kwh lithium-ion unit, and Afeela quotes DC quick charging at charges of as much as 150 kw. A variety estimate hasn’t been launched.
A high-level of self-driving functionality is deliberate, together with for city environments, with Sony to offer the imaging and sensing know-how. A complete of 45 cameras and sensors can be positioned across the automobile, together with within the cabin. Powering all of it can be Qualcomm’s Snapdragon system-on-a-chip pc, the identical pc Basic Motors will use for its upcoming Extremely Cruise automated driver-assist system.
A complete digital ecosystem can even be constructed up round Afeela’s autos. In keeping with the model, it desires an atmosphere the place creators and builders can freely develop functions and companies that run within the autos, very like how third-party apps are developed for cell phones.
Order books for the Afeela sedan will open in 2025. Honda can be chargeable for manufacturing, which can be dealt with at a plant in North America, seemingly in Ohio. An SUV is probably going additionally deliberate, as Sony had rolled out each sedan and SUV ideas previous to establishing Afeela with Honda.
