Sony and Honda stunned audiences eventually 12 months’s CES by saying the collectively established electrical car 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 introduced 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 have 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 facet mirrors as a substitute of the rear-facing cameras of the unique present automobile. The inside basically 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 virtually 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 lead to 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 situated across the car, 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 will even be constructed up round Afeela’s automobiles. In line with the model, it desires an setting the place creators and builders can freely develop functions and providers that run within the automobiles, very similar to how third-party apps are developed for cellphones.
Order books for the Afeela sedan will open in 2025. Honda can be accountable for manufacturing, which can be dealt with at a plant in North America, possible 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.
