Sony and Honda unveil the first prototype of Afeela, their brand of electric cars, with Qualcomm chips and Epic games

Nearly two years ago, Sony wowed CES attendees with possibly its most impressive debut since the launch of the first PlayStation: its very own electric car. Still in the conceptual phase, the Vision-S explored the Japanese manufacturer’s idea of ​​what an emission-free and semi-autonomous car should be, using sensors and technologies that we know in part from their contribution to the telephone industry. Today this car is closer to becoming a reality.

The prototype discovered today has been developed in collaboration with Honda, which fulfills the role of industrial partner, and will constitute, together with Sony, half of a new automobile brand: Afeela. This first vehicle bears a strong resemblance to the 2020 Vision-S, but on a design level it is better defined as a product, to the point that it almost looks like a production vehicle.

So much so that Sony Honda Mobility Inc. (SHM), the joint venture that will manufacture it, will begin accepting reservations in the first half of 2025, with a view to delivering the first units in early 2026 in the United States.

The Afeela prototype, which does not even have a proper name as such, integrates a total of 45 cameras and sensors inside and outside the vehicle, facilitating guided driving and comfort features. They also make augmented reality navigation and driver recognition possible, adjusting parameters such as sound and internal car settings automatically.

Where Sony does not arrive, Qualcomm appears. The American firm will contribute its Snapdragon Digital Chassis automotive platform to manage aspects related to driving assistance (autonomous level 3 at times and level 2+ in urban use), as well as the human-machine interface. He is not the only prominent partner. Epic also appears in the photo, in its case to create “a new value in mobility and entertainment services”, for which it will develop unprecedented entertainment concepts.

SHM has not yet provided any information regarding the vehicle’s performance, so all we can do is stare at the promotional materials as it unravels its details over the next few months.