Sony Honda Mobility has finally announced the price of its highly anticipated AFEELA 1 EV at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), giving potential buyers a clearer picture of what to expect when the car hits the California market in 2026. After years of teasing and development, the AFEELA, previously known as the VISION-S project, is moving closer to reality, and the Afeela Car Price is a key piece of information for those eager to get behind the wheel.
Sony’s journey into the EV space began in 2020 with a surprising VISION-S concept reveal at CES. Many were skeptical, but Sony’s partnership with Honda and the subsequent rebranding to AFEELA in 2023 signaled a serious commitment. Now, with a 2026 release date and concrete Afeela car price points, the electric vehicle is generating significant buzz.
This year’s CES keynote provided another update on the AFEELA project, although with a slightly reduced focus compared to previous years. Despite a concise six-minute segment, Sony delivered crucial details, most notably the Afeela car price and availability.
The AFEELA 1 will start at a base price of $89,900 for the “Origin” trim. For those seeking more features and earlier access, the “Signature” trim is priced at $102,900. Reservations are now open for both trims at $200.
While Sony has yet to fully detail the differences between the Origin and Signature trims, the AFEELA website offers some initial insights. The $13,000 price difference for the Signature trim includes expanded color options, rear screens for passenger entertainment (as demonstrated in prototype hands-on previews), a camera-based rear-view mirror, and upgraded, larger wheels.
Perhaps the most significant distinction between the Afeela car price trims is the release timeline. The Signature trim is slated for release in “mid 2026,” while the Origin trim will follow in 2027. Interestingly, the “Origin” trim, despite its name, will not be the first to market.
The AFEELA website also indicates that “features may vary,” suggesting that further specifications and details are still to come. A full spec sheet is anticipated as the release date approaches.
Sony has consistently emphasized its software and entertainment expertise as a core differentiator for the AFEELA. The company aims to create a vehicle that seamlessly integrates software to enhance passenger entertainment and driver assistance through the “AFEELA personal agent” and advanced electronic driver aids. The car is also equipped with 45 sensors, hinting at future autonomous driving capabilities.
A demonstration at CES showcased the “personal agent” feature, with Sony Honda Mobility CEO Yasuhide Mizuno interacting with the car via his phone to command it onto and off the stage. Past demonstrations have even shown the AFEELA being controlled by a PS5 controller, although this is considered a tech demo rather than a planned production feature.
It’s important to note that Sony’s “personal agent” and autonomous driving functionalities will operate on a subscription basis. The AFEELA will include a complimentary 3-year subscription, but details regarding post-complimentary pricing remain undisclosed and “subject to change.” Given the negative consumer response to subscription models in the automotive industry, these plans could potentially evolve.
Currently, AFEELA reservations are exclusively available to California residents. This initial California-only launch is a common strategy for EV manufacturers, as California is the largest EV market in the US and has the strictest emissions regulations.
These regulations incentivize EV sales, and launching in California helps automakers comply with these standards, sometimes leading to the term “compliance car” for vehicles primarily focused on meeting regulatory requirements rather than broader market appeal.
While Sony itself doesn’t face emissions compliance pressures, Honda, as a traditional automaker, does. Honda recently entered the US EV market with the Prologue, which has shown strong sales across various states, not just California.
The rationale behind the California-centric launch for AFEELA remains somewhat unclear, considering neither Sony nor Honda appear to be solely driven by compliance needs. Inquiries have been made to Sony Honda Mobility for clarification on broader state availability timelines, and updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Reservations for the AFEELA 1, requiring a fully refundable $200 deposit, are currently open on the AFEELA website for California customers.
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