Honda’s decision to cancel three upcoming EVs that were just months away from the start of production in the US—the 0 SUV, 0 Sedan and Acura RSX—has sent shockwaves through the industry, and there might be some aftershocks as well.
Remember the Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) joint venture between Sony Group Corporation and Honda Motor Company established in 2022 to produce battery electric vehicles under the Afeela brand? Well, in light of Honda’s recent EV pullback, the fate of the tech-laden Afeela 1 electric sedan, which entered the pre-production phase in August 2025 at Honda’s East Liberty factory in Ohio, is now hanging in the balance.
Sony and Honda to Discuss How This Affects Their Joint Venture
In a statement provided to The Drive by Sony Honda Mobility, PR director Akiko Itoga said the joint venture company is aware of Honda’s decision, adding that both parent companies will hold discussions on how this affects the Afeela project.
“Sony Honda Mobility is aware of Honda Motor’s decision to pause its EV business in North America. Our parent companies, Sony Group Corporation and Honda, will hold discussions on how this affects SHM, therefore there is no more information that we can speak to at this moment. We are operating as usual. We will keep you informed when we have more news.“
This doesn’t sound like good news for SHM, which appears to find itself in the difficult position of not having a contingency plan. The Afeela 1 luxury electric sedan, which is pitched as a competitor for the Tesla Model S, Lucid Air, BMW i5, Mercedes-Benz EQE and the like, is based on the same platform that was supposed to underpin Honda’s canned 0 Sedan and 0 SUV. It’s also scheduled to enter production next door to the Marysville plant, the site that should have handled production of the trio of Honda and Acura EVs.
Even if Honda is bound by strong contractual obligations to Sony—and we imagine it is—it’s hard to believe that it would continue investing in the 0 Series platform after deciding to axe three of its own models underpinned by the same architecture. After all, Honda said it expected to take a $15.7 billion hit on its electric vehicle business after canceling its three EVs so late during development, but it remains to be seen whether that huge sum also accounts for Afeela 1 sedan-related expenses.
Afeela 1: Key Things to Know
Sony Honda Mobility
The Afeela 1 electric sedan is in a more advanced stage than the 0 Series EVs, with SHM’s website currently showing that deliveries of the first cars to customers are scheduled to start before the end of this year in California with the Afeela 1 Signature launch model, while the “base” Afeela 1 Origin will follow in 2027. SHM even showcased a crossover SUV prototype as a potential second model at CES 2026.
The Afeela 1 is a technological tour de force designed as a “rolling entertainment hub” thanks to the deep integration of Sony’s gaming (PlayStation) and audio (a 28-speaker sound system) tech, a full-width digital dash that integrates 3D maps and immersive media capabilities, an AI-driven personal assistant, and advanced AI-driven Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities powered by 40 sensors (including cameras, radar and LiDAR).
The sedan features a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain with around 500 hp that enables a 0-60 mph time of around 4.2 seconds. Power comes from a 91-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that enables a targeted EPA-estimated range of approximately 300 miles. Prices start from $89,900 for the Afeela 1 Origin model and $102,900 Signature.
It all sounds promising and it would be a shame if the Afeela 1 project didn’t go through after six years of development. It would also be a painful blow to Sony, another tech giant that wants to build cars. We sure hope it won’t share the same fate as Apple’s ‘Project Titan’ car.
