Sony and Honda's First EV Enters Pre-Production in Ohio
Sony Honda Mobility's first electric vehicle, the Afeela 1, has entered pre-production at Honda's East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio. Engineers at the facility are using this stage to fine-tune part fit, paint finish, and assembly precision ahead of full production, scheduled to begin in 2026. The move brings the tech-heavy sedan one step closer to market after more than two years of joint development between the two companies.
From Concept To Factory Floor
The Afeela 1 was first shown in concept form in 2023, promising an emphasis on connected technology, advanced driver assistance, and entertainment features powered by Sony's electronics expertise. The production car will be offered in two trims: Origin, starting around $89,900, and Signature, from about $102,900. Both use dual 180-kW motors for all-wheel drive, a 91-kWh battery, and target roughly 300 miles of range. Deliveries for the Signature are expected in mid-2026, with the Origin following in 2027.
High-Tech Manufacturing Goals
East Liberty, long known for building the Honda CR-V and Acura models, is integrating new assembly techniques to accommodate the sedan's unique design and sensor-laden body. Over 40 sensors, including LiDAR, will feed data to the car's driver-assist systems, while Sony's AI-based interface is designed to personalize the in-car experience. The company says pre-production allows its engineers to validate these systems in a real-world manufacturing environment before the first customer cars roll off the line. Reservations in California are already open for $200 deposits, as detailed in our earlier coverage of whether the Afeela 1 can compete with Tesla.
Market Context And Challenges
Honda's EV strategy has been under close scrutiny. With demand growth slowing and tariffs looming on some imported models, the automaker is re-evaluating parts of its electric rollout. Those considerations affect its U.S. plants as well, making the Afeela 1's success an important test case for the partnership's future. As noted in our recent report on how Honda is shifting gears on EVs, the company is trying to balance ambitious technology projects with shifting consumer demand and cost pressures.
Looking Ahead
The Afeela 1 is positioned for the premium EV market, where established players and new entrants are vying for buyers who expect both cutting-edge tech and top-tier build quality. Pre-production in Ohio is the clearest sign yet that Sony Honda Mobility is confident in its manufacturing readiness, though the next year will determine if the project can meet its ambitious timelines and performance promises.
Sony and Honda's First EV Enters Pre-Production in Ohio first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 11, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
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