Sony Honda Mobility is gearing up for a groundbreaking entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market, expanding its lineup beyond the previously showcased Afeela sedan. According to a recent Nikkei Asia report, the company plans to introduce an electric SUV in 2027, followed by an affordable compact car in 2028.
All three models, including the Afeela sedan, are set to utilize the same platform, a strategic move aimed at reducing costs and expediting development. The Afeela sedan, announced in 2022, is scheduled for a 2025 debut under Sony Honda Mobility’s joint venture, with pre-orders starting in the same year. U.S. deliveries are anticipated to commence in 2026, featuring a targeted base price equivalent to $66,400.
The upcoming SUV and compact car are also expected to make their way to the U.S. market, further diversifying Sony Honda Mobility’s EV portfolio. The compact car, approximately the size of the current Honda Civic, will reportedly share components with a new generation of independently developed Honda EVs, slated for arrival in 2026.
While Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe highlighted shared components between Afeela and Honda’s next-gen EVs, specific features will set the Afeela apart, enhancing its overall value. The move to a shared platform is anticipated to streamline production and contribute to economies of scale, potentially addressing challenges in achieving profitability for affordable compact EVs.
The report does not specify the assembly locations for the upcoming SUV and compact car. However, the initial Afeela sedan will be manufactured in Ohio at an existing Honda plant, part of Honda’s broader $700 million investment to transform Ohio facilities into an EV production hub, complemented by a nearby Honda-LG joint battery plant.
At CES in January, Afeela showcased an updated version of the sedan, emphasizing a “digital platform for co-creation” that integrates third-party apps and services, showcasing Sony’s commitment to innovation in the EV space.