Sony Honda Mobility has canceled both the Afeela 1 sedan and Afeela 2 SUV, according to Sony and Honda. The joint venture formed to create a premium, technology-focused EV brand made the announcement today.
The decision comes after Honda scrapped its own Series 0 EV platform at the last minute. Both Afeela models were set to be built at Honda’s East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio.
The Afeela 1 was already in pre-production. Its SUV counterpart was scheduled to launch by 2028.
Market Changes Drive Cancellation
SHM cited “changes to the EV market” as the primary reason for killing both vehicles. Honda’s decision to cancel its entire Series 0 lineup – including the Acura RSX and Honda 0 Series sedan and SUV – left the Afeela project without its foundation.
The Series 0 vehicles were designed around Honda’s software-defined, EV-only architecture. Both Afeela models relied on Honda’s technologies and assets from this platform.
Without Honda’s dedicated EV platform, SHM couldn’t move forward with production.
Performance Specs Fall Short
Both Afeela models were planned with a 482bhp twin-motor setup. A 91kWh lithium-ion battery would have provided roughly 300 miles of range.
The 150kW fast-charging capability was modest compared to competitors.
BMW’s iX3, launched earlier this year, offers 400kW charging speeds and up to 500 miles of range. The Afeela 2 would have competed directly against the iX3, along with the BMW i3, Volvo EX60, and upcoming Polestar 2.
Sony’s technology was set to be the standout feature. The Afeela models would have included hands-free, eyes-off driving capabilities developed by the electronics giant.
Honda’s Broader EV Struggles
Honda acknowledged its challenges when announcing the Series 0 cancellation. The company admitted “it was unable to deliver products that offer value for money better than that of newer EV manufacturers, resulting in a decline in competitiveness.”
The automaker couldn’t match the rapid development pace in the EV sector. Chinese manufacturers have particularly pressured traditional automakers with competitive pricing and advanced software-defined vehicle technology.
Honda’s inability to develop its own competitive SDV platform ultimately doomed the project.
The cancellation of Honda’s EV project cost an estimated $15.7 billion USD – roughly £11.8 billion. This represents one of the largest automotive project write-offs in recent years.
The partnership between Sony and Honda had promised to combine Honda’s manufacturing expertise with Sony’s entertainment and technology capabilities. That vision now remains unrealized as both companies reassess their EV strategies.
