By Steve Laser
Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) has cancelled plans to launch two AFEELA brand electric vehicles. The first model, called AFEELA 1 (below), was expected to start deliveries in California later this year, while a second unnamed model, with SUV-like styling, was planned for release around 2028.
The news comes less than two weeks after Honda’s separate announcement that it is cancelling plans to build Honda O Series EVs and Acura RSX EV. The Honda, Acura, and AFEELA models were all planned to be built at Honda’s East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio.
“Since its establishment in September 2022, SHM has aimed to develop and sell high value-added mobility products and to provide mobility-related services by combining the technologies, expertise, and development capabilities of Sony and Honda.” SHM said in a prepared news release issued in Tokyo on March 25, 2026.
Highlighting the reasons for the cancellation, SHM said: “However, as a result of Honda’s reassessment of its automobile electrification strategy announced on March 12, 2026, SHM will not be able to utilize certain technologies and assets that were originally planned to be provided by Honda at the time of SHM’s initial business planning. In light of this change, SHM has determined that it does not have a viable path forward to bring the Models to market as originally planned.”
AFEELA 1 Revisited
The sleek AFEELA 1 was planned to be offered in two trim levels, called Origin and Signature. The four-door hatchback with an oval design (shown in pre-production form) featured an array of advanced driver assistance systems, including AFEELA Intelligent Drive (Level 2+). The all-wheel-drive electric powertrain included two 180 kW motors, 91 kWh Lithium-ion batteries, DC charging up to 150 kW, a NACS charging port, and an estimated range of up to 300 miles.
Inside, AFEELA 1 offered extensive high-tech features, including AFEELA Personal Agent, panoramic screens with 3D maps, immersive entertainment selections, spatial sound system, a yoke-style steering wheel, and 5G connectivity. A rear entertainment system with two screens was planned for the Signature trim. SHM said that AFEELA 1 was anticipated to be equipped with a total of 40 sensors, including 18 cameras, 1 LiDAR, 9 radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
AFEELA Prototype 2026 Revisited
The unnamed second AFEELA model made its debut at CES® 2026. Sharing a family resemblance with AFEELA 1, the Prototype featured a taller roofline, SUV-inspired styling, and a more spacious interior environment. With an anticipated launch around 2028, further details were expected to be announced. However, like the AFEELA 1, this second model has also been cancelled.
Note: Prototype vehicles are shown in this story. Sony Honda Mobility has cancelled production plans for AFEELA 1 and a second unnamed model.
News source and photos courtesy of Sony Honda Mobility Inc.
Story (commentary) 2026 by CarNichiWa.com