Tech Sonys surprising entry into electric vehicle market The EV that's trying to give Tesla, Lucid Air a run for their money Published January 21, 2025 6:00am EST close 'CyberGuy': Sonys surprising entry into the electric vehicle market Sony and Honda's Afeela 1 EV launches with advanced tech and entertainment for $89,900. Tech expert Kurt Knutsson gives his takeaways. Sony has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with its new model, the Afeela 1. This innovative vehicle, developed in partnership with Honda, aims to redefine the driving experience by integrating advanced technology and entertainment features. Unveiled at CES 2025, the Afeela 1 is now available for preorder, marking a significant milestone in Sony's expansion beyond consumer electronics into the automotive industry.Enter the giveaway by signing up for myfree newsletter. Exterior of the Afeela 1 (Sony) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Performance and rangeEquipped with a powerful 482 hp all-wheel-drive powertrain, the Afeela 1 features a 91 kWh battery that offers an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles. It supports fast charging at 150 kW and is compatible with Tesla's Supercharger network, providing convenience for long-distance travel. Exterior of the Afeela 1 at a Tesla charging station (Sony) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)The Afeela 1 boasts an impressive array of 40 sensors and cameras, enabling Level 2+ ADAS features. These systems include lidar assistance for tasks like automated parking and real-time environmental monitoring. The vehicle's AI processing capabilities allow it to perform up to 800 trillion operations per second, paving the way for future updates that may enhance its autonomous driving capabilities. Exterior of the Afeela 1 (Sony) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)In-car technology and entertainmentSony emphasizes creating an interactive experience within the Afeela 1. The car features:An AI-powered personal assistant for voice interactionsA dashboard-length screen for navigation and entertainmentSurround sound systems utilizing Sony's 360 Reality Audio technologyMoreover, certain functionalities will be available through a subscription model after an initial three-year complimentary period. Interior of the Afeela 1 (Sony) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Design and comfortThe design of the Afeela 1 focuses on comfort and aesthetics. Its interior is crafted from high-quality materials, including plant-derived and recycled components. The cabin is optimized for entertainment, featuring strategically placed displays and noise-canceling technology to enhance the passenger experience. Interior of the Afeela 1 (Sony) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Pricing and availabilityThe Afeela 1 is available in two trims: the Origin, which starts at $89,900, and the Signature, priced at $102,900. Currently, preorders are open exclusively for California residents, requiring a refundable reservation fee of $200. The Signature variant is expected to ship in mid-2026, while the Origin will follow in 2027. Exterior of the Afeela 1 (Sony) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Kurts key takeawaysSony's entry into the electric vehicle market with the Afeela 1 represents a significant shift towards integrating technology and mobility. With its high-performance specs, advanced driver assistance systems and focus on entertainment, it aims to appeal to tech-savvy consumers looking for more than just transportation.What features are most important in an electric vehicle, and how will that affect your decision to purchase one? Let us know what you think by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com. Related Topics