Sony and Honda Halt Afeela EV Project and Refund Reservations

Sony Honda Mobility has officially canceled development of the Afeela 1 electric sedan, marking a significant setback for the joint venture between Sony and Honda. The decision follows Honda’s broader move to scale back its EV plans in North America.

The cancellation also halts work on a planned SUV, effectively pausing the venture’s initial product roadmap.

Afeela 1 program canceled following Honda EV strategy shift

Sony Honda Mobility confirmed it is discontinuing the Afeela 1, which had been expected to launch first in California.

The move comes shortly after Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced it would cancel the development and launch of three EV models planned for U.S. production, reshaping its electrification strategy, according to Car and Driver.

The Afeela 1 was set to be built in Ohio, leveraging Honda’s manufacturing footprint, but those plans are no longer moving forward.

The joint venture also confirmed that it will refund customers who placed reservations for the vehicle ahead of its planned debut.

Joint venture pauses EV ambitions amid broader industry shifts

Sony Honda Mobility, formed by Sony Group Corporation and Honda, had positioned Afeela as a technology-focused EV brand combining automotive engineering with advanced software and entertainment features.

However, Honda’s decision to reassess its EV investments amid changing market conditions appears to have directly impacted the project.

The cancellation underscores the broader challenges facing automakers, including rising costs, shifting demand, and evolving policy environments, which have led several companies to delay or cancel EV programs.

With both the Afeela 1 sedan and its planned SUV now halted, the future direction of the Sony Honda Mobility partnership remains uncertain.

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