Uncertainty Grows Around Sony-Honda Afeela EV After Honda Pulls Back on U.S. Electric Plans
Recent changes to Hondas electric car plans in North America are raising questions about the future of the upcoming Afeela 1 sedan.
This week Honda confirmed it is canceling three planned electric car models that were expected to be made in the United States. This decision surprised people especially since the first model was scheduled to launch later this year. Now everyone is talking about the Afeela project, a sedan developed by Sony Honda Mobility a company backed by Sony Group Corporation and Honda.
The Afeela 1 is still expected to be assembled at Hondas facility in East Liberty, Ohio. However with Honda scaling back its electric car plans people are wondering if the project could face delays or reduced production.
A spokesperson for Sony Honda Mobility said the company knows about Hondas decision and that both parent companies will review how the change may affect their venture. For now the company says everything is business as usual.
Honda has spent the two years upgrading its Ohio manufacturing network, including plants in East Liberty, Marysville and Anna to support a flexible production system. This system can build gasoline, hybrid and electric vehicles on the lines. This flexibility could allow the Afeela 1 to proceed even as Honda focuses more on hybrids and conventional models.
The outlook for the premium sedan remains uncertain. The Afeela 1 is expected to deliver around 400 horsepower and 300 miles of driving range with a starting price of about $90,000. Its best features are expected to be its tech interior and advanced driver-assistance features.
The electric car market is growing slower than expected. The success of the Afeela 1 may depend on whether buyers are willing to pay luxury car prices for a technology-focused electric sedan, like the Afeela 1.
