Sony‑Honda EV pullback

Sony Honda Mobility on March 25, 2026 announced it will discontinue development and the planned market launch of its AFEELA 1 and a second AFEELA model. (shm-afeela.com) The company said it will issue full refunds of reservation fees for current AFEELA 1 reservation holders in California. (shm-afeela.com) The AFEELA 1 had been priced to start at $89,900 with a fully refundable $200 reservation deposit, and SHM had slated production in an Ohio plant with first deliveries targeted for mid‑2026. (shm-afeela.com) The pullback follows Honda’s March 12, 2026 reassessment that cancelled three EV models planned for North America. (global.honda) Honda also flagged potential charges of up to ¥2.5 trillion (about $15.7 billion) as a result of that strategic shift, a disclosure made public earlier in March. (cnbc.com) SHM said it could not “identify a viable path forward” after Honda’s change in strategy curtailed access to certain technologies and production assets, and both parent companies said they will review SHM’s business direction. (shm-afeela.com) The AFEELA 1 package—advertised with roughly 40 sensors (18 cameras, one LiDAR, nine radars, 12 ultrasonics), an EPA‑estimated ~300‑mile range, dual motors and about 483 hp—will not reach customers as planned. (shm-afeela.com) Industry coverage describes the move as leaving the Sony‑Honda JV without a near‑term product and says both companies will "continue discussions" and reassess the venture, with further details to be provided at the earliest possible opportunity. (bloomberg.com)