Sony Honda Mobility announced on September 27, 2024 that it will adopt Tesla’s charging standard, NACS, for its new EV, AFEELA, scheduled for release in 2025. This will make AFEELA the first non-Tesla vehicle in Japan to be able to use Tesla’s latest ultra-fast charging facilities, V3 and V4 Superchargers.
Tesla’s Benefits of Adopting the North American Charging Standard “NACS”
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- Improved charging convenience: Tesla Superchargers boast the world’s largest charging network and account for 90% of fast chargers in Japan, allowing AFEELA users to enjoy long-distance driving with peace of mind.
- Contributing to the promotion of EV adoption: Tesla hopes to accelerate the adoption of EVs by making its charging standard open. Sony Honda Mobility also supports this initiative and will contribute to the further adoption of EVs through AFEELA.
About the new “AFEELA”
SHM announced its new brand “AFEELA,” which represents the “FEEL” that lies at the heart of the mobility experience. The company unveiled a prototype that embodies SHM’s vision of creating a new relationship between people and mobility. Development will proceed based on the prototype.
Release date of the new “AFEELA”
- North America: Pre-orders to begin in the first half of 2025, with launch later that year
- Japan: Launching in late 2026
Sony Honda Mobility will continue to utilize cutting-edge technology to provide mobility experiences that appeal to people’s senses.
New “AFEELA” Prototype Model Exterior
The prototype features thicker pillars and traditional side mirrors, with styling changes continuing further down the line. A new rear bumper, revised trunk, and updated taillights have also been spotted. In addition to the styling tweaks, the car’s dimensions have also grown, now measuring 4,915mm long, 1,900mm wide, 1,460mm high, and with a 3,000mm wheelbase.
| Specifications | Old AFEELA prototype |
New AFEELA prototype |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,895mm | 4,915mm |
| Overall width | 1,900mm | 1,900mm |
| Overall height | 1,460mm | 1,460mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,000mm | 3,000mm |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people |
New “AFEELA” updated prototype model interior
There are several updates, including a revised center console that appears to have dual wireless smartphone chargers, a slightly improved steering wheel, a new rearview mirror, and what appears to be a monitoring system.
New AFEELA equipped with Microsoft Azure OpenAI
The companies announced several other developments, including a “conversational personal agent” that will use Microsoft Azure OpenAI . While the two companies didn’t say much about it, they aim to create ” an advanced voice-enabled system that enables seamless communication through natural language and conversation-like interactions .”
Safety features of the new “AFEELA”
It provides a comfortable travel space on top of safe and secure technology. While aiming to equip the car with Level 3 autonomous driving functions under specific conditions, it is also working on developing Level 2+ driving assistance functions for a wider range of driving conditions, such as urban areas. The hardware, with a maximum computing performance of 800 TOPS, uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon Digital Chassis SoC. The current prototype is equipped with a total of 45 cameras and sensors inside and outside the vehicle. In-cabin cameras and ToF sensors inside the vehicle monitor the driver’s driving status and driving conditions, contributing to the prevention of unexpected traffic accidents.
Afila News Release
https://www.shm-afeela.com/en/news/2024-09-27
AFEELA
