Major car brand axes ANOTHER electric vehicle weeks after scrapping entire EV project

Honda has confirmed that it is scrapping another flagship electric vehicle project, just weeks after axing several new zero emission cars.

Honda's partnership with technology brand Sony had planned to launch a new electric car, the Afeela 1, later this year after its unveiling in 2023.

Sony Honda Mobility announced that it would be halting production of the Afeela 1 and its second model, which was being developed.

The company had planned for the Afeela 1 to begin production this year, with initial deliveries taking place in the United States and Japan towards the end of 2026.

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Sony Honda Mobility was first established in September 2022 with the aim of developing and selling "high value-added mobility products".

In a statement confirming the cancellation of the project, it stated that the decision had been made in response to Honda's new electrification strategy.

On March 12, the Japanese manufacturer said it would cancel the development and market launch of three electric vehicles, namely the Honda 0 SUV, Honda 0 Saloon and the Acura RSX.

At the time, it did not make any mention of Sony Honda Mobility and the future of the Afeela 1 electric vehicle project.

In scrapping much of its electric vehicle development, Honda said it would record write-offs and impairment losses on tangible and intangible assets.

The Sony Honda Mobility statement continued: "In light of this change, SHM has determined that it does not have a viable path forward to bring the Models to market as originally planned.

"As a result of this decision, SHM will issue full refunds of the reservation fees received for current holders of reservations for Afeela 1 in California in the US.

"SHM will continue discussions with Sony and Honda regarding its future business plans."

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The announcement has been made just days after Sony Honda Mobility opened the Afeela Studio and Delivery Hub Torrance, in Los Angeles, California.

It stated that the Afeela 1 would be on display for "guided, in-cabin experiences", with executives, civic leaders and reservation holders able to attend.

SHM said the Torrance location was "another milestone" in expanding the brand's physical presence across Southern California.

Shugo Yamaguchi, President and CEO of SHM, said: "The Afeela Studio and Delivery Hub Torrance reflects our commitment to creating meaningful connections with both our customers and the SoCal community.

"By combining immersive experiences with a refined, personalised Afeela 1 delivery process, this space represents how we envision the future of mobility - thoughtful, human-centric, and shared."

The Afeela 1 had a starting price of $89,900 (£67,543), more than 40 sensors for road safety and an estimated range of up to 300 miles.

Honda does not currently sell any new electric cars in the UK, although it is planning to introduce the new Super-N later this year.

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