The electric car venture between Sony and Honda, known as the Afeela series, is officially over.

      Sony Honda Mobility has halted the Afeela 1 and its successor, marking another significant blow in the electric vehicle market.

      Sony and Honda's joint aspiration to introduce an electric vehicle has now ended. The partnership, Sony Honda Mobility, has revealed that it is no longer pursuing the Afeela 1 electric vehicle, and plans for a subsequent model have also been scrapped.

      What led to the cancellation of the Afeela?

      The joint venture stated that due to Honda's reevaluation of its electric vehicle electrification strategy, “SHM will not be able to utilize certain technologies and assets originally intended to be provided by Honda during SHM’s initial business planning.” Consequently, SHM concluded that there was no feasible way to market the models as initially intended.

      Earlier this month, Honda disclosed that it is adjusting its EV strategy, and the restructuring efforts will cost the company approximately $15.7 billion. This shift represents the first time in Honda’s history that it is facing a financial loss. Despite significant investments in electric vehicle research and development, electric cars constituted only 2.5% of its global sales by 2025.

      Not entirely unexpected

      SHM is not the only automaker to reevaluate its electric vehicle goals. Ford recently announced losses of over $19 billion as part of its revised EV strategy. Similarly, Ferrari postponed its electric supercar until 2028, while Porsche also delayed its EV initiatives and abandoned a much-anticipated battery project. The Afeela was a highly promoted endeavor, showcased at various public events, and its cancellation further raises concerns about the current state of the EV market.

      The joint venture intends to refund the reservation fees to those who had pre-ordered the now-cancelled vehicle. Meanwhile, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers continue to thrive, with BYD surpassing Tesla as the leading EV brand globally, and its innovative technology, including megawatt charging stations and advanced batteries, has outpaced its Western competitors.

      Rachit is an experienced tech journalist with over seven years of experience in the consumer technology sector.

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