The Sony Honda Mobility electric car startup has pulled the plug on the Ohio-built Afeela electric car it planned to launch late this year.
The move follows Honda’s recent decision to cancel its own U.S.-based electric car program, which was set to provide the platform for the joint-venture.
“As a result of Honda’s reassessment of its automobile electrification strategy announced on March 12, 2026, SHM will not be able to utilize certain technologies and assets that were originally planned to be provided by Honda at the time of SHM’s initial business planning,” Sony Honda Mobility said in a news release.
“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.”
The automaker defined itself as a mobility tech company with a focus on designing electric cars packed with entertainment, artificial intelligence and autonomous driving features. The production Afeela 1 four-door hatchback car was unveiled at CES in 2025 with a $89,900 starting price and a 300-mile driving range and a SUV followed this year with a 2028 target launch date.
Sony Honda Mobility itself remains in operation and said it “will continue discussions with Sony and Honda regarding its future business plans.”
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