Sony’s first EV, Afeela 1, boasts wild features, but slow charging, vague performance & subscription traps raise doubts. Is it hype over substance?


Newsletter

wave

Sony and Honda just dropped the Afeela 1—a sleek, tech-loaded EV they say could challenge Tesla. But while it’s loaded with sensors, PS5 remote play, and a Dolby Atmos system, under the hood, this EV might not be as revolutionary as it looks.

The catch? Charging speed lags.

With a 150 kW peak rate, the Afeela 1 is way behind Hyundai’s 350 kW or Tesla’s 250 kW chargers. Long road trip? You’ll be stuck waiting longer than you’d like.

And where’s the power?

Sony hasn’t revealed acceleration numbers. Translation? It’s probably not a speed demon. That’s a red flag when claiming to rival Tesla Model S.

Subscription Overload: Pay More, Get Less?

Sony’s bold EV also comes with a twist—a subscription model for many of its features. After just 3 years, users will have to pay monthly to access entertainment, voice assistant, and more.

Tesla, in contrast, includes many features upfront.

So, the question is: $100K for a subscription-based EV with slow charging and vague performance?

Marketing Masterstroke or Misleading Promise?

Sony's Afeela 1 is clearly a tech showcase, but is that enough to win buyers? Many EV enthusiasts want raw power, range, and value—not just dashboard drama.

📈 Specs Snapshot: Sony Afeela 1 vs Rivals

Feature Afeela 1 Tesla Model S Hyundai Ioniq 6
Price (Base) $89,900 $74,990 $42,450
Charging Speed (kW) 150 kW 250 kW 350 kW
0–60 mph Acceleration Not Disclosed 1.99 sec ~5.1 sec
Subscription Required? Yes (After 3 Years) No No
Focus Entertainment Performance Fast Charging

 

FAQ

No official 0–60 mph time is released, but it’s expected to be slower. Tesla Model S accelerates in under 2 seconds.

It supports 150 kW DC fast charging—much slower than Tesla’s 250 kW or Hyundai’s 350 kW.

It depends. If you're into high-tech interiors and Sony’s entertainment suite, maybe. But performance and charging-wise, it lags behind.

No. After 3 years, features like streaming and voice assistant will require a paid subscription.

It will be manufactured at Honda’s plant in Marysville, Ohio, USA.

Search Anything...!