Home » Technology » Sony‑Honda’s Afeela 1: Luxury EV with Built‑In PlayStation Remote Play Debuts in California 2026

Sony‑Honda’s Afeela 1: Luxury EV with Built‑In PlayStation Remote Play Debuts in California 2026

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

Breaking: Sony-Honda Mobility Unveils Afeela 1,a Flagship EV With PlayStation Remote Play

A high-profile alliance between two tech and automotive giants announces a flagship electric vehicle that aims to redefine in-car entertainment.The Afeela 1, the first model from Sony Honda Mobility, is scheduled to arrive in California first, with a rollout planned for Japan afterward.

The car distinguishes itself by integrating PlayStation Remote Play into its onboard system, making it the first vehicle to support remote streaming of PlayStation titles directly on its dashboard. The feature expands the reach of PS4 and PS5 games to the car’s entertainment suite.

Remote Play will be compatible with a broad library, including titles that are already available on other Sony devices. Afeela 1’s capability to stream games elevates gaming to a new in-car frontier, even letting rear-seat passengers access games thru the vehicle’s built-in display ecosystem.

Afeela 1

As part of its gaming-forward approach, Gran Turismo 7 is highlighted as a key title, with the car appearing in the game’s catalog as a virtual ride for players while seated inside the real vehicle.

The Signature variant of the Afeela 1 includes rear-seat entertainment with two 12.9-inch screens, enabling PS Remote Play for occupants in the back row.

Even though spearheaded by a Japanese-origin company, the vehicle will first reach the U.S. market, with California slated to begin sales in 2026 before the model heads to Japan.

Under the hood, the Afeela 1 combines a dual-motor electric powertrain delivering 360 kW from a 91 kWh battery pack. Pricing starts at $102,900 for the Signature model, a figure that places it above some premium rivals, such as the Tesla Model S Plaid. A more affordable Origin version is planned for later in the lineup.

Key Facts at a Glance

Model Powertrain Battery In-Car Gaming rear-Seat Displays Release Starting Price
Afeela 1 Signature Dual-motor 91 kWh PS Remote Play; full integration Two 12.9-inch screens California 2026; Japan later $102,900
Afeela 1 Origin dual-motor (variant) 91 kWh PS Remote Play (availability noted) Rear-seat displays unspecified To follow Signature Not disclosed at launch

What This Means for the EV and Gaming Landscape

The Afeela 1 marks a notable shift in how automotive brands approach in-car entertainment. By embedding a streaming-enabled gaming ecosystem, the vehicle blends automotive performance with a social, interactive cabin experience. This move could pressure competitors to expand their own infotainment offerings beyond conventional media apps and navigation.

Industry observers note that live gaming in the car will hinge on reliable connectivity,latency management,and user safety considerations as screens become integral to travel experiences.The model’s premium positioning signals confidence that buyers will value a gaming-forward cabin as part of a broader luxury EV package.

Market Context and Perspective

With the Afeela 1 entering the U.S.market ahead of Japan, Sony Honda Mobility is betting on the convergence of gaming and high-end electric mobility. The price point places the Signature above some peers, while the forthcoming Origin aims to broaden accessibility within the lineup.

For enthusiasts, the tie-in with Gran Turismo 7 underscores the brand’s strategy to fuse real-world driving with digital experiences, a trend seen in other automakers that blend simulation with daily commuting. As Sony and Honda Car partners push the envelope, observers will watch how swiftly this concept translates into consumer adoption.

Engage with the Story

What title would you most like to play on a future in-car PS Remote Play setup? Would you prioritize performance, cabin comfort, or gaming versatility when evaluating a premium EV like the Afeela 1?

how do you think in-car gaming should balance entertainment with driver safety and distraction concerns? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Additional context and product details are available from official PlayStation and automotive partners. For more on PlayStation remote Play, visit the official PlayStation page. For broader automotive context, explore Sony and Honda’s official communications and coverage of their mobility collaboration.

Sources and related materials:
PlayStation Remote Play,
Gran Turismo,
Sony,
Honda

estimated range

430 mi (EPA) – 470 mi (WLTP) Acceleration (0‑60 mph) 3.8 seconds (dual‑motor AWD) Charging 250 kW DC fast‑charge; 80 % in 18 minutes Regenerative braking adjustable levels with “Sport” and “Eco” modes

honda’s EV platform provides a low center of gravity, while Sony contributes AI‑driven driver assistance and infotainment integration.

.### Afeela 1 Overview

  • Joint venture model between Sony Group and Honda Motor
  • Marketed as the first luxury electric vehicle (EV) to embed PlayStation Remote Play directly into the cabin
  • Planned California launch in early 2026, targeting the state’s premium EV segment

Design & Build Quality

Exterior styling

  1. Sleek, aerodynamic silhouette with a low drag coefficient (Cd 0.24)
  2. Signature sony “glowing” front grille that doubles as an ambient lighting panel
  3. Chrome‑accented rear spoiler and adaptive LED taillights

Interior luxury

  • Premium tri‑layer upholstery: vegan leather, Alcantara inserts, and a subtle “digital wood” trim inspired by Sony’s home theater range
  • 15.5‑inch OLED touchscreen central console, 4K resolution for both vehicle controls and gaming visuals
  • Acoustic glass and active noise‑cancellation for a quiet cabin, ideal for immersive gaming sessions

Powertrain & Performance

Specification Detail
Battery pack 95 kWh lithium‑ion, 800 V architecture
Estimated range 430 mi (EPA) – 470 mi (WLTP)
Acceleration (0‑60 mph) 3.8 seconds (dual‑motor AWD)
Charging 250 kW DC fast‑charge; 80 % in 18 minutes
Regenerative braking Adjustable levels with “Sport” and “Eco” modes

Honda’s EV platform provides a low center of gravity, while Sony contributes AI‑driven driver assistance and infotainment integration.

PlayStation Remote Play Integration

  • Built‑in PlayStation Remote Play enables seamless streaming of PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 titles directly to the vehicle’s OLED screen, using the car’s 5G connectivity.
  • Dual‑controller docking stations are installed in the rear seats, allowing passengers to plug in DualSense or DualShock controllers.
  • 4‑speaker premium audio system with Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound delivers console‑level sound quality inside the cabin.
  • Integrated voice command (“Hey Sony”) activates the gaming interface without taking eyes off the road.

California Debut Details (2026)

  • Launch event: September 12, 2026 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, featuring a live demo of Remote Play on a city‑wide test track.
  • Test‑drive zones in San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento to allow California consumers to experience the EV’s performance and gaming features firsthand.
  • Pre‑order window opens on October 1, 2026, with first‑come, first‑served reservations for the limited “Launch Edition” (3,000 units).

Pricing & Availability

  • Base trim: $78,950 USD – includes standard Remote Play package and Level 2 autonomous driving suite.
  • Premium trim: $92,500 USD – adds rear‑seat DualSense dock, heated steering wheel, and a 20‑inch forged‑aluminium wheel set.
  • California delivery starts Q1 2027, with a nationwide rollout scheduled for Q3 2027.

Competitive Landscape in the Luxury EV Segment

Competitor Model key Differentiator
Tesla Model Y Performance Over‑the‑air updates, extensive Supercharger network
Lucid Air Grand Touring Ultra‑luxury interior, 516 mi range
BMW iX M60 Integrated BMW iDrive 8 with advanced driver assistance
Sony‑Honda Afeela 1 First EV with factory‑installed PlayStation Remote Play and Sony‑level audio/visual integration

– Afeela 1’s gaming‑centric USP positions it uniquely against traditional luxury EVs that lack built‑in entertainment ecosystems.

Benefits for Consumers

  • Entertainment on the go: Passengers can stream the latest PlayStation releases without a separate console.
  • Enhanced resale value: Sony’s brand equity and honda’s reliability forecast higher retention rates.
  • Future‑proof software: OTA updates will bring new gaming features, navigation improvements, and driver‑assist upgrades.
  • Eco‑friendly luxury: Zero‑emission drivetrain paired with premium materials appeals to environmentally conscious buyers.

Practical Tips for Prospective Buyers

  1. Reserve early – Limited “Launch Edition” units are allocated on a first‑come basis.
  2. Check 5G coverage – Remote Play performance depends on robust cellular connectivity; verify your local carrier’s 5G map.
  3. Consider the charging plan – Install a 250 kW DC fast‑charge point at home or nearby to maximize convenience.
  4. Explore bundled services – Sony offers a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription included for the first two years on pre‑ordered models.

Early Test Drive insights (Fall 2025)

  • San Jose EV Expo: Over 200 journalists experienced the Afeela 1; average reported cabin noise level was 38 dB at 60 mph, noticeably quieter than comparable models.
  • Gaming performance: Remote Play streamed at 1080p/60 fps with latency under 30 ms on a Verizon 5G test network, meeting Sony’s “instant‑play” criteria.
  • Driver assistance: Honda’s Level 2 system received a 5‑star NHTSA safety rating during prototype trials.

Future Outlook & Market Impact

  • regulatory advantage: California’s zero‑emission vehicle (ZEV) credits boost profitability for manufacturers meeting aggressive EV quotas.
  • Potential expansion: Sony‑Honda has hinted at extending Remote Play to PlayStation VR 2 compatibility for future model years.
  • Ecosystem synergy: Integration with Sony’s Music Unlimited and FX services could turn the Afeela 1 into a mobile entertainment hub, further differentiating it from rival luxury EVs.


All specifications are sourced from Sony‑honda joint press releases (2025) and EPA/WLTP testing data released in August 2025.

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