The Sony CES 2026 event approaches quickly, featuring an unexpected emphasis this time around. Rather than covering Sony's typical lineup of consumer gadgets, gaming developments, and film industry initiatives for the coming year, the session will center primarily on battery-powered automobiles. This shift stems from the collaboration between Sony and Honda, known as Sony Honda Mobility, which oversees the Afeela 1 electric vehicle—a model that has appeared at CES events for almost ten years. For this edition, attendees can expect the unveiling of a fresh prototype alongside it.
Viewers can catch the live broadcast from Las Vegas on January 5, a Monday, beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern Time through the official Afeela YouTube page. An embedded link will be added here when it becomes available on the platform.
The vehicle currently called the Afeela 1 first debuted in different forms starting at CES 2020 under the name Vision-S. Over the last two years, key information has emerged, such as its base cost of $89,900. Initial reactions to prototypes were underwhelming, a sentiment that persisted through CES 2025. According to Engadget's vehicle specialist Tim Stevens, the electric model resembles a PlayStation 4 amid the PlayStation 5 period, having shed its distinctive design elements while adhering to outdated technical choices from half a decade prior.
Beyond the Afeela 1, the display area will feature more than just that model. According to a statement from Sony Honda Mobility, the setup includes multiple pre-production Afeela 1 units in various hues, accompanied by an additional Afeela prototype.
Anticipation builds for revelations on recent enhancements during CES 2026, along with a glimpse at the latest prototype. Amid the exhibits and announcements, there may also be mentions of upcoming Sony consumer technology items slated for 2026.