Get ready for a shock! Sony's CES 2026 press conference isn't about the usual gadgets and games; it's all about electric vehicles. Yes, you read that right. Forget the TVs and PlayStations for a moment, because Sony Honda Mobility (SHM), the joint venture behind the Afeela electric car, is taking center stage. For nearly a decade, the Afeela has been teased at CES, but this year promises something entirely new: an all-new concept model. Buckle up, because this could be a pivotal moment for Sony in the automotive world.
How to Catch the Sony Afeela CES 2026 Press Conference Live
Mark your calendars! The grand unveiling happens live from Las Vegas on Monday, January 5th, at 8 PM Eastern Time. The official Afeela YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@shmafeela) is your front-row seat to the action. Keep an eye on that link, and we'll also embed the stream right here as soon as it's live. Don't miss out on what could be a game-changing event.
What to Expect From Sony Afeela at CES 2026
The Afeela 1, previously known as Vision-S, has been making appearances since CES 2020 (https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/sony-opens-afeela-1-ev-reservations-at-ces-2025-011826937.html). We've seen glimpses, but crucial details like the price – a hefty $89,900 starting point – have only recently emerged. But here's where it gets controversial... Initial impressions haven't exactly been stellar. Engadget's automotive guru, Tim Stevens, didn't mince words earlier this year, describing the Afeela 1 as feeling "like a PlayStation 4 in the PS5 era (https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/sonys-afeela-1-feels-like-a-playstation-4-in-the-ps5-era-184620132.html)," and lamenting that "the car lost what little interesting styling it had while sticking true to some specifications that sounded good five years ago." Ouch! A harsh critique, but a crucial perspective to keep in mind. Do you agree with this assessment? Let us know in the comments!
But hold on, there's more to the story. The Afeela 1 isn't alone. Sony Honda Mobility has promised a showcase of "several Afeela 1 pre-production vehicles in multiple color variations, alongside a new Afeela concept model" (https://www.shm-afeela.com/en/news/2025-11-20/). This suggests a broader vision for the Afeela brand and a commitment to exploring new design possibilities.
And this is the part most people miss... Sony is leveraging its gaming expertise. The Afeela will be the first vehicle to offer PlayStation Remote Play (https://www.shm-afeela.com/en/news/2025-12-18/), allowing you to stream your PS4 or PS5 games remotely while inside the car. Imagine playing your favorite titles on the go! A brilliant move to integrate entertainment into the driving experience, or a dangerous distraction? What do you think?
At CES 2026, we're eager to hear about the improvements and innovations baked into the Afeela. More importantly, the new concept model has our attention. What design language will it employ? What new technologies will it showcase? And while the focus is on Afeela, we're also hoping for a sneak peek at other Sony Electronics products slated for 2026. Will Sony be able to silence the critics and prove that they can be a major player in the EV market? That's the big question hanging over CES 2026. What are your predictions for the Afeela and Sony's automotive ambitions? Share your thoughts below!
