The joint venture between Honda Motor and Japan’s Sony Corp. is expected to deliver its first electric vehicles by 2026. The companies have recently announced that the upcoming cars will feature a subscription-based software system developed by Sony that will offer both entertainment and driver-assist programs to buyers.
The news from the Sony Honda Mobility venture is the first update offered since the project launched in June. Further details about the upcoming vehicles, including pricing, platform, battery, and even a name, have yet to be released.
Sony will provide a software system for the vehicles, which will feature cloud-based services able to connect with entertainment and payment systems, as well as sensors and technology, allowing for a Level 3 autonomous drive system. Level 3 systems, also called limited self-driving automation, will let drivers ride without steering on the highway but will require drivers to be ready to take over control if necessary.
“As safe driving technology will continue to evolve and the amount of concentration required to drive will be reduced, we should consider new ways to enjoy and spend time in the cabin space as a whole,” said Izumi Kawanishi, Sony Executive and the joint venture’s President.
Yasuhide Mizuno, Senior executive at Honda and Chairman and Chief Executive of Sony Honda Mobility, said the project was important for Honda to develop a “longer-term relationship” with its car buyers.
The upcoming EV will be available to the US and Japanese markets by mid-2026, with plans for a European launch as well. The companies have said orders should be open by 2025.
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