Sony and Honda’s “Afeela” prototype on display at CES in Las Vegas (Credit: Lucy Hedges)

Sony and Honda have unveiled their new electric car brand and hope to have the new company’s first vehicles on the road within four years.

The tech and auto giant’s joint venture is called “Afeela,” with a prototype electric car taking the stage at Sony’s press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Many of the car’s key specs have yet to be announced, but Yasuhide Mizuno, CEO of Sony Honda Mobility Group, said it would combine “Sony sensors and Honda security” with the car’s 45 cameras and interior sensors. and outside.

These monitor both the condition of the car and the environment, but also the driver.

Sony also said it would use its gaming and entertainment know-how to create a unique in-car experience for passengers – concept images of the car’s interior featuring a series of screens and interactive environments.

There’s also a media bar on the front of the car, which the tech giant says can be used to share information with those around the EV, including alerts and charging details.

The indicator bar on the front of the vehicle shows the current charging time of the Lucy Hedges battery

The display can also be used to display advertisements, creating a potential new revenue stream for drivers.

Mr Mizuno said Afeela hopes to start selling the car in 2025, with the first vehicles expected to be delivered in North America in spring 2026.

Elsewhere at its CES preview event, Sony confirmed that more than 30 games will be available at the launch of the new PlayStation VR2 headset, which goes on sale at the end of February.

The headset connects to the PlayStation 5, allowing wearers to play games in virtual reality.

Mr. Ryan also confirmed that Sony is working on a new accessibility controller kit, currently known as Project Leonardo, to make it easier for people with disabilities to play video games by enabling them to build their own custom controller.