Sony has found a unique way to showcase its prototype electric vehicle by demonstrating it in collaboration with Honda at CES. The vehicle, named Afeela, was displayed being controlled with a PS5 controller, although this feature will not actually be part of the final product. A video of Sony Honda Mobility president Izumi Kawanishi driving the Afeela with a DualSense wireless controller was shared on X by Sawyer Merritt. Additionally, the user interface for Afeela will be powered by Epic's Unreal Engine 5, and the electric car will be integrated into Gran Turismo 7 this year.
Sony and Honda had previously hinted at this type of integration between the PS5 and their future electric cars back in late 2022. Kawanishi had mentioned that "Sony has content, services, and entertainment technologies that move people. We are adapting these assets to mobility, and this is our strength against Tesla." However, it's important to note that Afeela is still in the prototype stage. Sony Honda Mobility is not yet accepting reservations for the vehicle and there is no release date.
Afeela wasn't the only focus for Sony at CES. The company was also generating excitement for Nintendo's Legend of Zelda movie, as Sony Pictures is involved in the production of the film.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled by the news of Sony and Honda's collaboration to create the Afeela electric car, which was showcased at CES 2024. The integration of the PS5 controller into the vehicle's driving system, although not a feature in the final product, is a testament to the innovative spirit of both companies. It's exciting to imagine the possibilities of merging gaming and automotive technology, and I believe this partnership has the potential to revolutionize the driving experience.
Furthermore, the fact that Afeela's user interface will be powered by Epic's Unreal Engine 5 and its integration into Gran Turismo 7 adds another layer of excitement for gamers like me. The prospect of experiencing realistic graphics and immersive gameplay while driving an electric car is truly captivating. I am eager to see how this collaboration unfolds and how it will shape the future of both the automotive and gaming industries.