Honda EV spin-off reveals next model: Afeela ‘Prototype 2026’ is a Tesla Model Y-sized dual motor SUV

January 13, 2026January 13, 2026 John Mahoney 411 Views 0 Comments 1, 2, Afeela, Afeela 2

Honda and Sony’s Afeela EV brand has revealed the second model it will launch in 2028.

The drapes were pulled off the all-new concept for – surprise, surprise – a mid-size SUV at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Named the Afeela Prototype 2026, the new Tesla Model Y-sized vehicle will follow on from the Afeela 1 sedan that launches later this year.

It will come with the EV start-up’s latest AI-powered software that will introduce high levels of autonomous driving capability.

2026 Afeela 1 (left) and Prototype 2026. — 2026 Afeela Prototype 2026.

Primed to be built in a Honda factory in the US, the latest Afeela is destined to be sold only in California from late 2026 and then other US states and Japan in 2027.

But could be rolled out to other international markets including Australia later.

Looking like it will be clearly based on the Afeela 1 sedan, the higher riding SUV features a full glass panoramic roof that incorporates both a prominent LiDAR binnacle and a pair of additional sensors.

Afeela has already confirmed the 1 sedan will launch with Level 2+ autonomous driving capability that demands the driver supervision.

But it’s thought the SUV might go much further with either a geofenced Level 3 capability or a full Level 4 ability that will enable the Prototype to drive itself unaided in 2028.

Beneath the skin, the Afeela is primed to come with front and rear-mounted e-motors that should produce 180kW each.

Mirroring the production sedan, expect the SUV to come with a 91kWh lithium-ion battery that can only be charged at up to 150kW.

Ensuring it will match the very best in its class when it comes to its drive, the latest Afeela comes with double-wishbone suspension up front and a multi-link set-up at the rear, with air springs all around to maximise comfort.

Within, thanks to Sony’s involvement, the Afeela is claimed to introduce a game-changing digital experience when it comes to both functionality and on-board entertainment.

The electronics giant’s tech will then be used in future Honda EVs, including the radical Series 0 models that are set to launch later this year.

While the sleek 2027 Afeela 1 sedan is tipped to be priced from US$90,000 ($134,000) the new SUV could cost more than US$100,000 ($149,000).

Currently, Afeela has no public plans to export its new models. That suggests the 1 and the SUV – that could be called the ‘2’ – won’t arrive in other markets until around 2030.