The AFEELA is a Sony. And a Honda. With Some Help From Amazon.
About this episode
The episode dives into the innovative features of the AFEELA, an all-electric vehicle from the Sony-Honda partnership, enhanced by Amazon's cloud technology. Listeners get a sneak peek at its tech-forward design, including a customizable media bar, advanced AI capabilities, and a focus on in-car entertainment like gaming and streaming. The discussion covers the vehicle's autonomy features, safety measures, and the unique experience it aims to provide, making it a significant player in the future of electric mobility. Insights into the pre-production model and its expected release timeline add to the intrigue.
Apple may have abandoned plans for an electric vehicle but Sony is forging ahead. Reservations for the Sony Honda Mobility AFEELA should begin in 2025 with deliveries expected in 2026. Powered by Amazon AWS cloud technology, AFEELA is stuffed with tech, both ADAS and entertainment. Options include music and movie streaming plus remote PlayStation gaming from your home PS5 (hey, it's a Sony). Tom Voelk gets a preview as it rolls through Seattle on a west coast tour. And learn where the AFEELA name comes from! This is a pre-production prototype, many things may change on production vehicle.
LiDAR
"Now if you want to take a look at this thing in the middle, that is our LiDAR for our autonomous features."
LiDAR is a technology that helps cars see their surroundings using lasers. It creates a 3D map of the area, which is important for self-driving cars to know where they are and avoid obstacles.
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It's a technology that uses laser light to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps of the environment, which is crucial for autonomous vehicles to navigate safely.
smart key feature
"So by utilizing the smart key feature with your phone, we have a Fila app. As you approach the door, it opens for you automatically."
A smart key is a special device that lets you unlock and start your car without using a regular key. You just need to be close to the car with the smart key, and it will open for you automatically.
A smart key feature allows the vehicle to unlock and start without needing a traditional key. It typically uses proximity sensors and wireless technology to recognize the owner's key fob or smartphone.
powertrain
"For now, the powertrain is described as dual 180 kilowatt motors."
The powertrain is the part of the car that makes it move. It includes the engine and other parts that help the car drive, like the transmission.
The powertrain refers to the components that generate power and deliver it to the road, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. In this case, it specifically mentions dual electric motors.
kilowatt hour
"That's 241 horsepower each with a 91 kilowatt hour battery. Max DC fast charging is 150 kilowatts, AC level 2 is 11 kilowatts."
A kilowatt hour is a way to measure how much energy a battery can hold. The more kilowatt hours, the longer the car can drive before needing to recharge.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy equivalent to one kilowatt of power used for one hour. In electric vehicles, it measures the capacity of the battery, indicating how much energy it can store and how far the vehicle can travel on a single charge.
horsepower
"That's 241 horsepower each with a 91 kilowatt hour battery. Max DC fast charging is 150 kilowatts, AC level 2 is 11 kilowatts."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive terms, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, influencing the vehicle's acceleration and top speed.
AC level 2 charging
"Max DC fast charging is 150 kilowatts, AC level 2 is 11 kilowatts. All right."
AC level 2 charging is a way to charge electric cars faster than plugging them into a regular wall outlet. It's often used at home or at charging stations.
AC level 2 charging is a method of charging electric vehicles using alternating current (AC) at a higher voltage than standard household outlets. It provides faster charging than level 1 charging, making it suitable for home or public charging stations.
DC fast charging
"Max DC fast charging is 150 kilowatts, AC level 2 is 11 kilowatts. All right."
DC fast charging is a way to quickly charge electric cars. It uses a special type of electricity that can fill up the battery much faster than regular charging methods.
DC fast charging refers to a method of charging electric vehicles using direct current (DC) electricity, allowing for much quicker charging times compared to standard AC charging. It is commonly used at public charging stations to rapidly recharge EV batteries.
digital side mirrors
"We have the digital side mirrors that are here, the black screens. Those are our digital side mirrors that eliminate the blind spot."
Digital side mirrors are like regular mirrors but use cameras to show what's next to and behind the car on a screen. They can help you see better and avoid blind spots.
Digital side mirrors use cameras instead of traditional glass mirrors to provide a view of the area beside and behind the vehicle. This technology can help eliminate blind spots and improve visibility for the driver.
yoke steering wheel
"Now we have the yoke steering wheel here with media functions on the left, ADAS functions on the right."
A yoke steering wheel looks like the steering wheel in an airplane. It's not round like most car steering wheels, and it can help you see the dashboard better while driving.
A yoke steering wheel is a steering design that resembles an aircraft control yoke rather than a traditional circular steering wheel. This design can provide a different driving experience and may enhance visibility of the dashboard controls.
ADAS functions
"Now we have the yoke steering wheel here with media functions on the left, ADAS functions on the right."
ADAS means Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These are special features in cars that help keep you safe while driving, like helping you stay in your lane or stopping the car if there's an obstacle.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which are technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and facilitate driving. These systems can include features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
level 3 autonomy
"...safety is very important. We aim to achieve level 3 autonomy as well as level 2 plus in a variety of situations. There is a large number of cameras and sensors inside the vehicle."
Level 3 autonomy means the car can drive itself in many situations, but you still need to be ready to take over if something goes wrong. It's more advanced than just basic self-driving features.
Level 3 autonomy refers to a stage of vehicle automation where the car can handle most driving tasks independently, but a human driver must be available to take control when needed. This level allows for more complex driving scenarios compared to lower levels of autonomy.
level 2 plus
"...We aim to achieve level 3 autonomy as well as level 2 plus in a variety of situations. There is a large number of cameras and sensors inside the vehicle."
Level 2 plus means the car can help with steering and speed, but you still have to pay attention and be ready to take over driving at any moment. It's not fully self-driving yet.
Level 2 plus refers to a semi-automated driving system where the vehicle can control both steering and acceleration/deceleration, but the driver must remain engaged and monitor the environment at all times. It includes features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.
cameras and sensors
"...There is a large number of cameras and sensors inside the vehicle."
Cameras and sensors are devices in the car that help it see and understand what's around it. They are important for safety and for features that help the car drive itself.
Cameras and sensors in vehicles are used for various advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving features. They help the car perceive its surroundings, detect obstacles, and make decisions based on real-time data.
Rolls-Royce
"...Rolls-Royce technology in a Sony. The trunk was off limits, so no idea how big the boot is."
Rolls-Royce makes very expensive and luxurious cars. They are known for their quality and custom features.
Rolls-Royce is a luxury automobile manufacturer known for its high-end vehicles and advanced technology. The brand is synonymous with luxury and bespoke craftsmanship.
boot
"...The trunk was off limits, so no idea how big the boot is."
The 'boot' is what Americans call the trunk of a car. It's the space at the back where you can put your bags or other items.
In automotive terms, the 'boot' refers to the trunk of a car, where luggage and other items can be stored. This term is commonly used in British English.
Honda Accord
"...Afila is about the size of an Accord. The carpool gang will want to take this car."
The Honda Accord is a well-known car that many people use for everyday driving. It's spacious and comfortable, making it a good choice for families.
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan known for its reliability, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. It has been a staple in the automotive market for decades, appealing to families and commuters alike.
smartphone app
"...Utilizing the smartphone app for Afila, you can change the theme. See, we changed it to Gran Turismo."
A smartphone app is an application you can download on your phone to control certain features of your car, like changing its settings or themes.
A smartphone app allows users to interact with their vehicle's features remotely, such as changing settings or accessing information. This technology enhances convenience and connectivity for drivers.
Gran Turismo
"...we changed it to Gran Turismo."
Gran Turismo is a popular racing video game that lets you drive many different cars in realistic settings. It's loved by people who enjoy cars and racing.
Gran Turismo is a genre of video games that focuses on realistic driving experiences, often featuring a wide range of cars and detailed environments. It is popular among car enthusiasts for its immersive gameplay.
Honda That Honda
"...d Honda do? Because we don't want people to think that Honda showed it with a car and Sony said, we're taking ..."
The Honda That's is a small car designed for city driving, known for being easy to park and use in tight spaces. It's like a little box on wheels that can fit a lot of stuff inside, making it great for families or people who need to carry things around. People might talk about it to highlight how Honda tries to make cars that fit modern lifestyles.
The Honda That's is a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that was produced by Honda primarily for the Japanese market. It is known for its unique design and practicality, making it a popular choice for urban driving and small families. The car might be discussed in the context of Honda's innovative approach to vehicle design and its collaboration with other companies, such as Sony.
Afila
"Hope you got something out of my look at the Afila by Sony Honda Mobility. This is not the usual video that I do."
The Afila is a new electric car from a partnership between Sony and Honda. You can reserve it in 2025, and it will start being delivered in 2026.
The Afila is an electric vehicle developed by Sony Honda Mobility, a collaboration between Sony and Honda. It is expected to be available for reservation in 2025, with deliveries starting in 2026.
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