By Michael Elkins
Sony Honda Mobility, a joint venture between Sony (NYSE:SONY) and Honda (NYSE:HMC), announced that they are aiming to deliver their first electric vehicles by 2026. The vehicles are to be sold online, starting in the United States and Japan.
Key details, including pricing, battery range, and even the platform for the new vehicle have not been determined, but representatives of the new company detailed a vision for a vehicle that would function almost like a rolling smartphone.
Sony will provide the software systems for the vehicles, including onboard controllers and cloud-based services. The technology company will also be providing sensors and other technology for a Level 3 autonomous drive system that will allow for drivers to pay more attention to the content and software services that will be offered.
"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, the joint venture's president, and executive at Sony.
Honda will decide on the platform that the new vehicle will use and details like the battery supplier. The still-to-be-named EV will likely be manufactured by Honda at one of its plants in Ohio.
"The first delivery is expected to be in North America in the spring of 2026. In Japan, delivery is planned to begin in the second half of 2026," Yasuhide Mizuno, chairman of the joint venture, Sony Honda Mobility, said on Thursday.