“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 at a news conference, adding that the cars will be made at a Honda plant in North America.

As far as the sales channel is concerned, the joint venture will focus on online sales, as it aims to “connect directly with customers”, Mizuno said.

Sony and Honda announced in March that they would form the new entity to develop electric vehicles and accompanying mobility services. The company was set up in September and capitalised at ¥10 billion (US$68 million), with Sony and Honda each taking a 50% stake.

The two partners had previously revealed plans to launch the venture’s first line of EVs in 2025. Sony will develop the in-vehicle software and entertainment technologies, while Honda will take on the task of building the car itself and developing safety technologies.

The new model is aimed at helping the two companies catch up in the EV market, where Japan’s automakers lagged and allowed newer companies like Tesla of the US and BYD of China to get a jump on the competition. Other potential challengers may include Apple, which is also reportedly developing its own line of EVs.