[PS-Guy]

According to Reuters, when Sony and Honda start selling their EVs in 2026 there will be subscription fees for entertainment and other services that would be billed monthly.

Sony, Honda aim to deliver premium EV with subscription fees in 2026

A joint venture set up by Japan's Sony Group Corp and Honda Motor is aiming to deliver its first electric vehicles by 2026 and will sell them online, starting in the United States and Japan.

www.reuters.com

The new EV will also be priced at a premium, offering a new software system developed by Sony that would open the way to recurring revenue from entertainment and other services that would be billed monthly, the companies said.

The update from the joint venture, Sony Honda Mobility, is the first since the two companies launched the project in June.

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 system for the new car, from the onboard controllers to cloud-based services that will connect with entertainment and payment systems.

It will also provide 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.

In Level 3 systems, also known as limited self-driving automation, drivers can ride without watching the road or handling the wheel on highway driving but need to be ready to take back control.