Sony’s new electric vehicle concept promises a lot of technology and dual 268-hp motors.
 |
| Image Credit: Sony |
After 2020’s Vision-S concept, Sony is looking to get serious about its electric vehicle plans. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2022) in Las Vegas, Sony launched another electric vehicle concept: the Sony Vision-S 02. This time, it appears to be aimed squarely at the Tesla Model Y. The Vision-S 02 is an electric vehicle. crossover and it is expected to come packed with the best of Sony technology. Here’s why we’re excited about Sony’s electric cars.
Sony Mobility Inc: new electric vehicle company
 |
| Image Credit: Sony |
Sony is a Japanese electronics giant that has dominated its space for quite some time. It has a global presence that only a few match. As electric vehicles become all the rage, Sony didn’t want to be left behind. So they developed and designed their first concept model, the Vision-S electric sedan, in 2020. Sony had been testing prototypes on the road but had not hinted that it would put the vehicle into production anytime soon.
Now, Sony has announced that it will introduce a new company called Sony Mobility Inc later this year. The company intends to explore its entry into the electric vehicle market. Sony will draw on its expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic technologies, which it has developed in-house.
So, at CES 2022, along with the Vision-S, Sony introduced the Vision-S 02, an electric crossover.
Sony Vision-S 02: What We Know So Far
 |
| Image Credit: Sony |
The Sony Vision-S 02 concept electric vehicle is a custom model that uses the same platform as the initial Vision-S concept. The Vision-S 02 is a 7-seat SUV that will offer all-wheel drive with two electric motors, each with 268 hp.
Currently, Sony has kept quiet about its official technical specifications. It hasn’t released its performance figures, nor has it confirmed battery capacity. However, they claim that it is capable of exceeding 112 mph.
Additionally, the concept vehicle measures 192 inches long, 76 inches wide, and 65 inches tall. The Vision-S 02 appears to be similar in size to a Tesla Model Y, or the upcoming Chevrolet Equinox EV, but the Sony is a 7-seat model. The Vision-S 02 looks a lot like a production-ready vehicle.
Electric Car With Sony’s Cool Tech
 |
| Image Credit: Sony |
With its in-house developed robotics and artificial intelligence technologies, Sony is placing great emphasis on autonomous driving systems. The Japanese company claims that the vehicle will make use of its high-sensitivity, high-resolution and wide dynamic range cameras, LiDAR, radar, and ultrasonic sensors that will help improve safety. The tech giant is also working on the launch of its Level-2+ driver assistance systems, which have already undergone trials in Europe.
Sony is also world-renowned for its consumer electronics products including its televisions, digital displays, home, car, and professional audio solutions, and the highly coveted PlayStation gaming systems. So the Vision-S models will likely benefit from all of those technologies. Sony will include its 3D audio systems to offer the best surround sound experience in the cabin.
The vehicles will feature a digital interface of the panoramic infotainment system, while rear passengers will be able to enjoy individual screens for video playback or enjoy Sony’s gaming platform through a remote connection to a Sony PlayStation console. The Vision-S 02 also includes conventional exterior mirrors for Sony’s renowned camera technology with some of the best CMOS sensors on the market.
A Tough Road Ahead For Sony Mobility Inc
 |
| Image Credit: Sony |
We would love to drive an electric vehicle made by Sony. It is a company that has delivered in terms of design, quality, and technology since its inception. The company has been delivering innovative solutions to the consumer goods industry for more than 75 years. Sony is to consumer electronics what Toyota is to the automobile.
However, analysts are skeptical whether Sony will ever be able to build an electric vehicle for the road. Designing and developing an electric vehicle is one thing, but putting it into production is another ball game, that is before you factor in after-sales service.
Two years have passed since Sony unveiled its first concept, but reportedly no investment has been made to set up a manufacturing facility. It would require a large investment in plant and equipment to manufacture the vehicle. In addition, cars are subject to much stricter safety regulations than those that apply to consumer electronics.
In a more realistic world, we think Sony will have to outsource its manufacturing and production to companies like Magna International, with whom it has already been working. Or develop models as test concepts for your technologies to be offered to other legacy automakers to integrate into their vehicles.
Source: Sony, Reuters
