Vision-S 02 SUV prototype shows Sony is determined to enter EV market 

As electrification has snowballed into a movement across the industry, it seems that everybody is eager to throw their hat into the electric vehicle (EV) ring. One of the latest tech companies by far to join the parade is Sony, unveiling its Vision-S 02 electric SUV at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

The vehicle prototype follows the Vision-S sedan (now retroactively called the Vision-S 01) which the Japanese electronics giant unveiled in 2020. Sony claimed back then that the Vision-S was intended as a showcase for upcoming technologies, with no plans to put it into production. However, the EV was eventually spotted in camouflage and undergoing road tests in Europe. 

Two years later, it looks like the company is eating its words with a healthy dose of seasoning. Sony has confirmed that it will be spawning a new company, Sony Mobility, to explore commercial opportunities in the EV space. 

The prototype follows the Vision-S 01 (pictured) unveiled by Sony at the 2020 CES 

The Vision-S 02 stands 4,895mm long, 1,930mm wide, and 1,650mm high on a 3,030mm wheelbase, weighing a hefty 2,480 kilograms. It almost shares the same egg-shaped silhouette and design cues with its predecessor, with the rear slightly altered to accommodate the tailgate. Exterior cameras take the place of side mirrors, adding to the Vision-S 02’s streamlined profile. 

The cabin features screens galore for occupants, the better to play video games with

A minimalist interior similar to the Vision-S 01 is apparent, this time stretched for three-row seating. The dashboard features a bank of monitors including two screens flanking a panoramic display, as well as interfaces for the rear climate controls. Sony is flexing its electronics muscle with 360 Reality Audio technology, Bravia Core streaming service, and a Remote Play feature that uses 5G connectivity to link with a home-based PlayStation unit for gameplay. 

Sony says the Vision-S 02 can support up to Level 4 autonomous driving 

Powering the Vision-S 02 are twin electric motors rated at 268 horsepower each, enabling it to achieve speeds exceeding 180 kilometers per hour. Sony claims the vehicle will have Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving tech through 40 sensors scattered around the vehicle, with eventual support for Level 4 capability. 

See more cars making the jump from video games to reality at Philkotse.com.