American organization unveils cost-effective solar electric vehicle, 'Sion', in the United States; commences nationwide solar mobility tour.
In a significant leap forward for commercial solar electric vehicle (SEV) technology, German startup Sono Motors has unveiled a production-ready model of its much-anticipated Sion vehicle. The company, which is on a mission to make every vehicle solar, has partnered with San Jose-based Sibros to provide its connected vehicle technology and has received more than 42,000 reservations and pre-orders to date [2].
The Sion, expected to retail in Europe for approximately €25,000 ($25,000), boasts 456 seamlessly integrated solar half-cells that extend the time between charges and enable self-sufficiency on short journeys. Under ideal conditions, these solar cells can add up to 245 kilometers of additional range per week, significantly extending the vehicle's estimated 190-mile battery range [1].
One of the standout features of the Sion is its innovative interior air filtration system, which uses living moss to purify the cabin air. This eco-friendly approach to air filtration adds to the vehicle's sustainability credentials [1].
Originally planned for production in 2022 at the ex-Saab NEVS facility, Sono has now shifted production to Finland’s Valmet Automotive, with manufacturing expected to begin in 2023 [1]. The company aims to produce more than 250,000 Sion cars over seven years [1].
In addition to its solar capabilities, the Sion's 54 kWh LFP battery allows for a maximum charging capacity of up to 75 kW (DC) and 11 kW (AC) [1]. The vehicle also benefits from bidirectional charging up to 11 kW, turning it into a solar "power plant" that can charge devices, other EVs, or put energy back into private or public energy grids [1].
The Sion's software updates, data collection, and remote interactions will be handled by Sibros, a move that emphasizes the need for safe, secure, and reliable over-the-air software updates and data collection for the vehicle fleet [3]. Sibros Deep Connected Platform will also provide the company with direct insight into vehicle data and fleet analytics [3].
Hemant Sikaria, CEO and co-founder of Sibros, stated that the organization was proud to partner with Sono for the Sion [3]. The partnership aims to reduce maintenance and service costs, and diagnose and fix potential problems before they compromise vehicle capabilities [1].
Sono Group N.V. (OTCQB: SEVCF) has already showcased the Sion at Times Square in New York, marking the start of a three-week cross-country tour [1]. More than 20 companies worldwide are piloting the organization's integrated solar technology, including Mitsubishi Europe, MAN Truck & Bus, CHEREAU, Kögel, and the Munich municipal bus system, on a variety of fleet vehicles [1].
The organization recently unveiled its Solar Bus Kit, an efficient solar retrofit solution optimized for 40-foot public buses commonly used in Europe. It can save up to 400 gallons of diesel and up to 4.4 short tons of CO2 per bus per year [1]. Sono believes the Sion has the potential to become the world's first affordable SEV [1].
However, the company's forward-looking statements involve inherent risks, uncertainties, and contingencies, including the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, risks related to its limited operating history, unproven ability to develop and produce vehicles, monetizing its solar technology, and changes in regulatory requirements [1].
As the Sion moves towards production, it represents a significant milestone in the integration of renewable energy technology into practical vehicle manufacturing timelines [1].
References: [1] Sono Motors. (2022). Sono Motors Announces Changes to Production Plans for Sion, Launches New Production Model. Retrieved from https://www.sonomotors.com/en/news/sono-motors-announces-changes-to-production-plans-for-sion-launches-new-production-model
[2] Sono Motors. (n.d.). Reservations & Pre-Orders. Retrieved from https://www.sonomotors.com/en/reservations
[3] Sibros. (n.d.). Sibros and Sono Motors Partner to Accelerate the Revolution of Mobility. Retrieved from https://www.sibros.com/news/sibros-and-sono-motors-partner-to-accelerate-the-revolution-of-mobility
- The Sion, a solar electric vehicle (SEV), is expected to be self-sufficient on short journeys due to its 456 solar half-cells, priced at around €25,000 ($25,000) in Europe.
- Under ideal conditions, these solar cells can add up to 245 kilometers of additional range per week, significantly extending the vehicle's estimated 190-mile battery range.
- The innovative interior air filtration system in the Sion uses living moss to purify cabin air, adding to its sustainability credentials.
- Initially planned for production in 2022, Sono Motors has now shifted production to Finland’s Valmet Automotive, with manufacturing expected to begin in 2023.
- Sono aims to produce more than 250,000 Sion cars over seven years, with the vehicle's 54 kWh LFP battery allowing for a maximum charging capacity of up to 75 kW (DC) and 11 kW (AC).
- The partnership between Sono and Sibros aims to minimize maintenance and service costs, diagnose and fix potential problems, and provide the company with direct insights into vehicle data and fleet analytics.
