
The Munich based tech-start-up Sono Motors has taken advantage of the strong Bavarian sun this summer to test the final development of the charging system of its Sion solar electric car that lets you charge as you drive.
With the price of 16,000 euros (battery excluded) and integrated mobility applications, the Sion is especially appealing to families and city commuters.
The battery will be available for a monthly rent or one-time purchase. At current prices, the battery will cost less than 4,000 euros. The vehicle is to be launched onto the market in the second half of 2019.
Sion will have 330 solar cells attached to the vehicle’s roof, hood and sides and its battery system will offer a range of around 250 km (155 miles) before it needs recharging.
One of the highlights of the SION is the self-charging function called viSono. Integrated solar cells generate electricity that is fed directly into the battery. This way up to an additional 30km (18.6 miles) per day will be made available.
Another unique feature is the biSono. This allows the operator to extract electricity from the battery and make it available to other users. Thus, the Sion becomes a mobile power station.
In summer 2016, Sono Motors initiated a campaign on Indiegogo and experienced an overwhelming support.
For the development and production of the vehicle, Sono cooperates with well-known contract manufacturers and system suppliers across Europe.
[source: Sono Motors]