Sono Motors, the company that seeks to revolutionize the future of solar-powered transportation, successfully unveiled the next frontier for its polymer-based Sono Solar Technology at CES 2021.
Remarkably, the company surprised live session participants with the first prototype for a photovoltaic (PV) or solar trailer, produced in conjunction with Finnish solar manufacturer, Valoe. This announcement occurred in conjunction with the introduction of the next generation prototype for the innovative Solar EV, the Sion.
In line with Sono Motors’ vision for an affordable, accessible world without fossil fuels, the company has created a proprietary platform to expand the use of the solar technology innovations borne from the Sion. The PV/solar trailer represents the next step for Sono Solar Technology, underscoring the technology’s potential use across various mobility applications and upending global consumers’ historic reliance on traditional combustion engines.
“We have found a way to deliver sustainable, free power across various transportation applications by replacing the traditional “paint shop” process with integrated solar technology. While Sono Solar Technology is cheaper, lighter, and much more efficient than conventional glass-based solar cells, I am most excited about the potential uses that will arise thanks to its incredible flexibility,” said Jona Christians, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sono Motors. “We are continuing to enhance this technology and look forward to our next achievements.”
The Sion also exhibited the first series-intended solar integration on the body for the model during CES 2021, emphasizing the company’s innovation track record.
What is new in the next gen prototype of the Sion
Sono Motors integrated series-intended parts into a prototype. Those parts either come from series suppliers or are parts that are close to series. Besides the successful implementation of the series-intended electric drive unit, the chassis and the MPPT Central Unit (MCU), Sono Motors achieved something remarkable by placing solar panels on all straight and curved exterior parts of the vehicle. Sono Motors has also taken a major step forward in the development of the Sono App and infotainment, which is demonstrated by this prototype. The in-vehicle series-intended control units now communicate with the app and infotainment. For example in live tracking of solar energy, keyless entry, opening the charging lid, control of the cabin temperature and ambient light. High quality surface materials and the series-close dashboard give the vehicle a modern look and a good indication of the standard look and feel of the Sion.
