Sion: an electric car with integrated solar panels on its body

With 7,5 m² of solar cells, it can provide 30 more free kilometers per day

With 7,5 m² of solar cells, it can provide 30 more free kilometers per day

A new solar car named Sion was recently presented by Sono Motors GmbH. The Munich-based start-up has developed a five-door compact, pure electric car prototype, featuring solar panels on all sides, which allow the car to provide an additional 30 free km per day. On normal electric charge, the car has a range of 250km with a battery capacity of 30 kWh and a fast charge performance of up to 43 kW. The innovative car can also provide the energy stored by the solar panels for the charging of all common electronic devices.

Additional novelties

In the interior, a special lichen (moss) is integrated into the fans, which acts as a natural air filter using electro-magnetic charge while also being sound-absorbing. The moss does not require care, since it draws its water from the air.

Moreover, the developers launched a maintenance system called ‘reSono’, which guarantees low maintenance costs due to inexpensive spare parts. With the help of an instruction catalog and a tutorial video, anyone can install spare parts into the vehicle without specialized automotive knowledge. The company’s idea is to enable brand independent car-repair shops all over the world to repair the Sion, resulting in an extended service network.

Crowdfunding for future development

Sono Motors GmbH started an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign on the 31st of July, 2016, in order to collect funds for the prototype’s reproduction for crash tests and trial runs. Through this campaign –which is still running-, supporters have the opportunity, besides the usual donation rates, to make a non-binding preorder of the Sion. In early 2017, the donor will be able to get a test drive and then decide about buying it. This pre-sale strategy should enable the production of the Sion in large quantities together with existing automotive manufacturers and suppliers. The first prototypes will be ready for testing by early 2017, whereas the first deliveries are aimed for 2018.

There are two variations of the Sion; the ‘Extender’ with a 250km range (30kWh) and a targeted price of 16.000 € ($17,800) and the ‘Urban’ with a 120km range (14,4KWh) and a targeted price of 12.000 € ($13,400) - ideal for people moving in the city.

Source: Solar Server