Sono’s latest solar car shines

Sono Motors has presented its second generation solar EV (SEV) prototype at the virtual CES 2021 event.

The new Sion from the German start-up includes 248 photovoltaic panels in the EV’s body that will top up its battery pack for a maximum 35km extra range daily.

The SEV can also be plugged in, giving the liquid-cooled 35kWh battery up to about 255km range.

It’s expected to provide 150kW peak power (60kW continuous), 175Nm torque and reach 140km/h.

Bidirectional charging technology allows the Sion to be used as mobile energy storage such as for camping, on the construction site, or at home.

A regular household plug can be used to power all common electronic devices with up to 3.7kW. The car can deliver up to 11kW when using a Type 2 plug.

A Sono app which doubles as a digital key allows car and electricity sharing, ride pooling, access to data and other services.

It has an aluminum spaceframe and polymer body, 10-inch touch display and Island Moss filtration in the sleek interior, a tow bar (750kg load), and more.

Sono chief executive and co-founder Laurin Hahn says progress is continuing on developing the SEV for everyone.

The Sion SEV is available for pre-order and is offered in Europe for about 25,500 euros with production initially expected to start in 2022 but likely to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its CES 2021 livestream the company says it’s partnering with EV shuttle firm EasyMile and also planning a solar trailer.