Munich-based Sono Motors has redesigned its lone solar car, the Sono Sion, with a brand-new battery that boasts increased range and charging power over the previous model. The decision to update the car’s electric powertrain was made following a large-scale survey in which those who had previously reserved the vehicle took part.
New Changes in Sono Sion Solar Car
The new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which is one of the safest on the market right now, does not employ classic ingredients like cobalt, nickel, or manganese. Unlike the previous 35 kWh battery pack, which had a maximum range of 255 kilometers, the Sion’s new 54 kWh battery pack has a range of 305 kilometers.
The Sono Sion solar car is visually identical to the production prototype shown at the all-digital CES 2021, with the exception of the updated battery pack. The battery’s charging rate has increased from 50 to 75 kilowatts. Furthermore, the battery life lifetime has increased to 3000 cycles, or 900,000 kilometers.
The three-phase synchronous motor with which this battery is connected, however, still has maximum power and torque ratings of 120 kW and 270 Nm, respectively.
According to Laurin Hand, CEO of Sono Motors, over 90% of current owners who have reserved the car in advance wished for a higher stronger battery pack.
As a result, a new battery pack for the solar car was chosen before the automobile was put into production. The company has already received over 13,000 reservations for the Sion solar car. Laurin Hahn, CEO & Co-Founder, Sono Motors, stated in an interview with blog.crowddesk.de in April 2020 that trial production of the Sono Sion solar car will begin in September 2021.
Through a cooperation with NEVS, series manufacturing was set to begin in 2022 at Saab’s former production factory in Trollhattan, Sweden. In an interview with bloomberg.com in July of last year, Hahn stated that the Sono Sion will only be available in solar-cell black. Standing out in a throng of electric vehicles or electric car startups won’t be an issue for the Sono Sion, thanks to a body constructed entirely of solar panels. The Sono Sion’s body contains 248 sun cells built into it, making it the first automobile to do so, as other solar-powered or solar-assisted cars, such as the Lightyear One, have cells on the top or hood.
Solar cells are put all over the body in the Sion so that some of them are always in the direct path of the sun throughout the day. With the help of solar cells, the Sion solar car can go an additional 34 kilometers per day (5800 kilometers per year).
Specifications of Sono Sion Solar Car:
In terms of performance, a 120 kW/270 Nm electric motor will continue to drive the front wheels, allowing the car to reach 100 km/h in 9 seconds and a top speed of 140 km/h. A 3.7 kW domestic charger can charge the battery to 80 percent in 12.5 hours, while a type 2 standard charging station can charge it to 100 percent in 5 hours.
The Sion can be charged up to 80% (240 km range) in 35 minutes using the fast charging station (CCS), with an additional 24 minutes necessary to attain 100% battery range. A 10-inch touchscreen multimedia system, front heated seats, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, cruise control, driver, passenger, and side airbags, and rear parking assistance are among the other features of the Sion solar car.
Sono Motors proposes to create 2,60,000 Sion solar cars over an eight-year period at the Trollhattan plant in Sweden, which previously produced Saabs before the company went bankrupt. Sion was said to have over 13,000 bookings for the solar car, which costs 25,500 Euros, last year. Customers in the European Union will be able to purchase the car at first.
| Sono Sion Specifications | Figures |
| Length | 4,470 mm |
| Width | 2,080 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,830 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
| Track width front | 1,580 mm |
| Track width rear | 1,580 mm |
| Boot space | 650 liters |
| Unladen weight | 1,730 kg |
| Maximum authorized mass | 2,180 kg |
| Sono Sion Technical Details | Figures |
| Steering Turning circle (m) | <11 m |
| Suspension | MacPherson struts |
| Maximum speed | 140 km/h |
| 0–100 km/h | < 9 seconds |
| Range (WLTP) | 305 km |
| Charge | 75 kW (CCS) + up to 11 kW (Type 2) |
| Discharge | 11 kW (Type 2) + 3.7 kW (SchuKo) |
| Drive configuration | Front wheel drive |
| Motor | Three-phase synchronous motor |
| Transmission | Single-speed |
| Operating voltage | 278–400 volts |
| Power | 120 kW |
| Torque | 270 Nm |
| Recuperation | 50 kW |
| Battery | 54 kWh |
| Sono Sion Features | Included features |
| Exterior | Tire repair kit (12 volt compressor and tire sealant) • Exterior mirrors same color as body • LED headlights • Windshield wipers with intermittent operation • Full-surface solar integration to generate additional range through the sun • All-weather tires/tire size (205/60R16) • Steel wheels/16 inches/anthracite |
| Interior | • ISOFIX children’s seat connectors • Three point seat belt • Electric windows • Folding rear seat backs, divided (60/40) • Front seat heating • Single zone automatic climate control • Integrated breSono system with ambient lighting |
| Electronics | • Charging plug under hood with separate cover, charging capacity automatically adjusted • Central locking • Range optimized using brake energy regeneration • Instrument cluster with econometer, body computer module, external temperature display • Infotainment system with integrated connectivity, 10 inch display, USB connection and Bluetooth • USB (2x Type C) and cup holders located in center console • Cruise control • Four speakers in the front of the car • Mobility services/goSono systems: powerSharing, rideSharing, carSharing |
| Safety | • Anti-lock braking system • ESP with traction control • Electronic power steering • Driver, passenger and side airbags • Passenger airbags can be deactivated • Seat occupant detection • Rear parking assistance |
