Solar vehicle designs unveiled by our organization: 'Sion', a solar-electric passenger car, and a 'Solar Bus Kit' for public transportation fleets.
Sono Group Unveils Solar-Powered Sion and Solar Bus Kit
Sono Group N.V., a leading innovator in solar-electric mobility, has announced the latest development of the Sion, the world's first affordable solar electric vehicle (SEV). The Sion, which was debuted in its production design at a recent event, boasts an upgraded model featuring a 305 km electric range, integrated solar panels for self-charging via sunlight, and environmentally friendly batteries.
The Sion, with over 19,000 active private reservations as of 1 July 2022, has garnered strong market interest due to its unique offering of partial energy independence and eco-conscious design. Key features of the Sion include integrated solar panels that reduce dependence on external charging, an affordable price point targeting mass-market consumers, a range of approximately 305 km per full battery charge, and eco-friendly battery technology.
In addition to the Sion, Sono Group is also developing the Solar Bus Kit, a B2B retrofit solution aimed at commercial vehicle electrification and solar retrofit solutions. While specific details on the kit remain scarce, it is likely a system designed to add solar panel integration to existing buses, enabling operators to reduce emissions and energy costs by harnessing solar power. The Solar Bus Kit is optimized for common 12-meter public transport bus types on the European market, including Mercedes-Benz Citaro and MAN Lion's City.
The energy generated by the solar cells is expected to extend the Sion's estimated 305 km range by an average of 112 km (up to 245 km) per week. The Sion's outer shell will consist of 456 seamlessly integrated solar half-cells, enabling self-sufficiency on short journeys. The vehicle's battery will allow for a maximum charging capacity of up to 75 kW (DC) and 11 kW (AC).
Laurin Hahn, co-founder and CEO of Sono Group, expressed excitement about the journey towards providing clean, affordable, and accessible solar transportation. The Solar Bus Kit will be announced with more details during IAA Transportation in September.
The Sion's solar technology is designed to contribute to climate protection and reduce inner-city greenhouse gas emissions. The Kit can save up to 1,500 liters of diesel and up to 4 tonnes of CO2 per bus per year from the ~1.4 kW peak installation with a total size of about 8 square-meters of solar panels.
The forward-looking statements in this press release involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Sono Group is partnering with 19 companies worldwide to implement its Sono Solar Technology on a variety of vehicle architectures. Bus fleet operators stand to see a potential payback time of approximately 3-4 years, depending on days in operation and fuel prices.
Sono Group held its first "Celebrate the Sun" Community event with over 1,500 guests in Munich, Germany. The event showcased the Sion and the Solar Bus Kit, marking a significant milestone in Sono Group's mission to revolutionize the transportation industry with solar-powered vehicles.
[1] Sono Group Press Release, "Sono Motors unveils the Sion production design", 10 June 2022, https://www.sonomotors.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/sono-motors-unveils-the-sion-production-design/ [2] Sono Group Press Release, "Sono Motors announces partnership with 19 companies worldwide", 15 July 2022, https://www.sonomotors.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/sono-motors-announces-partnership-with-19-companies-worldwide/ [4] Sono Group Press Release, "Sono Motors announces the Sion has received major enhancements in its final production design", 25 July 2022, https://www.sonomotors.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/sono-motors-announces-the-sion-has-received-major-enhancements-in-its-final-production-design/
- The Sion's solar technology, a key feature of the vehicle, is not only designed to extend the vehicle's range but also contribute to climate protection and reduce inner-city greenhouse gas emissions, making it a significant investment for environmental-science-minded businesses and individuals.
- In addition to producing the Sion, Sono Group is also developing the Solar Bus Kit, a system designed to add solar panel integration to existing buses, which could attract interest from environmental-conscious finance and business sectors as it promises to reduce emissions and energy costs.
- As Sono Group partners with 19 companies worldwide to implement its Sion Solar Technology on a variety of vehicle architectures, the potential for savings in diesel and emissions reduction could catch the attention of investors keen on sustainable technology and projects that align with their values.
