Solar Electric Car, Sion To Start Production Next Year

Sono Motors produces solar EVs (photo: Sono Motors)

JAKARTA - Sono Motors revealed that the final production of its newest EV, the solar-assisted Sion, will begin in the second half of 2023.

In a press release received by Green Car Reports, the Sion will get a revised interior and exterior of the car that includes, taillights, door handles, charging port, and a new rear fascia.

Inside the car, Sono will change the model of the steering wheel and seats and redesign the interior of the Sion to increase storage space.

Finally!

- €25,126 net

- 112 km/week solar charging

- 305 km battery range

- 54 kWh LFP battery

- 75 kW DC fast charging

- 11 kW AC bidirectional charging (after SOP OTA)

- 120 kW Motor

- Integrated Sono Carsharing App

- Tow Bar (optional) pic.twitter.com/ipx6PVUWam

— Sono Motors (@SonoMotors) July 26, 2022

The company also says that the Sion is covered with 456 half-integrated solar cells, which will collect power from the sun and allow the EV to travel further distances without having to charge the battery.

Of course, the Sion still uses battery power. The Sion's 54 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery has a range of about 190 miles. With the energy generated by the solar cells, Sono hopes it can be used to extend trips up to 70 miles, and up to 152 miles, every week.

In addition, the Sion is built with bidirectional charging technology, which makes it possible to use the energy stored in the battery (~11 kW) to power homes or other electronic devices.

Initially, the Sion was slated to be built by NEVS at the former Saab factory in Sweden, but will now be built by Valmet Automotive in Finland. In addition, the Sion will be sold at a price of 25,628 US dollars, equivalent to IDR 384 million.