Sono Motors, a Munich-based startup focused on creating affordable solar electric vehicles (SEVs), has successfully completed its first complete crash test of the Sion prototype. The test was conducted at the company’s partner facility in Italy, and the results were encouraging.
The Sion prototype, equipped with polymer-based solar panels covering its body and painted green for contrast, underwent a crash test at a speed of 50 km/h (31 mph). The proprietary solar panels held up well in the crash, without splintering or posing a danger to passengers and other road users. This positive outcome confirms the safety of the solar technology integrated into the vehicle.
While the Sion SEV is yet to be homologated, Sono Motors aims to conduct around 300 physical component, sled, and complete vehicle tests to validate the results of previous crash simulations. The Sion will also undergo Euro NCAP crash tests.
Markus Volmer, CTO of Sono Motors, expressed pride in the real-world crash test results, noting the importance of combining solar technology with high safety standards in their vehicles.
In addition to the crash test results, Sono Motors announced that the upcoming Sion SEV will come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems as standard features. These include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, attention assist, traffic sign assist, rear parking assist, and a rear-view camera. The company also plans to add adaptive cruise control via an over-the-air update after the start of production.
However, the production start date for the Sion remains uncertain due to funding challenges. Sono Motors has urged potential customers to place orders to help secure the necessary funding for assembly. Currently, the company has over 21,000 reservation holders but needs around 1,650 more orders to secure funding.
The Sono Motors Sion is an innovative solar electric vehicle with photovoltaic arrays covering most of its body panels, enabling it to charge the battery using solar energy. The startup aims to offer the Sion at a starting price of around €25,000 (approximately $27,000) and requires a €3,000 ($3,300) deposit for pre-orders.