Sono conceptos & prototipos

The compact car Sion is an electric vehicle with solar modules incorporated into the bodywork that use the sun to generate a range of up to 30 kilometers a day – self-charged and in addition to its basic range of 250 km (155 mi) according to WLTP standard.

The Sion has 330 mono crystalline PV cells from SunPower (3.65 W each) on the hood, doors, rear and transparent roof to help top up the Li-ion batteries while the vehicle is on the move, or sat in an open air car park or driveway.

The five-door family car's 80 kW three-phase asynchronous electric motor with single speed transmission is said to be good for a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph).

The Sion boasts up to 250 km (155 mi) of "normal" range per plug-in charge of the 35 kWh battery pack, with fast charging and regen braking supported. Its 120 kW motor produces 290 Nm (214 lb.ft) of torque, and can go from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 9 seconds, on its way up to a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph). It's also expected to be able to comfortably tow up to 750 kg (1,653 lb).

The five-door Sion has grown bigger than the prototype before it too, and has been treated to a more emphasized rear end. The 4,290 × 1,830 × 1,670 mm (168.9 × 72 × 65.7 in) dimensions make room for a larger footwell and extra interior space.

The second-gen Sion features 248 photovoltaic panels integrated into the vehicle's body that will top up its battery pack during daylight hours, for up to 20 miles of extra range per day. The company has opted for electric drive from Continental, which offers 150-kW peak power, 60-kW continuous power and 175 Nm (129 lb.ft) of torque. Top speed is reckoned to be 140 km/h (87 mph).

The bus is equipped with the Sono Motors' Solar Bus Kit.

The Sion is a spacious and family-friendly solar electric vehicle. Its outer shell consists of 456 seamlessly integrated solar half-cells that extend the time between charges and enable self-sufficiency on short journeys. The energy generated by the solar cells is expected to extend the estimated 305 km (189,5 miles) range of the Sion's 54 kWh LFP battery by an average of 112 km/70 mi per week in typical weather conditions and by as much as 245 km/152 mi per week in optimal conditions. The battery will allow for a maximum charging capacity of up to 75 kW (DC) and 11 kW (AC). Bidirectional charging up to 11 kW will turn Sion into a solar “power plant” that can charge devices, other EVs, or put energy back into private or public energy grids.