Sono Sion solar-connected electric car set to hit market in 2023

FRANKFURT: Sono Motors is slowly nearing its goal of launching its first electric car on the market, with the no-frills, compact Sion due to hit the roads early in 2023 with solar power for extra range.

The Munich-based start-up was founded five years ago and the Bavarians are hoping the car will dispense with two problems that hamper e-mobility, namely high prices and a limited number of charging points.

The home-market price of the Sion starts at just €25,500 (RM127,000), thanks to its simple design, use of standardised components and no-frills approach.

Founders Laurin Hahn and Jona Christians even want to make it cheaper for car owners to get their vehicles repaired, by offering do-it-yourself videos online.


But it's the solar power that make the vehicle stand out, with almost 250 cells incorporated into the car's plastic body.

Sono Motors has calculated that they provide electricity for an average of 16km, even in only middling weather. Ideally though, when it's blazingly sunny, the car can cover 35km a day or 12,740km a year.

The car's electric motor output and battery capacity are kept in check, but with a 163hp motor, it can still reach a maximum speed of 140kph.

The car's battery capacity is 54kWh and the Bavarian makers say this affords it a range of up to 305km.

The Sion, which is only available in black, is 4.47 metres long and offers space for five people and 650 litres of luggage.