New Sono Sion solar car to be built at ex-Saab factory

New Sono Sion solar car to be built at ex-Saab factory

Autocar

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260,000 Sions will be produced over eight years

Start-up has crowdfunded €53 million to produce 260,000 vehicles at NEVS production facility in Trollhattan

German EV start-up Sono Motors has raised over €50 million through crowdfunding, which it will use to produce the Sion, a production solar-electric vehicle (SEV).

The Sion will be built by National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) at its factory in Trollhattan, once home to now-defunct manufaturer Saab, with production set to get underway in late 2020. Sono plans to produce 260,000 Sions over eight years, and claims to have secured 13,000 pre-orders.

Sono Motors, which was founded by entrepreneurs Jona Christians and Laurin Hahn in 2016, developed prototypes of the SEV, called the Sion, in 2017. However, money troubles forced them to delay developing a production version after discussions broke down with international investors.

A total of €53 million was raised between December and January, an average of roughly €1 million per day. Most of this money (75%) was sourced from people who have preordered the Sion, while other investors (19%) and loans and donations (6%) made up the rest of the sum.

The Sion generates power from a layer of crystalline silicon-cell panels on its body, which are claimed to generate enough electricity to power the car for up to 18.6 miles of driving per day. A 35kWh lithium-ion battery supplies power to a 161bhp electric motor, turning the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. Performance? A sub-9sec 0-62mph time is claimed, with a top speed of 87mph.

Sono claims the Sion has a 255km WLTP-certified range. The car can be charged at “any charging station in Europe”, due to it being compatible with three different types of chargers: European household plugs (SchuKo), standard charging stations (Type 2) and rapid charging stations (CCS).

Inside, the Sion displays what Sono calls an “understated interior design”, featuring a natural air filter system, as well as a 10in infotainment display. There is also a layer of moss in the dashboard, which Sono said “provides a pleasant indoor climate by regulating humidity”.

Laurin Hahn, CEO and co-founder of Sono Motors said: “53 million euros, invested by the centre of society, for the forward-looking and sustainable mobility concept of a start-up is a clear signal, also directed at politicians to make adjustments.

“Electromobility and the support of young companies in Germany has to be pursued faster and more vigorously. We see it as our responsibility to live up to the trust placed in us by our supporters. Together with the community, we will continue on our path to bring the Sion into production as quickly as possible”.

The Sion is available to preorder now at a price of €25,500. The first production models will be delivered at the beginning of 2022.

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