Sono Motors, a Munich-based startup aiming to produce a budget-friendly solar electric vehicle (SEV), has completed the first full crash test with its Sion prototype, and the results are promising.
According to the German company, the crash test was carried out at its Italian partner facility, CSI, with the vehicle fully covered in polymer-based solar panels and coated green to ensure high contrast.
The crash test at 50 km/h (31 mph) revealed that the company’s proprietary solar panels did not splinter and thus did not endanger passengers or other road users.
The Sono Motors Sion has yet to be homologated. Still, the German startup intends to conduct approximately 300 physical components, sled, and complete vehicle tests to validate the outcome of previous crash simulations.
The Sion will also be subjected to Euro NCAP crash tests.
The upcoming Sion SEV
Along with the first crash test results, the company revealed that the upcoming Sion SEV would come standard with a slew of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, attention assist, road signs assist, parking assist, and a rearview camera.
There are also plans to add adaptive cruise control via an over-the-air update after production begins.
“After years of running successful crash simulations, we are proud to see our solar technology delivering the same satisfying and high-quality results. We want our customers to be able to drive with the comfort of knowing that the solar technology in their Sion not only charges the battery for free but also adheres to the highest safety standards.”
Markus Volmer, CTO of Sono Motors
Solar electric vehicle
However, that production schedule is currently clouded in doubt, with the company stating that it has yet to assure the funds necessary to begin assembly, urging EV enthusiasts to proceed with their orders, and saying that the Sion requires 3,500 more orders to become a reality.
According to its official website, the company currently has over 21,000 reservation holders. However, it still requires approximately 1,650 more orders to secure funding.
The Sono Motors Sion is a solar electric vehicle with photovoltaic arrays covering most of its body panels, which can charge the car’s battery when the sun shines.
The company stated that the starting price will be around €25,000 (approximately £22,300 at current exchange rates), with a €3,000 (£2,675) deposit required when ordering.
