Last year, Munich startup Sono Motors announced plans to build its first car, the Sion, after a successful crowdfunding that managed to raise nearly €195,000 (RM979,600). Now, the company has revealed the first prototype of its electric vehicle, which is expected to enter production in the second quarter of 2019.
There has been some changes to the Sion formula – originally, the car was set to be offered in €12,000 (RM60,300) Urban and €16,000 (RM80,400) Extender models, with a range of 120 km and 250 km respectively. Now, only the latter will be made available.
Also, while that price has been retained, it no longer includes the battery, which will be offered on a monthly lease or with a one-time purchase of €4,000 (RM20,100). Altogether, a Sono Sion that’s actually ready to hit the road will cost as much as €20,000 (RM100,500).
The design of the prototype certainly looks to be more production-ready than the initial renders, the jelly bean-like profile becoming boxier and more practical-looking. A prominent feature of the original concept – 330 solar panels integrated into the polycarbonate body panels – has been retained, and has again been claimed to add an extra 30 km of range a day in the right conditions.
Not much has been shown of the interior, but from what little can be seen, it appears that the Sion will feature plenty of switchgear from the BMW i3, the most obvious of which being the climate controls. Originally proposed as a six-seater with three seats front and rear, Fiat Multipla/Honda FR-V-style, the Sion will now feature a regular five-seater cabin.
The unusual green moss found on the dashboard and door panels is part of the breSono air filtration system, which is said to filter up to 20% of fine particles and regulate the humidity inside the car. Other features include bidirectional charging, meaning that in addition to being charged, the car can also be a mobile power storage device and provide electricity, with an output of 6.6 kW.
Power comes from an 80 kW (109 PS) electric motor mated to a 30 kWh lithium-ion battery and a single-speed transmission, enabling the Sion to reach a top speed of 140 km/h.
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Can the moss adapt/stand in our Malaysian tropical climate?
Probably pipu will think the car has fungal infestation.
After a day under the hot sun, it should taste well.
Wow, the whole car industry has moved to either hybrid, PHEV or EV. And now they are further going into Solar EV
Our 2 national car players…..still tido. Relax and Lepak
P1 alredi got EV. P2 still waiting donation car from jepunis minor lord, who is waiting donation car from jepunis overlord.
Kena side impact, GG $$$. On the bright side it runs forever if tires are changed, permanent magnets and batteries replaced.
Brilliant! Car that comes with salad, that’s innovation.