The two friends since school, Laurin Hahn and Jona Christians, had big plans: build an electric car that also charges while driving. Key word: PV system on board. And the car should be affordable – in contrast to most other Stromers.
First appointment burst in 2019
Bayern Munich founded Sono Motors in 2016, and the product of this enthusiasm should hit the market in mid-2019. The plan was 5000 units per year, but then the harsh reality slowed down the project. The technology, the financing, the staff – the people of Munich fundamentally underestimated the need.
At the beginning of 2017, there were six employees, in 2018 there were 36, today there are 300, and the trend is rising. The financial requirements are enormous, after a Chinese investor exited, a crowdfunding campaign flushed 50 million euros into the start-up coffers – because an entrepreneur also made an important contribution. And unflinching customers believe in the project. 19,000 pre-orders are on the table, everyone has paid 500 euros in advance. In the meantime, Bayern went public in November 2021 to raise money.
First the Sion was supposed to be produced in Sweden, now Hahn and Christians, the two CEOs of Sono Motors, are trading with the Finnish plant Valmet. The start of production is scheduled for mid to late 2023.
Solar power for 112 kilometers
The concept of the Sion sounds smart throughout. Solar panels on the roof, the doors, etc. generate electricity for an average of 112 kilometers per day, and in the summer with constant sunshine it should even be 245 kilometers. According to the manufacturer, the 54 kWh battery with lithium iron phosphate technology (LFP) should last 3000 charging cycles or 900,000 kilometers. Sono Motors specifies the charging power as 11 kW (AC) or 75 kW (DC). The five-seater also delivers electricity: 3.7 kW (domestic socket) or 11 kW (DC) for other electric vehicles. The factory specifies 305 kilometers as the WLTP range.
Technical specifications
3-phase synchronous motor
Power: 120kW
maximum torque: 270 Nm
Battery: 54kWh
Empty weight: 1730 kg
Payload: 450 kg
Charging power DC: 75 kW
Charging power AC: 11 kW
Consumption: 16 kWh
Range WLTP: 305 km
L/W/H: 4470/1830/1660 mm
Source: Nachrichten
