MUNICH: Until now, we've only seen a few early prototypes of the Sion, a futuristic new electric runabout planned by a German startup and promising the ability to recharge itself on its own with the help of solar power.
One year before the start of series production, Sono Motors has now shown the final design of its debut car that wants to boost its range by up to 245km a week with the help of 456 solar cells on the body.
The relatively compact Sion will cost around €30,000 (RM136,000) at launch, the company announced at the premiere here on Monday.
This also sets it apart from the Dutch Lightyear Zero, which plans to bring solar technology into series production at the turn of the year, but is expected to cost around €300,000 (RM1.4mil).
According to Sono Motors, Sion production is scheduled to start in the second half of 2023.
Sono has smoothed out the design of previous prototypes, fitted new headlights and tail lights and tidied up the interior.
However, the designers' trademark use of moss (no longer living and protected by glass) as a dashboard decoration remains present as a means to market the car's greener mobility.
According to the manufacturer, the treated moss is intended to ensure a "pleasant indoor ambience" and needs replacing around as often as a commercial air filter.
The Sion is powered by a 163hp engine and can hit a maximum speed of 140kph. The battery capacity of 54 kW should allow a range of 305km.
But to enable customers to go even further, the solar cells provide electricity for an average of 112 and at best 245km per week, according to Sono Motors.
The makers say you'll need about 35 minutes to recharge the car at a fast charging station - if you don't want to wait a few days for the sun to finish the job.
