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Be the first to post on this bullboard. Why don’t electric cars have solar panels
Every year, an increasing number of people in the United States acquire electric automobiles. While electric vehicles may be charged at home or at a variety of charging stations, many people are perplexed as to why these vehicles lack solar panels. Installing solar panels on residences makes sense, but does it make sense to put solar panels on cars? The following guide investigates some of the primary reasons why electric vehicles do not have rooftop solar panels.
Solar panels generate electricity by converting sunlight’s energy. Modern solar panels are extremely efficient, with many of them capable of converting more than 60% of the sun’s energy into electricity. They do, however, have some serious drawbacks.
With direct sunlight, a 10 square foot solar panel may produce roughly 50 watts. This is the equivalent of one light bulb. Because most automobiles only have 10 to 25 square feet of roof area, the greatest amount of power they can create is 50 to 150 watts.
For instance, while parked at home, the majority of electric cars utilize a 240-volt outlet. These 240-volt outlets may supply around 30 miles of range per hour of charging. A car would only be able to travel one to three miles for every hour it was charged with solar electricity.
This means that for a 300-mile-range electric car, it would take around 90 hours of direct sunshine to fully charge the battery. For many automobiles, this is impracticable.
Some electric car makers, however, are employing solar power in some of their vehicles. For some types of electric vehicles, such as Tesla, solar charging facilities are becoming increasingly widespread. A series of very big batteries are charged using a number of solar panels. Individual automobiles are then charged using these batteries. Unfortunately, a basic charging station that can service 12 automobiles requires approximately 10,000 square feet of solar panels.
Solar panels are already installed on the roofs of certain automobiles, but they only produce enough power to run a portion of the vehicle’s components. Some vehicles, for example, have a small solar panel on the roof to ensure that the engine’s starter motor is charged. In some circumstances, a small solar panel may be used to power a small fan that helps keep a vehicle’s inside cool on hot days. These solar panels aren’t powerful enough to power a whole car. They’ve only been utilized to power a few components so far.
While solar panels on the roof of a car will never be able to fully charge a battery, solar electricity from other sources is an excellent method to fuel electric vehicles. As the cost of solar panels and batteries continues to fall, more companies will likely provide solar charging stations for electric vehicles.
Have There Been Cars That Used Solar Panels in Their Design?
Several automobile manufacturers are continuing to produce electric vehicles with solar panels integrated into the design. However, these automobiles do not run solely on solar power since there is insufficient electricity to maintain the vehicle.
Sion from Sono Motors
This electric vehicle is outfitted with 248 solar cells. There is also a charging port because it cannot be charged entirely by sunlight. On a completely charged battery, this vehicle can go around 190 miles (350 kilometers). It costs roughly $30,000. This is one of the most economical electric car possibilities.
Lightyear One
This vehicle has a 450-mile range on a single charge. The company website claims that this automobile can travel for months without being recharged, however it only gets 7.5 miles in one hour of solar charging. This vehicle costs a whopping $135,000. This vehicle has not yet been unveiled, but it will be available towards the end of 2021.
Toyota bZ4X
This is still a concept vehicle for Toyota, but it might be available in stores very soon. This vehicle will cost roughly $40,000. Its range is expected to be between 250 and 300 kilometers on a single charge. Because this is a concept vehicle, there is still plenty to learn about it.
Other electric vehicles are beginning to use solar panels, but they are not yet far enough along in development to be included on this list. These three vehicles are all excellent alternatives, but they demonstrate that automobiles cannot operate only on solar electricity.
With the example of all of these automobiles, we can see that solar charging is inefficient for charging a whole car. They must still incorporate charging connections because the solar charge option is inefficient for quick charging.
Is there anything other than solar panels that can provide energy for electric vehicles?
Many individuals have theorized on the many types of charges capable of powering automobiles. We’ve previously discussed solar panels, but alternative charges that others have considered include generators, wind turbines, and the standard charger.
The regular charger is still the best option for charging your electric automobile. There is currently insufficient technology to make solar or wind energy efficient enough to power an automobile on its own. Although research is being conducted to enhance this technology, it may be some years before major automobile manufacturers begin to include various energy alternatives into their vehicles.
Many charging stations rely on solar electricity to give customers extra charging power. Because there is more surface area to catch the sunshine, it is simpler for the solar panels at the stations to collect enough electricity to charge the automobiles. Wind turbine-powered charging stations are being developed at the moment.
Conclusion
When it comes to solar on electric vehicles in other countries, the dam looks to be breaking, with several new manufacturers stating their vehicles will be able to have it. This is great news for states with a lot of sunshine and a lot of outdoor parking spaces, because it will allow them to be put to good use.
Unfortunately, many of these new models will take time to reach the market, but in the next years, acquiring an EV with a solar roof will no longer be a near-impossibility.
Sono Motors Sion
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigationJump to search Sion is an announced solar powered, full electric car, currently being developed by the German start-up Sono Motors. Its battery can be charged using the electric grid or its own solar cells.[2]
History[edit]
The founders of Sono Motors have been working on the realization of the Sion since 2012.[3] In 2016 and 2017, several crowdfunding campaigns were used to collect more than 2 million Euro for implementation.[4][5][6] In July 2016 computer graphics of the vehicle were presented.[7]
Since August 2017, there are two functional prototypes built by Roding Automobile, whose form and function are already to be largely similar to the end product.[8] Design, equipment and processing will be further optimized until final delivery. The experience gained during the test drives in 12 European cities (August 2017 to October 2017) is part of the further development. In autumn 2017, according to Sono, the series development began in cooperation with various partners. The Crashtest or Homologation is to take place in 2018, aiming for the 4* NCAP safety standard.[9] The series production and delivery of the Sion is to start in the middle of 2019.[10] In 2017, several medium-sized investors have joined Sono Motors, including the founder of the German energy service provider Juwi and the Bllinger Group.[11]
On May 9, 2018, Sono Motors announced the award of a major contract for the development and manufacture of a battery system for its solar vehicle to the German automotive supplier ElringKlinger. The total volume amounts to several hundred million euros over a term of eight years.[12] On June 6, 2018, Sono Motors announced in a press release that the Sion is to be equipped with LED headlamps that were previously unusual for this price category. Automotive Solutions Germany GmbH (ASG) is to be the supplier for this.[13]
According to a press release from Sono Motors, on June 14, 2018, the minimum number of 5,000 reservations for Sion was reached.[14] On April 17, 2019, Sono Motors announced production would start by late 2020, using National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) at their Trollhttan (Sweden) site, formerly a SAAB car plant,[15] but later delayed the production start target to 2022.
In late 2019, the company set a year-end fundraising goal of €50 million. It missed the goal, but extended the timeframe and hit the mark three weeks later, in January 2020.[16][17]
As of 2021, the company was targeting a start of production in 2023.[18]
On April 5, 2022, the company announced that Sion Solar vehicle will be manufactured by Finnish automotive manufacturer Valmet Automotive.[19]
Specifications[edit]
The Sion is a purely electrically driven car, which can be charged by a Type2- / CCS- charging interface, as well as by its own photovoltaic modules integrated into the car's outer skin.
The drive will be a three-phase asynchronous motor with a power of 120 kilowatts (161 hp). The motor voltage is 400 V. With the rear wheel drive, a top speed of 140 kilometres per hour (87 mph) should be possible.[20]
Solar cells (viSono)[edit]
Side view of the black prototype in October 2017
The roof, bonnet and large parts of the outer shell of the body are equipped with highly efficient monocrystalline silicon cells (especially efficient in diffuse light, aiming to load 100% of their potential capacity at angles of incidence down to 70°) which are protected by a layer of polycarbonate. The startup uses the product name viSono. The total area of the 330 photovoltaic modules is 7.5 square metres (81 sq ft) with an announced efficiency of 21%. The maximum total power output is 1208 Wp, which means that the daily range gained in Central Europe is at a maximum of 34 kilometres (21 mi) a day under favorable conditions (sunshine) and on average over a whole year about 10 kilometres (6 mi) a day.[21]
Features[edit]
Sono Motors pursues a one-product strategy, i.e. the car is expected to be produced only in one equipment variant.
The Sion has room for 5 passengers. The seats offer 45 centimetres (18 in) of shoulder freedom and are all foldable. The drivers' seat is adjustable in height and position. The outer color will be black. The luggage compartment has a standard capacity of 650 litres (23 cu ft) and can be increased to a total of 1,250 litres (44 cu ft) by turning over the rear seats. In the interior, a natural filter made of moss regulates the humidity and filters fine dust (breSono). Front and rear airbags can be deactivated, so that child seats can be used. The electric handbrake is integrated into the center console. A trailer coupling for trailers up to 750 kilograms (1,650 lb) will be available as an option.
The Sion will be equipped with ABS, an alarm system, driver and passenger (deactivatable) airbags, side airbags with head and chest protection at the front as well as ESP with drive slip control.[20] A reversing camera, cruise control and heated front seats will be included.[9]
Interior of the prototype, August 2017
Current storage (biSono)[edit]
The bidirectional charging system will enable the charging of other electric vehicles (11 kW) via a further Type2 socket, as well as the charging of standard household appliances (2.7 kW / 230 V) at the Sion via a Schuko socket.[21]
Criticism[edit]
In several electromobility forums, criticism was voiced, according to which the announcements of the start-up to the vehicle were unrealistically ambitious. In the prototype vehicles, individual observers recognized parts of the interior, chassis and drive of the BMW i3 with a concealed or removed BMW trademark. This questioned the creation height of the prototype and made the announcements appear doubtful.[22][23]
On September 14, 2017, Sono Motors responded to this criticism in social networks and forums.[24]
Battery and range[edit]
A water-cooled Li-Ion battery (LiMn2O4) with a capacity of 35-45 kWh and a weight of approx. 250 kilograms (550 lb) is to be used as the Sion's power storage. Because of the current rapid advances in battery technology, the final battery choice has been deferred until later in the development process.[21]
The Sion will be delivered with a CCS connector system with an integrated Type 2 connector. The type 2 charging cable is expected to be available at an extra charge. The built-in charger is designed to charge the battery with 3.7 kW to 22 kW of power (AC) for Mode2 and Mode3 charging according to IEC 62196. For DC charging to CCS, 50 kW charging capacity is indicated.
The Sion is to have a range of 320 kilometres (200 mi) (NEFZ), which corresponds to approximately 250 km (160 mi) under realistic driving conditions.
June 2021: the company announced a new, sustainable, battery -> Lithium-Iron-Phosphate Battery (LFP) -> Zero cobalt / Longer lifespan / Greater range. It is fair as well as resource friendly, and, unlike lithium-ion equivalents, this battery's cell chemistry contains no cobalt, nickel or manganese. Due to their special properties, the advanced LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries are also effectively non-flammable. Even after long and intensive use, they display only low power losses, giving them a particularly long service life.
Flexible Charging[edit]
According to Sion the charging can be performed on any charging station in Europe employing various charging methods such as SchuKo, Type 2, and CCS.
Using SchuKo in other words European Household Plug method, the empty car battery fully charges completely up to 100 percent up to 13 hours, based on the socket capacity.
The Sion vehicle using Type 2 Standard Charging Station method can be charged up to 80 percent in 2.5 hours and up to 100 percent in 3.2 hours.
The Rapid Charging Station (CCS) charge the battery up to 80 percent in half an hour. By charging an additional 30 minutes the battery charges up to 100 percent. 80 percent of charge allows a 200-kilometer range, which is enough according to distance between stations.
Dimensions[edit]
| Total Length | 4290 |
| Total Width | 1830 |
| With exterior mirrors | 2100 |
| Wheelbase | 2770 |
| Front track | 1580 |
| Rear track | 1590 |
| Height | 1670 |
| Trunk sill height unladen | 780 |
| Maximum trunk opening width | 1100 |
| Trunk opening height | 700 |
| Maximum loading length (tailgate to front seat) | 1600 |
| Loading length behind rear seats | 800 |
| Trunk volume in liters (non VDA standard) | 650 |
| With rear seats folded down | 1250 |
BreSono[edit]
One of the inventions of Sion motors is the artificial air filtration called BreSono.[26] This uses moss placed in the dashboard and the center of console to augment the air filtration. According to Sono motors, moss can increase the indoor air quality by filtering up to 20 percent of air particulates. The BreSono does not require special care i.e. watering, fertilizing, trimming or exposing to sunlight due to avoided enzymatic reaction of moss. BreSono has sponge properties that controls humidity where it either extracts it from the air or adds it to the air, according to the air humidity. In dry air, the moss provides extra moisture and its consistency becomes less soft. This filter could be replaced during a filter change.
Workshop ("reSono")[edit]
The workshop manual for the Sion, including CAD data of all spare parts for 3D printers or CNC Milling, will be publicly available (license-free) with the delivery of the first models so that future repair costs may be expected to be reasonable.[20] With additional explanatory videos and a catalog of instructions on the site, it should be possible to install spare parts in the vehicle either independently of a workshop or by a workshop with limited experience of the Sion.[27]
Sharing ("goSono")[edit]
On request, the owner of the vehicle is able to use his / her mobile phone app to offer other people electric power (power-sharing), a ride-way (ridesharing) or to rent out his car (car-sharing).[28]
Business Plans[edit]
The Netherlands[edit]
Sono Motors Founders intend to move part of their business toward the Netherlands, as there is a growing e-mobility market there. They plan to captivate and intrigue the public interest so as to launch their zero-emission vehicle for sale, holding tours in 18 cities of the Netherlands and Germany.[29]
Reservation and Order[edit]
Currently, the vehicle can be reserved on the Sono Motors website for a deposit.[30] A contract of sale for the Sion will be offered to these prospective customers in 2020. There is a two-week right of revocation and rescission. The delivery will take place free of charge only to Trollhttan (Sweden) in 2021, at an extra charge also to a desired place.[31]
The Sion was projected to cost €16,000 in its standard configuration without a battery, or €25,500 for a complete car. On April 5, 2022, a price increase to €29,900 was announced. By the use of older – and thus no longer legally protected – components of traditional car manufacturers this lower price compared to many other electric cars is said to be possible.[32] The drive train as well as the battery are provided by automotive suppliers.
The battery will be offered either at a monthly amount (rent or lease) or for purchase. The one-time purchase price of the battery was initially projected by Sono Motors to be less than €4,000,[33] but was later increased to a realistic estimate of €9,500.[34]
Production[edit]
An intended long-term production goal is 43,000 vehicles annually, gradually ramping up to 260,000 by 2028. In late 2019, with 10,000 units preordered, Sono predicted a September 2021 production start,[35] with the preorder page showing customer deliveries targeted for early 2022.
Sono also plan to extend their vehicle models on the same platform, but they didn't publish any details yet on what those models might be, or what would be the co-producing companies. The aim is using 100% renewable energy to power that factory.
The car will be manufactured by Valmet Automotive in Finland from the first half of 2023.[19]
Organizational Chart[edit]
| Founders | Management Team |
| Jona Christians | Thomas Hausch (COO) |
| Laurin Hahn | Laurin Hahn (CEO) |
| Navina Pernsteiner | Isa Krupka (CCO) |
Warranty[edit]
The legal provisions in Europe apply to the warranty. In addition, Sono Motors provides a guarantee for the Sion of either two years or 100,000 km (62,000 mi).[31]
References[edit]
Sono Group N.V.
Sono Motors to Produce Sion at Valmet Automotive
Sono Motors to Produce Sion at Valmet Automotive
-
Sono Motors and Valmet Automotive Announce the Signing of a Term Sheet Concerning the Production of the Sion Solar Electric Vehicle (SEV) At Valmet Automotive’s Production Line in Uusikaupunki, Finland.
-
The Contract Manufacturer, With Long Experience in Production for Premium OEMs, Will Provide Production Capacity for 257,000 Cars Within 7 Years.
-
Start of Production Planned for the Second Half of 2023.
-
Funding Needs Increase.
-
Due to Increased Manufacturing Costs, the Sion Will Be Priced at €25,126 Net in the Future. The New Price Will Be Valid From 18,500 Reservations Onwards. All Existing Reservations Remain Priced as Before.
-
Valmet Automotive Is One of the World’s Most Sustainable Contract Manufacturers and Certified Climate-Neutral as of 1 January 2022.
-
Sono Motor’s Munich Headquarters Continues to Be the Sole Development Hub for Sono Solar Technology.
MUNICH, Germany and UUSIKAUPUNKI, Finland, April 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sono Motors (subsidiary to “Sono Group N.V.”, NASDAQ: SEV) and Valmet Automotive today announced the signing of a binding term sheet, specifying all substantial parameters regarding the collaboration and the production of the Sion solar electric vehicle (SEV). The Finnish contract manufacturer will produce the Sion at its plant in Uusikaupunki. Valmet Automotive will provide the capacity to produce more than 257,000 vehicles over a seven-year period.
“The cooperation marks another milestone towards delivering the Sion to our growing Community. We are convinced that collaborating with such a reliable and experienced partner is an excellent match for bringing the Sion to the streets, while securing high quality standards. We value Valmet Automotive's experience in manufacturing premium automobiles and their proven track record in electro mobility,” says Laurin Hahn, CEO and co-founder of Sono Motors. “Together we are well positioned to keep our promise and deliver a climate-neutral Sion to our customers.”
“The cooperation with Sono Motors is a perfect fit with Valmet Automotive’s strategy, capabilities, and sustainable approach in all operations. We have been pioneers in electric vehicle manufacturing since 2009, and the innovative solar electric Sion will take us to the next level as the first high-volume, fully electric vehicle to be produced in the Uusikaupunki plant. In the rapidly changing automotive industry, Sono Motors is a leading exponent. We are looking forward to supporting Sono Motors in their electromobility targets,” says Olaf Bongwald, CEO, Valmet Automotive.
The Partnership Aims to Produce 43,000 Vehicles Per Year
Valmet Automotive started car manufacturing in 1968 as a joint venture with Saab. Since then, the company built more than 1.7 million cars as a contract manufacturer for some of the world's leading OEMs. General price increases, the switch to Valmet Automotive and the development of new production lines will lead to increased funding needs of at least €275 million (including expected cash inflow from advance payments from reservations) by the start of production (SOP) in the second half of 2023. The Valmet Automotive facilities in Uusikaupunki allow for the production of a low four-digit volume in 2023, which will be followed by a ramp-up period. After this period, which will likely take a few months, the partners aim to produce approximately 43,000 Sion a year, using one hundred percent renewable energy. Sono Motors currently expects that all production-related greenhouse gas emissions that cannot be avoided along its supply chain, or during the production process of the vehicles, will be fully offset through relevant measures. Valmet Automotive is one of the world’s most sustainable contract manufacturers and is certified as climate neutral as of 1 January 2022.
Adjusted Prices for New Customers Due to Market Development
As of 31 March 2022, the Sion has over 17,000 direct consumer reservations with an average down payment of €2,390 net. Currently priced at €23,950 net, the company is planning to increase the car’s estimated net price before taxes and subsidies to €25,126 (€29,900 including German VAT) when the reservation number has reached 18,500. Sono Motors is thereby reacting to the latest increase in manufacturing costs, due to higher prices for production facilities and supplier components as well as raw materials, energy, and logistics, whilst keeping current promised net reservation prices fixed. “By adapting our pricing according to the current economic environment, we are able to reflect our increased costs while continuing to offer our customers a completely sustainable SEV at a very attractive price,” says Thomas Hausch, Chief Operating Officer at Sono Motors.
Sono Motors is currently building a fleet of series-validation vehicles in Germany closer to the company’s HQ, ushering in the Sion's testing program. The outer shell of this family-friendly car will consist of 456 seamlessly integrated solar half-cells and will enable self-sufficiency on short journeys. The energy generated by the solar cells will extend the estimated 305 km range of the Sion's 54 kWh LFP battery by an average of 112 km (up to 245 km) per week. Commuters in metropolitan areas will have to charge their Sion up to four times less than conventional electric cars of the same vehicle class with a similar battery size. Bidirectional charging technology complements the car’s solar integration and is designed to turn the Sion into a sustainable power plant on wheels that will be able to power electronic devices, the home or other electric cars with an output of up to 11 kW.
ABOUT SONO MOTORS
Sono Motors is on a pioneering mission to accelerate the revolution of mobility by making every vehicle solar. Its disruptive solar technology has been developed to enable seamless integration into all types of vehicles to reduce the impact of CO2 emissions and pave the way for climate-friendly mobility.
Sono Motors is developing the world’s first solar electric vehicle (SEV) for the masses, the Sion. Empowered by a strong community, Sono Motors has amassed more than 17,000 reservations with advance payments for the Sion. These vehicles will be produced through contract manufacturing.
Sono Motors' proprietary solar technology has been engineered to enable integration and licensing for a wide range of vehicle architectures that go far beyond the Sion, such as buses, trailers, trucks, camper vans, trains, and boats.
ABOUT VALMET AUTOMOTIVE
The Valmet Automotive Group is one of the largest vehicle contract manufacturers in the world, Tier 1 systems supplier for convertible roof and kinematic systems and for battery systems. In its strategic development, Valmet Automotive Group focuses on electromobility with the development and manufacturing of battery modules as well as packs for electrified vehicles. The activities in the group are organized in three business lines: Manufacturing, EV Systems and Roof & Kinematic Systems. Since its founding in 1968, Valmet Automotive has produced more than 1.7 million vehicles at the Uusikaupunki, Finland plant. In Salo, near the Uusikaupunki plant, Valmet Automotive opened its first volume production of battery systems for the automotive industry in autumn 2019. The company has locations in Finland, Germany, and Poland. Valmet Automotive’s largest shareholders are state-owned Finnish investment company Tesi and the Pontos Group, each with a stake of 38.46 %. 23.08 % is held by the Chinese Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL), the world leading manufacturer of battery cells for electric vehicles.
PRESS CONTACT
Christian Scheckenbach | Mobile: +49(0)17618050132
Sono Group N.V.
Sono Motors to Produce Sion at Valmet Automotive
Sono Motors to Produce Sion at Valmet Automotive
-
Sono Motors and Valmet Automotive Announce the Signing of a Term Sheet Concerning the Production of the Sion Solar Electric Vehicle (SEV) At Valmet Automotive’s Production Line in Uusikaupunki, Finland.
-
The Contract Manufacturer, With Long Experience in Production for Premium OEMs, Will Provide Production Capacity for 257,000 Cars Within 7 Years.
-
Start of Production Planned for the Second Half of 2023.
-
Funding Needs Increase.
-
Due to Increased Manufacturing Costs, the Sion Will Be Priced at €25,126 Net in the Future. The New Price Will Be Valid From 18,500 Reservations Onwards. All Existing Reservations Remain Priced as Before.
-
Valmet Automotive Is One of the World’s Most Sustainable Contract Manufacturers and Certified Climate-Neutral as of 1 January 2022.
-
Sono Motor’s Munich Headquarters Continues to Be the Sole Development Hub for Sono Solar Technology.
MUNICH, Germany and UUSIKAUPUNKI, Finland, April 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sono Motors (subsidiary to “Sono Group N.V.”, NASDAQ: SEV) and Valmet Automotive today announced the signing of a binding term sheet, specifying all substantial parameters regarding the collaboration and the production of the Sion solar electric vehicle (SEV). The Finnish contract manufacturer will produce the Sion at its plant in Uusikaupunki. Valmet Automotive will provide the capacity to produce more than 257,000 vehicles over a seven-year period.
“The cooperation marks another milestone towards delivering the Sion to our growing Community. We are convinced that collaborating with such a reliable and experienced partner is an excellent match for bringing the Sion to the streets, while securing high quality standards. We value Valmet Automotive's experience in manufacturing premium automobiles and their proven track record in electro mobility,” says Laurin Hahn, CEO and co-founder of Sono Motors. “Together we are well positioned to keep our promise and deliver a climate-neutral Sion to our customers.”
“The cooperation with Sono Motors is a perfect fit with Valmet Automotive’s strategy, capabilities, and sustainable approach in all operations. We have been pioneers in electric vehicle manufacturing since 2009, and the innovative solar electric Sion will take us to the next level as the first high-volume, fully electric vehicle to be produced in the Uusikaupunki plant. In the rapidly changing automotive industry, Sono Motors is a leading exponent. We are looking forward to supporting Sono Motors in their electromobility targets,” says Olaf Bongwald, CEO, Valmet Automotive.
The Partnership Aims to Produce 43,000 Vehicles Per Year
Valmet Automotive started car manufacturing in 1968 as a joint venture with Saab. Since then, the company built more than 1.7 million cars as a contract manufacturer for some of the world's leading OEMs. General price increases, the switch to Valmet Automotive and the development of new production lines will lead to increased funding needs of at least €275 million (including expected cash inflow from advance payments from reservations) by the start of production (SOP) in the second half of 2023. The Valmet Automotive facilities in Uusikaupunki allow for the production of a low four-digit volume in 2023, which will be followed by a ramp-up period. After this period, which will likely take a few months, the partners aim to produce approximately 43,000 Sion a year, using one hundred percent renewable energy. Sono Motors currently expects that all production-related greenhouse gas emissions that cannot be avoided along its supply chain, or during the production process of the vehicles, will be fully offset through relevant measures. Valmet Automotive is one of the world’s most sustainable contract manufacturers and is certified as climate neutral as of 1 January 2022.
Adjusted Prices for New Customers Due to Market Development
As of 31 March 2022, the Sion has over 17,000 direct consumer reservations with an average down payment of €2,390 net. Currently priced at €23,950 net, the company is planning to increase the car’s estimated net price before taxes and subsidies to €25,126 (€29,900 including German VAT) when the reservation number has reached 18,500. Sono Motors is thereby reacting to the latest increase in manufacturing costs, due to higher prices for production facilities and supplier components as well as raw materials, energy, and logistics, whilst keeping current promised net reservation prices fixed. “By adapting our pricing according to the current economic environment, we are able to reflect our increased costs while continuing to offer our customers a completely sustainable SEV at a very attractive price,” says Thomas Hausch, Chief Operating Officer at Sono Motors.
Sono Motors is currently building a fleet of series-validation vehicles in Germany closer to the company’s HQ, ushering in the Sion's testing program. The outer shell of this family-friendly car will consist of 456 seamlessly integrated solar half-cells and will enable self-sufficiency on short journeys. The energy generated by the solar cells will extend the estimated 305 km range of the Sion's 54 kWh LFP battery by an average of 112 km (up to 245 km) per week. Commuters in metropolitan areas will have to charge their Sion up to four times less than conventional electric cars of the same vehicle class with a similar battery size. Bidirectional charging technology complements the car’s solar integration and is designed to turn the Sion into a sustainable power plant on wheels that will be able to power electronic devices, the home or other electric cars with an output of up to 11 kW.
ABOUT SONO MOTORS
Sono Motors is on a pioneering mission to accelerate the revolution of mobility by making every vehicle solar. Its disruptive solar technology has been developed to enable seamless integration into all types of vehicles to reduce the impact of CO2 emissions and pave the way for climate-friendly mobility.
Sono Motors is developing the world’s first solar electric vehicle (SEV) for the masses, the Sion. Empowered by a strong community, Sono Motors has amassed more than 17,000 reservations with advance payments for the Sion. These vehicles will be produced through contract manufacturing.
Sono Motors' proprietary solar technology has been engineered to enable integration and licensing for a wide range of vehicle architectures that go far beyond the Sion, such as buses, trailers, trucks, camper vans, trains, and boats.
ABOUT VALMET AUTOMOTIVE
The Valmet Automotive Group is one of the largest vehicle contract manufacturers in the world, Tier 1 systems supplier for convertible roof and kinematic systems and for battery systems. In its strategic development, Valmet Automotive Group focuses on electromobility with the development and manufacturing of battery modules as well as packs for electrified vehicles. The activities in the group are organized in three business lines: Manufacturing, EV Systems and Roof & Kinematic Systems. Since its founding in 1968, Valmet Automotive has produced more than 1.7 million vehicles at the Uusikaupunki, Finland plant. In Salo, near the Uusikaupunki plant, Valmet Automotive opened its first volume production of battery systems for the automotive industry in autumn 2019. The company has locations in Finland, Germany, and Poland. Valmet Automotive’s largest shareholders are state-owned Finnish investment company Tesi and the Pontos Group, each with a stake of 38.46 %. 23.08 % is held by the Chinese Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL), the world leading manufacturer of battery cells for electric vehicles.
PRESS CONTACT
Christian Scheckenbach | Mobile: +49(0)17618050132
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