Solar-powered car from Germany's Sono Motors To Begin Production In 2023

The Sion, a futuristic new electric runabout being developed by a German business, has just recently made appearances in a few early prototypes. It promises to be able to recharge itself using solar energy.

Sono Motors has shown the final design of its premiere vehicle, which will feature 456 solar cells on the body and an increase in range of up to 245 kilometres per week, one year before the commencement of series production.

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 expects to start producing solar technology at the beginning of the year but is anticipated to cost about €300,000. (RM1.4mil).

Sion production is expected to begin in the second half of 2023, according to Sono Motors.

Sono has improved the interior, added new headlights and taillights, and smoothed out the design of earlier prototypes.

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.

The treated moss, which needs to be changed about as frequently as a commercial air filter, is meant to guarantee a "pleasant indoor atmosphere," according to the carmaker.

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.

However, according to Sono Motors, the solar cells only supply electricity for an average of 112 and at most 245km every week, allowing users to travel further.

The manufacturer estimates that it will take roughly 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.