Electric car startup Sono Motors is touting the development of what it claims is the first electric vehicle (EV) capable of recharging its batteries from the sun.
Called Sion, the EV accomplishes this with its 330 solar cells that are integrated into the car’s roof, hood, sides and rear. The solar cells are covered with polycarbonate to protect them, being shatterproof, light and particularly weather resistant. The solar cell system is called ViSono and is capable of generating enough energy to cover about 18 miles per day with the Sion.
Sono Motors said the technology is bidirectional charging, meaning that it not only generates energy but also provides energy as a mobile power station. Using a household plug, all common electronic devices with up to 2.7 kW can be powered. Over a type 2 plug, the Sion can provide even more power, up to 7.6 kW.
Sion features high-power rapid charging in addition to solar charging through plug-in capabilities that allow for a range of 155 miles per charge.
Interestingly, for air filtering the car will integrate special moss in the dashboard that filters up to 20% of fine dust particles and helps with humidity on the inside of the vehicle. Sono Motors said there is no need to water the moss or for any other special care at all.
The company said it will begin production in the second half of 2019 in one of its German manufacturing facilities. The Sion has already had about 5,000 people pre-order the vehicle priced at $18,540.
