Cars

Sono Motors designer discusses solar EV

By 2022-11-18T14:57:00

sono_motors_sion_production_design_5_cts

Car Design News chats to Martin Schopka of Sono Motors about the Sion EV and how engineering needs influenced its design

In October, solar-vehicle company Sono Motors embarked on a cross-country tour of the US to show off its ‘affordable’ solar EV, the Sion. The company says it already has more than 40,000 reservations and pre-orders, and the car is expected to retail at a price of US$25,000. This five-seat hatchback carries the shape of a minivan and is quite unique, with solar panels integrated directly into the body to improve its electric driving range.  

First revealed as a prototype in 2017, the Sion has gradually moved closer to production readiness and was given its final design reveal in July this year. The exterior has been cleaned up, with fewer lines and smoother surfaces. At first glance, it simply looks like it has been given a matte black wrap – there is no obvious network of gloss black panels you might see on a solar roof. Mover closer and the solar panels become more obvious, particularly on the roof, bonnet and around the shoulder line.

This content is available to subscribers only   |   Sign in

Get unlimited access to Car Design News

Unlock exclusive design knowledge, inspiration & connection.

Free Trial

Trial

Includes:


Knowledge
  • Keep up-to-date with new car and who's where news exclusives
  • Discover the latest design thinking with design leader interviews
  • Stay ahead of the curve with design trend report articles and livestreams

Inspiration
  • Step inside leading design studios with our 'inside the studio' series
  • Read in-depth reviews of the new and influential vehicles
  • Discover cutting edge designs from other design disciplines
  • Access Interior Motives magazine in digital page turner format

30-days free

Then $16 per month for Essential subscription

Billed as $194 annually

Start free trial

Other currencies: £149 / €179 annually

Available to new subscribers only

Essential Plus

Essential

Includes:


Knowledge
  • Keep up-to-date with new car and who's where news exclusives
  • Discover the latest design thinking with design leader interviews
  • Stay ahead of the curve with design trend report articles and livestreams

Inspiration
  • Step inside leading design studios with our 'inside the studio' series
  • Read in-depth reviews of the new and influential vehicles
  • Discover cutting edge designs from other design disciplines
  • Receive 2x print editions of Interior Motives per year
  • Activate a 20% discount on the annual Car Design Review yearbook

Connection
  • Take part in subscriber only design challenges

$22 per month

Billed as $259 annually

Subscribe today

Other currencies: £199 / €239 annually

Premium

Premium-svg

Includes:


Knowledge
  • Keep up-to-date with new car and who's where news exclusives
  • Discover the latest design thinking with design leader interviews
  • Stay ahead of the curve with design trend report articles and livestreams
  • Access deeper insights with trend report whitepapers

Inspiration
  • Step inside leading design studios with our 'inside the studio' series
  • Read in-depth reviews of the new and influential vehicles
  • Discover cutting edge designs from other design disciplines
  • Receive 2x print editions of Interior Motives per year
  • Receive 1x annual copy of the Car Design Review yearbook
  • Activate a 25% discount on additional Car Design Review books

Connection
  • Take part in subscriber only design challenges
  • Participate in subscriber only online workshops

$32 per month

Billed as $389 annually

Subscribe today

Other currencies: £299 / €359 annually
 

Explore more subscription options.

 


Need help?


For help with individual user subscriptions please contact:

Eric Ng
Eric.Ng@ultimamedia.com

For help with multi user subscriptions please contact:

Angela Yang
Angela.Yang@cardesignnews.com

 

Sign in   |   Forgotten password