The Munich startup Sono Motors knows how to inspire the crowd: First, the crowd during its Crowdfunding campaign and yesterday evening, those present at Münchner Technologiezentrum (MTZ). There, the founders presented their SION prototype to the public for the first time. And the public was—as expected—enthusiastic.
The foyer of the MTZ is full, the mood is good. Around 700 people have come to the west of the city this evening to take a look at the SION, the first prototype of Sono MotorsLaurin Hahn, one of the three founders, will first give the introductory presentation and then leave it to his co-founder Jona Christians to drive the SION onto the stage. The prototype, in the version in which it is being presented, has a range of 250 km. Solar cells mounted on the doors, roof and hood can ideally gain an additional 30 kilometers. The cost of the 5-door model: 16,000 euros. And that explains part of the enthusiasm. At this price, the SION is significantly cheaper than many of its competitors in the electric mobility market. However, this price does not include the battery. This can be bought from 4,000 euros or rented on an installment basis.
More than “just” a car
So much for the car itself. But Sono Motors wants more than "only" build a mobile vehicle. This is made clear by the many features in and around the car. The best example: the moss in the interior of the dashboard, which is intended to act as a natural air filter. And yes, the green stripe does indeed look good. Furthermore, the electric car is also intended to serve as a mobile power storage unit, which, with an output of 6.6 kW, can also charge other electric cars, thus acting as a bidirectional charger. And with their goSono app, the makers want to enable car owners from the outset to offer their cars for ride-sharing or car sharing. Here, the Munich-based company is collaborating with the Berlin startup Getaway.
With the SION through Europe
The concept sounds well thought out, and at first glance the SION looks roadworthy. And now? The goal is to generate at least 5,000 binding reservations in order to start series production in the second quarter of 2019. 1,500 non-binding orders are said to have already been received. Co-founder Hahn expressed his confidence in the subsequent press conference: The interest is so immense that he has no doubt that the 5,000 reservations will be reached. In his view, a Plan B is unnecessary. Instead, the company is now embarking on a "sales tour" across Europe: From August to October, Sono Motors plans to offer test drives in seven countries. The launch will take place on August 18 in Munich and will include stops in at least 12 cities and seven countries, where interested parties can test drive the Sion and experience the technology behind the vehicle. The tour is expected to end on October 30. Production will then begin in collaboration with a major European automobile manufacturer—which cannot be named yet.
The investors will also be introduced at the press conference: These include Marita Hansen, Managing Director of eProjekt TNS GmbH and organizer of eTourEurope and eRUDA, the Böllinger Group, a medium-sized group of companies that manufactures prototype components and small series for the automotive industry, aerospace technology, and mechanical and plant engineering, primarily made of light metal. And the juwi founder Matthias Willenbacher, who is particularly enthusiastic about the team around founders Jona Christians, Navina Pernsteiner and Laurin Hahn.
What remains?
And they also know how to get others excited about their product. To this end, they continue to maintain close and regular communication with their crowdfunding supporters, the majority of whom, for example, have expressed support for air conditioning to be included as standard in cars. Next, they'll have a say in the color selection of the SION.
So what remains of an evening filled with so much enthusiasm? First of all, respect for the three creators and their team, who managed to present a prototype of their electric car to their backers without delay. And the feeling that perhaps such enthusiasm can be converted into binding orders.
