The Munich-based startup Sono Motors has already received 5,000 pre-orders for the Sion electric car. Production is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2019.
Sono Motors is developing an electric car of a different kind: Solar modules in the body generate electricity for the "Sion," thus giving it additional range. The solar energy generated by the vehicle can also be used for other purposes, as the car battery can also supply electricity. Another special feature is moss integrated into the interior of the dashboard, which is intended to act as a natural air filter.
Cars worth 100 million euros pre-ordered
Although it's still over a year until production of the Sion begins, the eco-friendly concept of the three young Munich-based founders Jona Christians, Navina Pernsteiner, and Laurin Hahn already seems to be well received. According to the startup, 5,000 customers have already paid at least €500 for the vehicle. Depending on the amount of the deposit, buyers receive a discount of one to four percent on the purchase price of €16,000 — excluding the battery. Several hundred cars have even been fully paid for in advance, Sono reports. The current level of reservations would correspond to sales of over €100 million. Laurin Hahn, Co-founder and CEO, says:
“For us, this is one of the most significant moments since the company was founded.”
The Sion pre-orders come from over 30 countries, with 80 percent of the vehicles reserved in the core markets of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Sono Motors develops car in consultation with customers
The Sono car is being developed in close cooperation with future customers, says Navina Pernsteiner, co-founder and creative director. More than 10,000 people in Europe test-drove the Sion. Pernsteiner says:
“The discussions during the test drive tours are a valuable opportunity for us to gather ideas and feedback from our supporters.”
In this way, the electric car is embedded in a larger mobility concept, such as Jona Christians, also CEO and co-founder of Sono Motors, explains:
“A specially developed app will offer the possibility to share both the vehicle and battery power with others, as well as to organize and manage ride sharing.”
