As part of the expanded collaboration, a Continental advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) will be integrated into Sono Motors’s series validation vehicles for the first time. An ADAS feature will be standard in every Sion. Looking ahead, the ADAS will not only make driving in the Sion safer and more comfortable, but also ensure that the Sion complies with the upcoming stricter EU road safety regulations (GSR).
As part of the expanded cooperation, Continental will also provide intelligent connectivity functions such as a passive access and smart entry system for the series validation vehicles. This automatically recognizes authenticated users approaching the vehicle, opens the vehicle doors, and activates the low-voltage systems. The start-stop button for the series validation vehicles also comes from Continental. In the area of safety, the two companies are also integrating the Sion’s crash sensor.
“Rapid and decisive progress in development”
Laurin Hahn, co-founder and CEO of Sono Motors, comments on the expanded cooperation with Continental:
“Our partnership with Continental began in 2018 with work on components such as the e-motor, the software for the vehicle control unit, and the airbag control unit. Expanding our cooperation to other areas such as ADAS and vehicle connectivity helps us not only make rapid and decisive progress in development, but also gives us the assurance that we will provide our customers with proven quality technology.”
Christoph Falk-Gierlinger, managing director of Continental Engineering Services, Continental’s development and manufacturing services provider, adds:
“We are particularly committed to sustainable mobility solutions. That’s why we’re excited to develop a climate-friendly and exciting mobility project together with Sono Motors.”
Production start planned for next year
The Sion is a solar electric vehicle with five seats that will be available in Europe for an expected around €25,000 net. Production of the Sion is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2023. Production will be handled by Valmet Automotive in Finland. According to the company, it has acquired over 20,000 paid reservations from private individuals and over 22,000 B2B pre-orders for the Sion.
