SONO MOTORS
DiscontinuedOverview
Sono Motors was a German electric vehicle manufacturer focused on developing solar-integrated vehicles, most notably the Sono Sion. The company pioneered the integration of solar cells directly into vehicle body panels to supplement battery charging, with the technology capable of generating sufficient energy for over 5,000 kilometers of annual driving. Beyond its own vehicle development, Sono Motors licensed its solar technology to manufacturers of buses and commercial vehicles including MAN and ARI Motors.
History
Sono Motors was founded in January 2016 by Laurin Hahn, Navina Pernsteiner, and Jona Christians in Karben, Hesse. The company secured initial funding through crowdfunding campaigns on Indiegogo and Seedrs, raising approximately €2.35 million by 2016. In 2019, Sono Motors announced that the Sion would be manufactured by National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) at a former Saab facility in Trollhättan, with plans for 260,000 vehicles over eight years. The company entered insolvency proceedings in 2023, marking the end of its vehicle production ambitions.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sono Sion | Solar-integrated electric vehicle for personal mobility | $25,000 - $35,000 |
Manufacturing
The Sono Sion was planned for production at National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) in Trollhättan, Sweden, a reactivated former Saab manufacturing facility. Manufacturing never reached full scale due to the company's insolvency in 2023. Sono Motors also licensed its solar technology to third-party manufacturers for integration into buses and commercial vehicles.
Notable Products
- Sono Sion - Solar-powered electric vehicle with integrated photovoltaic cells in roof and side panels for extended range
- Solar Bus Kit - Retrofit solar technology module for commercial buses and public transportation vehicles
- Solar Technology Licensing - Proprietary solar integration technology licensed to manufacturers like MAN and ARI Motors
Reputation
Sono Motors was recognized as an innovative pioneer in solar vehicle integration, attracting significant crowdfunding support and media attention for its novel approach to extending EV range. However, the company faced persistent financial challenges despite successful funding rounds, ultimately unable to scale production or achieve profitability before entering insolvency. Industry observers acknowledged the technical merit of the solar integration concept but questioned the commercial viability and market demand for the technology at the proposed price points.