Sono Motors becomes SonoSolar: commercial vehicles are now to be fuelled by the sun
Sono Motors had set out to build a car with solar cells in the body. Following its insolvency, the company is now pursuing other goals as SonoSolar. It is starting out as a supplier for solar integration.
I was standing in front of the Sion in Zurich a good two years ago. A ready-to-drive car from Sono Motors, under whose matt black bodywork solar cells only shone through on closer inspection. However, what already shone through at the roadshow to find investors at the time was that things were going to be tight financially. Very tight.
«The project is too far along to fail now», the company wrote to all supporters in January 2023. But even the #savesion campaign didn't help - the dream of a self-built, self-charging vehicle ended in insolvency. The less visionary, but more economical plan for the time afterwards Take the experience with them and concentrate fully on the patented solar technology.
Solar on every vehicle (except the Sion)
What solar can do for commercial vehicles
A few square metres of solar panels on a bus roof are not nothing if the energy is fed into the on-board power supply. They can be used to support heating or cooling, for example. This should save up to 1500 litres of diesel and up to four tonnes of CO₂ per bus per year. SonoSolar speaks of up to seven per cent less fuel consumption, emphasises the lower CO₂ footprint and points to the higher reliability of the supporting solar systems.
Of the original strategy of marketing a vehicle, sharing app and solar technology, only the latter proved to be profitable. What a shame for a great idea. Our Microlino test has also shown that alternative e-concepts from small manufacturers do not have an easy time on the market.
Simple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
From the latest iPhone to the return of 80s fashion. The editorial team will help you make sense of it all.
Show all
