Solar car firm Sono has revealed the final design of its Sion compact hatch and is aiming for a 2023 launch. The German brand, which has been working on the Sion since 2017 has also confirmed that the final version is expected to cost the equivalent of £21,000 when deliveries start to European customers.

The final production version comes complete with 456 solar ‘half-cells’ that form an integral part of the car’s body panels. According to Sono, the cells generate up to 1.2 kilowatts at peak power. This energy can generate power for 70 miles of additional driving range per week. In a year, that equates to around 3,600 addition ‘solar miles’. 

The Sion features a conventional 54kWh battery pack that is charged via the solar panels or from the grid. DC rapid charging can be carried out at a maximum of 75kW, while AC maxes out at 11kW. The Sion comes with two Vehicle to Load (V2L) ouputs; a 3.6kW adaptor that comes with a standard domestic plug socket and a Type 2 connector that can draw an 11kW feed from the main traction battery. 

In terms of size, the Sion is 4.47 metres long which makes slightly shorter than a Volkswagen ID.4 and comes with seats for five and a 650 litre boot. Despite having solar cells on almost all panels, the Sion tips the scales at 1,730kg - some 200kg less than the lightest Volkswagen ID.4 model. 

Sion features 456 solar cells that can generate up to 1.2kW at peak power

Inside, the cabin features twin digital displays and what Sono describes as ‘integrated moss’ trim along the dashboard. The main infotainment screen features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while a bespoke Sono app allows drivers to control features such as remote charging and battery pre-conditioning. 

The Sion has an official WLTP range figure of 190 miles, but this doesn’t take into account any extra range generated by the solar cells. Power comes from a 163bhp motor that drives the front wheels and is enough to propel the Sion from 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 87mph. 

Sono will use Finnish contract manufacturer Valmet to build the Sion when production gets underway in the second half of 2023. The carmaker currently builds the A-Class and GLC-Class for Mercedes and has previously built cars for Porsche, Saab and Fisker. 

British customers, however, will be in for a long wait for a right-hand drive version. Despite the UK being one of the biggest in Europe for electric cars, Sono has confirmed that right-hand drive production isn’t part of the plan for the Sion’s first production cycle. 

Sion cabin features twin digital displays and what Sono describes as ‘integrated moss’ trim along the dashboard