Sono Motors introduces new battery technology for Sion, increasing vehicle range by 50 km

According to foreign media reports, German startup Sono Motors has introduced a new battery technology for its upcoming electric model Sion, which not only allows the car to have a longer range, but also enables a higher charging rate. In addition, this battery technology abandons precious metals and uses more environmentally friendly components, while adding 50 kilometers (31 miles) of range to the car.

Sion model (Image source: Sono Motors)

Sono Motors opened pre-orders for the Sion electric model in 2017, launched a large crowdfunding campaign in 2019, and finally unveiled a pre-production prototype at CES earlier this year.

Solar cells are integrated into the hood, roof, doors and rear of the car, which can use solar energy to charge the on-board battery at any time. The electric drive has a peak power of 150 kW and a torque of 75 Nm (129 lb-ft), with a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph).

Under optimal conditions, the solar cells are expected to add up to 245 km (152 miles) of range per week. Now, however, the solar cells will provide energy for a newly designed 54-kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery made of nickel and manganese, eschewing the traditional and troublesome battery ingredient cobalt.

According to the company, the battery will increase the electric car's range from 255 km (158 miles) to 305 km (190 miles), and will also increase the charging rate from 50 kW to 75 kW. Sono Motors also says the battery will remain safe and functional after 3,000 charge and discharge cycles, which is enough for the car to travel 900,000 km (56,000 miles).

Sono Motors said it has received a down payment of 13,000 euros for the Sion model, which has a full price of 25,500 euros (about 30,000 U.S. dollars). It is expected to go into production next year, but due to the new coronavirus epidemic, the specific mass production time is still unclear.