Electric cars are increasingly becoming popular as they get cheaper and the range they can provide increases. It’s important to make sure that you have ample charge before you set out. That’s because you could be left stranded on the side of the road if there are no charging locations along the way to your destination. Solar cars can help with this and a startup based in Munich is now testing a car that’s capable of charging as you drive.
Founded in 2016, Sono Motors has been testing the final developing of the charging system of its Sion car. It’s an all-electric solar car that’s capable of charging itself even while it’s being driven.
The Sion has solar cells integrated into the bodywork. There will be 330 solar cells on the car’s roof, bonnet, and sides. The battery system will be able to offer a range of up to 155 miles before a recharge is required. The car isn’t just reliant on solar power. It can be charged through conventional power outlets or even other electric cars. It will thus provide owners with a lot of flexibility.
Sonos Motors aims to start production of the Sion car in the second half of next year at one of its plants in Germany. It has around 5,000 orders for the car which it will be charging around $18,000 for.