The Munich-based startup Sono Motors announces its collaboration with Continental, the world's second-largest automotive supplier. Continental's Powertrain division will build the Electric Drive Unit (EDU) for the Sion, the first series-produced electric vehicle with solar integration. The partnership between Sono Motors and Continental is long-term and covers the entire life cycle of the vehicle.
The drive unit for the Sion includes not only the engine but also the power electronics and transmission. Their integration into a single system unit reduces the size and weight of the drive system, thereby increasing the vehicle's performance. The already validated drive system can be integrated into the Sion without any significant additional development work, thus aligning with the innovative carry-over parts strategy of Sono Motors.
"Our decision to collaborate with Continental marks the completion of another important phase in the series preparation of the Sion. With Continental, we are gaining an experienced systems partner with high automotive standards who shares our enthusiasm for innovative solutions in vehicle development and whose name stands worldwide for quality and the highest technical standards,"
says Roberto Diesel, CTO Sono Motors.
Around 8,800 reservations for Sion
The Sion has a battery capacity of 35 kWh. The optimized engine reduces the vehicle's fuel consumption. The previously advertised range of 250 kilometers has now been confirmed at 255 kilometers in simulations according to the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) standard. The choice of front-wheel drive further increases drive and recuperation efficiency, among other things.
This year, Sono Motors announced, among other things, its partnership with ElringKlinger in the field of battery development and productionSono Motors is working with Automotive Solutions Germany (ASG), a specialist in the development and series production of automotive lighting systems, to develop an innovative and customized LED headlight concept for the Sion. The Munich-based startup currently has around 8,800 reservations for the vehicle.
