Sono Motors has announced its collaboration with Bosch. The technology and services company will provide not only the central control unit but also a software-based solution for the intelligent connectivity of the Sion. The first series-produced electric vehicle with solar integration will be designed for maximum efficiency through car, ride, and power-sharing options.
The Sion's data connection to the cloud will in future be controlled by a Bosch Connectivity Control Unit (CCU) and the Bosch Automotive Cloud Suite, which also supports many of the functions of the Sono Motors's goSono app. Cloud connectivity also forms the basis for digital mobility services, such as the electric vehicle charging service and the eCall automatic emergency call service. Roberto Diesel, Chief Technology Officer of Sono Motors, says:
"Sustainable mobility must be designed to be climate- and resource-friendly and significantly more efficient than before. Private vehicles remain unused for an average of 23 hours a day. They exacerbate the problem of scarce inner-city parking space and are often used by only one person. Integrated mobility functions are therefore a central component of our vehicle concept."
Sono Motors relies on a second pillar of the business model
The idea behind this concept is to make the vehicle accessible to as many users as possible. Using an intuitive mobile application that integrates all mobility services, the vehicle itself, a ride, or energy can be shared. In addition to addressing environmental and climate protection, the Munich-based startup also aims to address the long-term problems of an overburdened infrastructure, which can ultimately be solved by reducing and significantly increasing the utilization of produced vehicles. In addition to vehicle development and manufacturing, offering mobility services is the second pillar of Sono Motors's business model.
Sono Motors recently gave Continental, as a supplier for the electric drive system of the Sion, as well as the Partnership with ElringKlinger in the field of battery development and production. The company currently has approximately 9,300 reservations for the Sion, with advance payments. Production is scheduled to begin at the end of 2019.
