As part of the expanded collaboration, a driver assistance system (ADAS) from Continental will be integrated into Sono Motors's series validation vehicles for the first time. An ADAS feature will be included as standard in every Sion. In the long term, the ADAS will not only make driving in the Sion safer and more comfortable, but also ensure that the Sion complies with the upcoming, stricter European Union road safety regulations (GSR).
As part of the expanded cooperation, Continental will also provide intelligent connectivity features such as a passive access and smart entry system for the series validation vehicles. This system automatically detects authenticated users approaching the car, opens the vehicle doors, and starts the low-voltage systems. The start-stop button for the series validation vehicles also comes from Continental. In terms of safety, the two companies are also integrating the Sion's crash sensor.
“Rapid and decisive progress in development”
Laurin Hahn, co-founder and CEO of Sono Motors, commented on the expanded cooperation with Continental:
"Our partnership with Continental began in 2018 with work on components such as the electric motor, the software for the vehicle control unit, and the airbag control unit. Expanding our cooperation to other areas such as ADAS and vehicle connectivity not only helps us make rapid and decisive progress in development, but also gives us the confidence that we will deliver technology of proven quality to our customers."
Christoph Falk-Gierlinger, Managing Director of the development and production service provider Continental, Continental Engineering Services, adds:
"We are particularly committed to sustainable mobility solutions. That's why we are delighted to be developing a climate-friendly and exciting mobility project together with Sono Motors."
Production start planned for next year
The Sion is a solar-electric car with five seats, which is expected to be available in Europe for around €25,000 net. Production of the Sion is scheduled to start in the second half of 2023. Production will be carried out by Valmet Automotive in Finland According to the company, more than 20,000 reservations paid in advance from private individuals and over 22,000 B2B pre-orders for the Sion were acquired.
