Tesla Rival With Solar-Powered Cars Could Give It A Run For Its Money

By Alexa Heah, 01 Jul 2021

Image via Sono Motors

Unlike other electric vehicles currently available, including market leader Tesla, Sono Motors is a German automaker that’s actually including solar panels on its cars.

Its upcoming EV, the Sion, has already accumulated more than 13,000 preorders, generating US$331 million in sales.

According to Tom’s Guide, despite the Sion still being in the prototype stage, the car is so promising it has garnered an impressive number of preorders. MarketWatch also speculates that an IPO could be coming soon for the company.

Currently, the Sion is scheduled to go on sale in 2023. However, it will only available in Europe, with no plans announced for a US release just yet. Sono Motors had previously tweeted about releasing the car in Canada, which would make it possible that it could also enter the US marketplace.

Distinguishing it from Tesla or other EVs are the Sion’s sunny energy source. These solar panels are said to add 69 miles after a week of charging in the sun, which could help owners go the distance and save some minutes plugged into the charger. As of now, the only EV sporting solar panels is the Hyundai Ioniq 5, though it’s only placed over its roof.

To reserve the Sion, customers have to put forward a US$3,000 deposit. For more information, head over to the official site here.