The Super-Cheap Solar-Powered Car Is Finally Here!

Who wants a cheap, simple EV that charges itself by the sun? Oh and you also want some moss on the dashboard? Well, you're in luck.
The new, production-ready Sono Sion is finally here. A year on from his visit to Sono HQ in Munich, Jack explains everything that's changed with this new final version and why you should be so excited about it.
Timestamps:
0:00 Quick question
1:06 Who is Sono?
2:34 Final version: what's changed?
3:13 Solar, solar, solar
4:12 Regular car, regular price
5:37 All the stats
6:59 Simple but spacious
8:54 A-mossing dash
9:20 Production details
9:43 Party piece
11:18 EV solar bus kit
12:18 What do you think?
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#SonoSion #solarcar #solarpowered #cheapEV #Sono #Sion

[@niklaswejedal463]

I like it that they let the car be as simple as it is - I really don't like that premium/luxury-mania that every other car company seems to think is the only way to get cars sold. I also like that it basically is a compact MPV and not one of those idiotic SUVs. Go, Sono - I hope this car will be a huge success!

[@JackScarlett1]

The brutally simple interior is SO refreshing. A stark reminder how much unnecessary stuff is bundled in with most cars

[@johnchoice1371]

Not at that price!

[@niklaswejedal463]

@@JackScarlett1 - I drive a 2008 Renault Modus - no frills what-so-ever in the interior. At work I often have to drive new premium cars and are constantly reminded of how much in them I do not miss at all in my car. The Sono could be a good replacement, me thinks.

[@BritishRacingGreen]

I agree. I have modest tastes. So long as it is comfortable and a decent speakers. I'd be happy.

[@mav5204]

21 thousand euro cheap?

[@belavet]

As a person who has driven a prius for 17 years, I think it is fair to say that I couldn't care less what it looks like. If this thing does everything in the video, I'd happily drive this. We park outside year round, and I am typically complaining about that, but it sounds like this car is better fit outside anyway.

[@richbuilds_com]

I honestly don't think it looks bad at all.

[@DeanTheDoctor]

I think the Prius is awesome. 😊🌎✨

[@neverending774]

the uglier and stupider it looks, the less someone will try to steal it for those reasons anyway.

[@antontaylor4530]

A Prius has everything you need to make an EV apart from the batteries. Maybe someone could make a conversion kit that includes solar panels, batteries etc. Second life Prius's as EV's would be an ecological godsend.

[@DeanTheDoctor]

@@antontaylor4530 This is what I feel will happen for many EV's and regular combustion cars in the future. You likely already have some brilliant guys working out of their garage with 3D printers on such universal projects that will undoubtedly change the world. 😊🌎✨

[@nkubkbkuj]

They should add solar panels in the inside of the doors so you can slide them up to cover the windows and in the rooftop to slide and cover the windshield when parked to get even more energy and it also would help keep the inside cooler shielding it from the sun ☀️ i hope this works out for them.

[@harveyhennessey7402]

That is a genius idea. Made me think. Won't be long before they create a window tint or just plain film that has solar technology built into it.

[@directdemocracy1]

Great Idea !

[@connystenberg393]

Or not have the panels on the car at all because it is stupid.

[@unknownx7252]

I've always wondered why they didn't do that, it's a great idea.

[@gaelle4328]

@@harveyhennessey7402 It’s already here.

[@Validole]

Between "Production Ready" and "In Production" there is a massive gap that's been the killer for many a company, regardless of the business they're in. I wish them the best, but I'm quite cautious with hoping to see these on the streets anytime soon.

[@taylorshain12]

For sure. I'll get excited when it's actually in production and available to actually purchase. There are graveyards filled with neat EV cars that haven't gotten to production yet or have just died.

[@shrimptopian3392]

Bankrupt 2023

[@MrRiddle0]

Having a producer secured is a massive step

[@shrimptopian3392]

@@MrRiddle0 They have it secured when they pay valmet 500.000.000 upfront, money they cannot get. Valmet can destroy the contract the 1st time sono doesn't do what is in the Secret contract

[@amanasd26]

@@taylorshain12 yeah something about that price also seems unrealistic. How does a start up undercut everyone on price and how do they compete with the big players for things such as batteries and other scarce ev parts.

[@peterbrook6866]

We absolutely need more EVs like this.

[@markgood7814]

Absolutely and I think it will set a president.

[@udayada1326]

@@markgood7814 check out the Tata ev range of car it all come less than 22000$

[@lillyanneserrelio2187]

Yes. It seems so obvious - cover your electric car with solar panels. So obvious yet such a rare feature.

[@parsonk4041]

@@lillyanneserrelio2187 looking at those panels I rather question at what KW it can actually charge it.

[@brianasamuels]

@@markgood7814 precedent

[@trevorberridge6079]

I've always loved the Sono Sion and am stoked that it's coming to production. One of the reasons that I love it is quite simply because in the body of this one car you have the evidence that destroys most naysayer arguments against EVs. They can't complain about the price. They can't complain about charging time. They can't complain about charging infrastructure. They can't complain about practicality. They can't complain about range. They can't call it "just a city car that's good for the shops". This car has 190 miles of range which accounts for at least five days of average use. For the 90% of time that it's sat still doing nothing it will actually be drawing as much solar energy out of the Sun as it can manage. You don't even have to plug it in overnight. You just expose it to the Sun while your in a shop, at work, watching a movie, going for a swim, etc. Trolls will be apoplectic with rage at the fact that it doesn't do 1,000 miles per charge and doesn't fill the battery on two minutes of exposure to candle light. But, there's no cure for stupid.

[@ambassadorfromreality1125]

Good thinking like this deserves more than an uptick. Good points

[@guancholi2441]

And Sono is VERY close to Soros... coincidence? I think not! (No, I mean literally that I don't think.)

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Haha

[@endlesswaves8257]

It's still fairly expensive to buy. From the looks of it the closest equivalent petrol vehicle would be something like a Dacia Jogger, and at €16k that's an awful lot cheaper than the €30k they're asking for this.

[@TremereTT]

10 years of development are bit much! Who will repair and service these cars with parts? What if you bay this car and it will go the route of the EV Go. Also without CCS fast charging ? I think if it would come with the promise to later sell a CCS fast charging upgrade kitt for it , that would allow at least some fast charging until the batterie gets too warm.

[@calebjc]

I live in Vermont and we'd buy it for our young family of four if they can make it through the well-known production challenges. It would replace a 2010 Toyota Corolla...if it would ever die!. We live in town and are very close to one of our jobs. A typical day for one of us is well under 20 miles. So it should be able to do that day in and day out in the real (cold) world. And contrary to some perceptions about Vermont, there are amazingly sunny, dry and cloudless days in the deep of winter, albeit with a low-angled sun. And in town we do well with front-wheel drive if we have really good snow tires. And I should say, we're in very southern Vermont, about 10 degrees warmer than where most people live in Vermont up near the center of the state and Burlington.

[@Georgia-Vic]

I hope this company prospers and I think that this is the wave of the future when it comes to autos, thanks for this video your humor made my day complete!

[@roguebullet4220]

OMG! At long last, there is a company out there that understands what most people need & want. Have been waiting for this vehicle to be officially launched. When it's available in the UK, I will definitely be putting my name on the waiting list. And thanks Jack for the very positive video 📹 👍 😀

[@Enforcer_WJDE]

It's not the only company though. Agreed that we need more of these.

[@beefiron]

According to the website, there are no plans right now for a RHD version, but they might do it in the future depending on demand.

[@roguebullet4220]

@@beefiron Darn, sounded too good to be true...

[@silotx]

Uk is not a good choice for a solar panel powered car lol. A car that turned rain and fumes into hydrogen would be a better suit.

[@roguebullet4220]

@@silotx what is rain? Haven't see any for a month... 😉

[@danielvilliers612]

I sincerely hope they succeed, because they really represent the green car.

[@kostasmira2933]

But this is too cheap for companies to live so they will destroy everything.

[@DeanTheDoctor]

Humanity has changed a lot. I have no doubt the innovations and improvements to the way of living will continue to evolve and work for the best interests of everyone on our planet. 😊🌎✨

[@johnchoice1371]

GREEN?? GREEN?? GREEN BUT A DINKY TOY!

[@ElroyMcDuff]

@@johnchoice1371 So don't buy one. 😋

[@t1n4444]

It's nowhere near being a green car if you factor in how the electricity for charging is produced. Plus factor in the costs manufacture and eventual breaking up and recycling. Plus recycling of the battery metals won't be cheap.

[@d3xbot]

I honestly think this'll do pretty well at that price range. I'd certainly be interested here in the southeastern US. We get a lot of sun here, so it'd do well with range.

[@dealsaua]

Happy to see them reach this far…hope they get to the finish line and are a success. Coming from a tropical island where there’s plenty of sun 52 weeks of the year, I’ll be looking for one in about 2 yrs.

[@robertarmstrong3478]

I will believe the price point when production actually ramps up. Kudos for the target though, and great that on vehicle solar is arriving.

[@johnchoice1371]

I believe that price point is way too much!

[@davidmccarthy6061]

I hope it makes it to production in volume. Probably never come to the US though.

[@NorboHitman]

@@johnchoice1371 Can you tell why you think that?

[@eugeniobb]

@@davidmccarthy6061 if it sells well in EU they will find a manufacturer in the US (or Mexico or Brasil)

[@ElroyMcDuff]

@@NorboHitman He's either a troll or a hater, there are at least a dozen posts whining about the price.

[@cpoomail]

Looks really nice! Very happy solar electric vehicles like this and Aptera are gaining visibility and momentum

[@stevec2196]

It's a scam and I'm disappointed in the way they keep falling for this since Dave Jones already debunked self charging cars!

[@starvictory7079]

@@stevec2196 Who is Dave Jones?

[@FreekHoekstra]

@@stevec2196 you can still charge it at a charger, and you could easily get a couple kilowatthours a day which is at least a 10 miles or so. That might not be enough for you but it’s plenty for my parents for example who occasionally drive and not that far and this prevents them from having to plug in which they can’t because they have to park out on the street. So it’s not for everyone but it’s perfect for them.

[@DeanTheDoctor]

We'll always have skeptics, doubters, and doomsayers when it comes to events, human rights, and innovation. The same things have been said about each generation of people, computers, GPS devices, Smartphones, black/gay/lesbian rights, Renewable energy, hybrid cars, electric cars, Google, about every major OS update, every influenza or scare that shows up on the news, and the ever evolving ways people can earn money online by simply posting videos. We live in new times. It's in our nature to grow and change, and it's my feeling that humanity will always continue to do so. You can't change the opinions of another if they're convinced they are right. You can only Appreciate them for whom life has lead them to become and wish them on their way while you carry on, pursue your dreams, and live your best life. 😊🌎✨

[@cpoomail]

@@DeanTheDoctorThanks! Very well said!

[@robertrigel9806]

This is really fascinating stuff - thanks for the intro. Regarding electrification, Europe is leaps and bounds ahead of the US and it's a delight to see! What an amazing little car!

[@garymeyers7983]

Thank you for that!

[@Tinkery]

I hope this, or something like it, becomes available in the United States too. This is exactly the kind of electric car that I have been waiting for. Simple, inexpensive, has exactly what you need with nothing that you don’t. As for looks, forms built for function have their own kind of beauty to me. I also had a Scion Xb years ago that I absolutely loved so this car looks great in my book.

[@greenergenes]

Aptera

[@s.engelsman4521]

I still have a 2008 Scion xB and am truly upset they stopped making them! Toyota quality, great cargo space, room for my 6'3" husband to drive or ride, and GREAT gas mileage. It's also got the look of a shoebox on wheels, but the only thing I really hate is the ridiculously low clearance it has. Because my son misjudged the depth of a dip, I have at least $1,500-2,000 worth of damage to my front end and frame. 😢 Can't afford to fix, can't afford to buy a new car either.

[@maddie9185]

@@quercus3290 that’s about average for a car that size

[@multi-mason]

The cost in Europe… which was arrived at based on the European market. There is no reason whatsoever to imagine that a US release would carry the same price. Look at the US MSRPs of the other cars with which price comparisons where made in order to get a clue. In actual fact it is at the very low end of pricing for electric vehicles in Europe, and that price point is not a coincidence, but rather by design as part of their marketing strategy. Therefore it is reasonable to think that a US release would be priced at an equivalent level for the US market, at the very low end of MSRPs for electric vehicles in the US… The lack of bells and whistles is actually a plus in many people’s books, being as lots of frivolous features mostly only serve to increase maintenance costs and indirectly limit people’s ability to handle repairs themselves, while also lowering value retention. Therefore the focus on functionality and simplicity, and the inclusion of highly optimized solar combined with the comparably low price point, make for a remarkably high value proposition. I’m not a big fan of EVs, but hating electric and solar, on principle alone, is simply asinine.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

Except solar panels, which you really don't need and don't want but it has it.

[@GreenMountian]

I’d buy this tomorrow if it was available in the US.

[@johnchoice1371]

SAVE YOUR CASH.

[@trash_miner]

Same

[@KJensenStudio]

Nice idea, and I like the moss too. 😊 I don't usually bump into bollards, but often experience others opening their car doors hard enough to dent my side panels, so I'm concerned about needing to possibly replace a whole side panel if/when this sort of thing happens. Replacement parts costs and availability on new tech need to be considered, but if that was reasonable, then I'd give this little Sun gem a solid thumb's up. Thanks for the preview!

[@klacustoms]

I like it. Always been a fan of the "shoebox" design (Scion Xb, 1980's Chevy Blazer, etc.), so that is a plus for me. I think it looks awesome. If it does what is claimed it does, then I'm sold on it. This would be the first EV I would actually consider. I just hope it doesn't be like Elio Motors, all talk, no product.

[@KevinT3141]

I was on my college solar car team for Sunrayce '97. It felt at the time like an intellectual exercise for a day that would never come. That day is here now though. Thanks for the reporting Jack!

[@daveadams5]

I'll have one in that 2nd heart beat! This IS the technology that will change lives. At last, a proper, versatile, economic, affordable green EV. The future is here.

[@johnshepherd708]

I want one of these. Everyone else is trying to reach for the brass ring with very expensive EVs. This is the perfect formula for a city-urban car. It is very practical, simple and innovative. Great job!

[@BarthiArgento]

This video made me even more hyped about my reserved Sion! :) Greets from munich!

[@Charlywoodofficial]

They recently had to revise the price to €29.000 due to covid related supply issues and raw material cost increases, everyone who reserved for 25 grand will still be getting it for that price though.

[@Hans-gb4mv]

And by the time it will go on sale it will probably be revised again so that you go from a sub 20k Euro price to a plus 30k Euro pricepoint. Understandable, but for some still unfortunate.

[@Philipp_f]

*29.990

[@shrimptopian3392]

Will go up to 35.000 or even 40

[@FlyingFun.]

That is a lot for an unknown company and car but time will tell. It would 100% be perfect for us in its functionality.

[@jonathanlyng3442]

this makes it still cheap as chips: DIY is back. You can change standard replacement parts by yourself, without needing much prior knowledge. By publishing a workshop handbook, we make it possible to establish an extensive network of independent mechanics. For any repairs involving high-voltage or body parts, we cooperate with a well-known European service provider. @Louis Rossmann would be proud.

[@chazsmith4351]

Love this, wish them well and hope other companies will see this and emulate. The solar on buses idea is also excellent. I remember seeing a video about how much of a diesel buses engine power goes to moving the buses versus powering other systems and it's amazing how much smaller the engines could be if they didn't need to power those systems.

[@A_Litre_of_Farva]

The world needs this.

[@amug3536]

LOVE it. Wonderful talker too!!!

[@ZupaFilipPL]

I don't remember last time watching a video about a car (the fact that this particular car is so cool makes this even better) was that pleasurable and fun. Thanks Jack!

[@JackScarlett1]

Love that!

[@johnchoice1371]

He's done a great sales job on it hasn't he?

[@diwe9984]

I really hope that Sono Motors will be successful in production and sales with their Sion. And a little bit smiling; Henry Ford already knew: "Any customer can have a car in any color they want, as long as it's black."

[@DiederikCA]

Its a strange one actually. Darker colours are most expensive, and as for efficiency: a white or silver car stays cooler and thus the solar panels work better

[@cfg83]

Yes! Thank you for posting this. You can now advance to the next round. :) .

[@syndigriner-owens4351]

I wish I could get it here in the US, I love the owners ideas and way of thinking!! They are going places!!!

[@MrBobWareham]

Yes I want one, I loved it thanks for the video and presentation.

[@patricksamuel6594]

Love this!! This is exactly what I’ve been waiting for! Hope it comes to Canada!

[@SasquatchMelee]

Unfortunately, not planned at the moment. This car, if it keeps the 29,900 euro price tag, represent around 39,000 loonies. Not gonna happen I'm affraid...

[@johnchoice1371]

I'd buy one....if it was 90% CHEAPER!

[@seasong7655]

I love how it just has moss on the inside

[@darko1485]

How can something that looks so underwhelming be so amazing. Well done 👍

[@Glugskiclumfum]

I'd love one. My mother had a Fiat Doblo around 2001 and I never found that car's looks to be an issue. Its appearance was dictated by its function and this takes that concept a few steps further. Brilliant.

[@jalocin]

I really hope they achieve their price as well as their production goals. Living in a densely populated city part with only a few charging places, this really could be the option to solve the charging issue….

[@williamwiese9963]

What's the asking price?? I'd drive it

[@morho9422]

if you live in texas, california. not uk. believe me!

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

And have you ever asked how it will charge in a densely populated city where typically the streets have little direct sun light and when you will always have cars parked next to you rendering the side solar panels completely useless? Now, if you lived in the suburbs, maybe you could have the car parked in your driving way and use some sun....

[@artsmith103]

How far do you typically drive each day? I can help you estimate actual extended range.

[@kylarobinson287]

@@williamwiese9963 just checked online and preorder is 30k euro, not the worst but nit as cheap as orginallt thought. I would still get it if I could

[@mathevideos9909]

Yep, I pre-ordered one in 2020. I think I'm number 6500ish on the waiting list. Can't wait to get it in a year or two.

[@JackScarlett1]

Nice!!

[@carlarrowsmith]

You were lucky, they didn't allow people in the UK to do that, then pushed the price up.

[@jaypaans3471]

I like it. I swear, a number of years ago I was on the telephone with one of our "local" bus companies and I suggested the man to put solar panels on the top of them. I had the same idea for trucks (or at least their trailors) and the other day I briefly saw a video where they made that too!

[@davidfarrell7318]

fantastic idea love it.

[@SolarWebsite]

I like the concept very, very much, especially the simplicity which keeps the price down. I drive a plugin Prius now, mainly because an EV with a practical range was about twice as expensive to buy (both used). This car looks like something that may fit my needs perfectly. I drive a moderate amount of km per year, we are a family of four, I have a personal sunny parking space with an electrical connection directly to our house. So that's all perfect. But. Having driven Toyota for about 10 years now, I'm used to absolute reliability, good quality and a good dealership nearby. With the first series of the first car of a brand new company, I would feel too unsure of those things to make the jump just yet. So, I'm going to wait and see what happens when the first 100s and then 1000s of this car are on the road. I'll watch the reviews, maybe find someone close who actually owns one, make a test drive, and then make up my mind. Still, very cool to have started all this and to actually (almost) have brought it to actual production. With the information available now, the concept is very attractive. (One thing to nitpick at: I do hope all the connected-ness cloud stuff can be turned off without any punishment from the manufacturer. I want to OWN what I own. If this sentiment shows my age, well, so be it.)

[@artsmith103]

Your Prius is much better design. I'd like to get my hands on one. When you include battery lifecycle costs, good chance less $/mile.

[@MaticTheProto]

@@artsmith103 lol

[@jtc1947]

I like Your attitude about the I BUY IT...I OWN IT!!!

[@nikkismith8750]

Hell yes. Looks perfect for 90% of drivers :D I think they'll need to build a LOT more

[@JackScarlett1]

Totally agree. They’ll sell every one they make!

[@johnchoice1371]

Way, Way overpirced. IT's a Dinky toy.

[@dot7107]

John, and still you seem to be interested that car...

[@t1n4444]

Hmm, would suggest manufacturers will wait to see what new fuels will be developed. Hydrogen fuel cells are now produced with cheaper, less noble metal "catalysts". We should not forget the exercise is not to produce EVs as such but to end up with carbon zero cars. Batteries EVs won't come even close.

[@AndyFletcherX31]

@@t1n4444 H2 for light vehicles is a waste of money compared to BEV. Issues ranging from availability of charging locations, overall energy efficiency, less than 40% of the power used to make the H2 actually ends up moving the vehicle down the road and vehicle cost. BEV have eaten the H2 lunch for this part of the market.

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

This is PERFECT. Every home gets a free battery (the car battery) for home with every car. This is the 'killer' thing for the rooftop solar home. A few kwh over night and a few kwh for the daily drive, or rush hour. From a 65kwh EV battery that is topped up daily. NOBODY IS THINKING ABOUT HOW GOOD THIS IS. This car makes the solar rooftop effective 24/7. In an electric world with CENTRAL power plants, then the entire grid has to be rebuilt, plus the number of power plants. THAT IS $BILLIONS AND $BILLIONS AND $BILLIONS OF money and time and manpower and financing that is saved. The BIG money will hate that the ENDS of the grid will be able to put excess energy into the grid. 40% of the grid is the home. If 40% is now going into the grid then 80% of central power is NOT NEEDED. This is fantastic if only half true now, in the future it will terrify big power supply companies. In the future the car will be able to trade power and stability with the grid for money. The money will be in the grid, hahaha.

[@TauLim]

Nice. I like this car. Thanks for sharing.

[@dr-k1667]

I'm really happy to see they are about to go into production as Fully Charged has been covering this EV start up from the beginning. This is the affordable EV so many have been waiting for. I hope their production triples in a couple of years... so many more people can afford this and it will go a long way to help the mission to transition our transportation to renewable energy!

[@JackScarlett1]

We’ve been pulling for these guys for a long time - so excited to see them get to this stage. Hopefully I’ll be back over there for a full review of the finished article soon!

[@johnchoice1371]

I don't think £21K is such an affordable option. Also, the solar panels only charge when sunlight is good, so what happens in the winter?

[@t1n4444]

@@johnchoice1371 Or if the car's bodywork was damaged. Anyone who knows solar panels will be aware that they are very fragile and the internal wires can break. Might have to rely on plugging the car into a charger until you can get it mended. There again where would you get it mended? Perhaps a brief word with your insurer might be wise before you buy? Another idea which turns out not to be too practical after all. Thank goodness BMW are about to flog their new hydrogen fuel cell car "quite" soon. We'll be spared the battery thing.

[@johnchoice1371]

@@t1n4444 That's right. I would not buy one at that price. There may be better alternatives coming to the market. Best to wait and see.

[@riggald9864]

@@johnchoice1371 You can plug it in to charge whenever you want £21k plus 70-150 miles free fuel per week is 3,500-7,000 miles per year, ie £850-£1,700 per year at current petrol prices, & the average mpg of 35mpg Own this for 5 years, and that's equivalent to a petrol car that costs £13k-£17k to buy

[@steamboatmodel]

That is the type of car we need, I hope they can bring them out in Canada/USA.

[@johnchoice1371]

He's done a GREAT SALES JOB making everyone believe it can't fail....

[@stuartlnicol]

Great start for solar cars, would be interesting to see how it really does for average families. We do about 150 miles / week in our leaf currently. Love the bi directional charging!

[@artsmith103]

Those kind of low miles/day are best for solar range extender. Twice that many miles and a bigger battery might be a better investment.

[@mhouslay7281]

Excellent video Very exciting product. Hope that it goes on sale and is a success. Love a city version too !

[@ripvanstinkle]

Love all the effort being made to make EV’s super efficient and affordable. Yes, we all love lightning fast acceleration, but I’d also like to be able to afford one one day.

[@johnsnell1929]

Just a slight correction there, Rip... actually, no we don't (all love the lightning-fast acceleration). Over-powered, high-acceleration cars have gotten many people killed over the years. Especially teenagers who think they can handle the thrill of a small, "cute", high-horsepower sports car and find out the hard way that they couldn't. Add to that the "adult" aggressive drivers who should know better, but drive solely for thrill anyway, and we have our modern-day highway slaughter that hasn't been curtailed despite the best efforts of engineers developing advanced safety features. It's disgusting to see electric cars being optimized so much for speed & acceleration "performance" over everything else. Even the venerable Nisan Leaf has been made over-powered in its latest incarnations. Somehow I think the industry became over-sensitive to early (false) criticisms decades ago about how EVs were "so slow" and have been trying to over-compensate for it ever since. Once there were batteries that could deliver the current, it's been a race to the bottom on who could deliver the most G's pushing you back in the seat. So... just to pick some nits on THAT point, but YES, it's nice to see a basic EV possibly coming to market that ISN'T focusing on power and so much other ridiculousness as others. Actually, I think they have room to go even a bit MORE basic in some ways, but in any case this is a nice change!

[@Kalepsis]

If I needed a vehicle for my small business I'd buy one of these. Low maintenance, self-charging, decent cargo space, with a cheap interior and low price? Yes, please. This thing is the ideal fleet vehicle.

[@_TbT_]

This is not self-charging by far. Heating the car up or cooling it down before driving will certainly drain gains of hours of solar.

[@Enforcer_WJDE]

@@_TbT_ So what? Better than having to keep it on the plug to heat or cool it while the power plants put out more exhaust games. Because let's face it. Not even half of most country's electricity is green. Losing solar charge over this that doesn't produce co2 is nothing.

[@MrChadwickingtonz]

@@_TbT_ It's got just over 1kw of solar on it, are you saying it's going to burn through what..3-5kwh of battery (almost 10%) to run the ac for a few minutes before driving? in sunny months assuming 7-8 hours of sunlight the solar is enough to 0-100% the 50kwh battery in about a week. unless you're pounding 50km+ a day on this, you will not have to charge it very often at all. if this is a fleet vehicle being driven a few times a week, and parked outdoors, i think you could safely not worry about charging.

[@_TbT_]

@@MrChadwickingtonz 1kW might be peak. But as there are panels on both sides and the front, almost always there will be panels in the shade, so no peak. Apart from that, many cars are parked in garages. No charging with the car in the garage. In big cities with high buildings, the car will be in the share full time. ACs and heaters can and will use 5-7 kW when working full force. Driving will use 16kWh/100km, which is not exactly "peak efficient" (that would be at about 10kWh/100km). Damaging any solar part will make replacements more expensive. I like the Sion as a car and especially more affordable EVs are desperately needed. But that solar thing? Is unnecessary and will bring nothing useful to the table. Make it cheaper instead and maybe offer colors. Keep the rest. Would be a "better" car. Again: solar on cars is a dead end.

[@_TbT_]

@@Enforcer_WJDE cars can be charged with 100% renewables (tariffwise). And I am not going to start to explan how that "electricity sea" works, where you put 100% green electricity in on one end and use the same amount of electricity somewhere else. I really like and support solar, btw. Just not on a car, where there is just not enough square meters. Put much more of it on a house roof and REALLY charge the car only with that. That certainly is a better way.

[@lwfozzy6925]

Never a review in cold climates, amazing.

[@loufenninger9063]

I want one !!! Perfect idea for NOW.

[@avidian888]

This is bloody brilliant! Thanks for showcasing it so beautifully mate!

[@nomoreheroes93]

Great idea and team - absolutely no way this will ever be made in volume (10k+ a year) at an affordable price - if the OEMs and countless other start ups can't do it Sono won't, we've seen it time and time again.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

Sadly, you're probably right. Bringing something as large and complicated as a car - let alone an electric one with solar panels - is an EXTREMELY expensive and complex undertaking. Even companies with billions of dollars at their disposal like Rivian and Lucid are finding it very difficult to roll out production vehicles in large numbers, so we'll have to wait and see what happens with this one. I wish them the best of luck though.

[@samspencer7765]

I don't know about the "ever" part. At least, I'd settle for a car that had the roof covered in say 3-400 watts of solar, even if the whole body of the car wasn't covered. Anything to eliminate phantom battery drain.

[@duffgaryduff]

I absolutely agree. There is no way in million years that they will be able to make a 54 kWh battery car and sell it for £21,000 in the UK.

[@nikelliot8105]

@@justwords3882 you can't make them if you can't get the batteries? I suspect Tesla is hoovering up every battery being made at the moment

[@nikelliot8105]

@@duffgaryduff Tesla could but why bother at the moment? Order books full for at least 12 months, customers happy to pay +30% price increase too. Can't make them fast enough.

[@gordonnicol9542]

Yes ! Yes ! Yes ! please I'll have one too ! Thanks a for great review Jack.

[@lundsweden]

I'd definitely buy one of these if they ever get to market. Imagine no fuel bills, and no worries about where and how to charge your EV. This should do very well here in Australia!

[@frankyflowers]

its almost like its to good to be true.

[@lundsweden]

@@frankyflowers I agree, I won't believe it until I see it!

[@artsmith103]

The solar rating is overstated but it's a practical way to extend the smaller battery if you drive ~30 miles/day. Still plan to charge every week or 2.

[@frankyflowers]

@@artsmith103 its not a real car.

[@artsmith103]

@@frankyflowers There are at least 3 of these styles near production so that's pretty real. The important concept is that solar might be cheaper and lighter than battery for people with short daily drive or apartment style living.

[@badbusdriver7160]

Absolute genius!. I watched the video of the prototype test drive last year and was very interested, so seeing the finished product, seeing that amazing price and everything else the car can do, I'm just blown away!.

[@johnchoice1371]

Except...it's a gimmick!

[@badbusdriver7160]

@@johnchoice1371 Of course it is!, an EV the size of an ID:3 for nearly £10k less (and that is for one with a smaller battery that the Ios), that can also contribute to it's own charging. Who on earth would want that?......................... 🤔 😂

[@stickleback73]

Ideal practical commuter/town car, ticks all the boxes and it's so cheap! Hope to see them on the road soon!

[@CHIEF_420]

[@johnchoice1371]

£21k is NOT cheap.

[@KIA_E-NIRO_MY20]

@@johnchoice1371 it is, for an ev with a 52 Kwh battery.

[@KikoBarahona]

These developments make me feel warm inside :)

[@jasonmeadows712]

Nice video, earned my subscription 👍

[@Coen80]

Very happy to see them progressing positively. Hope they really make it to market and that it becomes a succes. Really like thia car.

[@AMomcilo1]

I’m so happy this made it to production. I hope they will sell a lot.

[@markpashia7067]

Incredible. I was just ranting yesterday about all the "advanced" systems in American cars that run up the price and make them too complex. I asked for a simple, reliable transportation at an affordable price. I was flashing back to the "people's car" of the Volkswagen Beetle of my youth. Basic transport with no frills sold cheap and easy to maintain. Today most people are priced out of the new car market here and the used markets are usually worse as the cars are worn out and too complex to fix yourself plus overpriced. What are minimum wage workers to do? We do not have public transportation like much of the world has except in very much inner cities of major size. Here in the USA you are totally disadvantaged in all parts of life if you do not have transportation for roads. THIS LOOKS LIKE A GREAT ANSWER IF WE CAN EVER BE ALLOWED TO HAVE IT.

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Quite a pretty little car!! People who like Bavarian cars will adore this little beauty!! I hope that Sono comes out and is used by Wheelhome in the future.

[@antontaylor4530]

If cities started to switch to trolleybuses, the solar roof thing would make all the more sense.

[@paulkerman8906]

Wen USA? This car seriously ticks every box for our next car.

[@CHIEF_420]

[@frankradcliffe1374]

Brilliant wish I could buy one now

[@wawayltd]

I'm completely sold to this amazing technology! All manufacturers should have it as way to go!!!!

[@Matt-dx3wo]

Very cool, need more of these vehicles. I hope they do well.

[@kyriakosm.5014]

Hey Jack, great stuff as always. Although maybe you have mentioned it at other videos, it was worth repeating about the really important LFP battery chemistry, which is better in terms of sustainability (no cobalt etc), longevity and safety and can always be topped up at 100%, which is important at a solar car, and, effectively, it increases the every day usable range. I sure hope they can pull it through.

[@koolkevin2357]

?What is an LFP Battery?

[@kyriakosm.5014]

@@koolkevin2357 lithium iron phosphate, instead of the NMC, with all the advantages I mentioned. Only drawback is less energy density, which is only needed in performance cars.

[@kyriakosm.5014]

Tesla MIC SR has LFP too

[@RiverCat999]

I love this vehicle already. Can't wait to test drive.

[@Greenflashtech]

Super entertaining video!

[@judebrown4103]

Yes, me please, me please, me please! I've loved this car since you first showed it to me Jack. It couldn't be more perfect in boot capacity and as I have a beautifully sunny parking area next to the green directly outside my home which has no driveway meaning I can't have my own charger it's just what I need. We never have elaborate cars and as our dear old Roomster just got written off we're going electric with a used Hyundai Ioniq, sadly the 38kW, really wanted the old one but got out voted in the rush for some wheels. Then in '24 we're going to chop that in for the more practical MGZS '22 plate. None of which we can really afford but it will let me have my taste of all the fun gizmos. Then, hopefully, this wonderful machine will be around for us to revert to normal (it looks like the Roomster in hippy form!) and fix our finances in retirement. Wonderful concept, I'm so glad it's coming to fruition for them! Great report Jack, been eager to know how this was coming along, thanks 👍

[@JackScarlett1]

Do love me a Roomster. This would be a perfect upgrade!

[@PhilthyMr]

This is awesome ! Imagine being able to live off grid almost anywhere ! ❤️

[@Johny40Se7en]

Feels as though that is a car which is likely going to spark a revolution, especially in Countries where there's a lot of sun. It won't be very popular in Countries like Wales though , even with its capabilities in overcast weather. LOL 😅😝 Really cool stuff. I like it. And I agree about the moss in the dash, it's got an elegance to it 😉

[@deniem7798]

I am living in Portugal, partly off grid, work with photovoltaik so this car is a MUST HAVE ! I ordered one with a downpayment and even bought some share of stocks of their company as it is so cheap now. With a bit of luck if the stock prices go up again these stocks will pay for the car itself.

[@Space-O-2001]

I love the thought of having it as both a battery and PV panels (yes I appreciate with limited capabilities when compared to dedicated separates). Can you imagine 1 million of these feeding back into the grid....

[@BHFJohnny]

My extremely conservative teacher for electrical grids would instantly suffer stroke.

[@DeanTheDoctor]

We have lots of innovation, change, and new ways of thinking coming our way for sure. 😊🌎✨

[@jasonfournier]

You're better off putting proper panels on every roof top before thinking about spending that money on inefficient car solar panels

[@t1n4444]

@@jasonfournier Unless you live in a land of perpetual sunshine, with a dust free atmos then solar panels are a silly gimmick. Mono crystalline panels (black) are just about 20% efficient at best. If only a section of a panel is in shadow or very dusty/dirty then the output is vastly reduced. If only a slight "bit" of damage then entire panel is affected and output is, again, vastly reduced. Would imagine the insurance would be quite high what with costs of repair to bodywork and replacement of a panel. Chapter and verse on-line.

[@Space-O-2001]

@@jasonfournier Yes which is why I stated what I stated, but if you need car anyway it doesn't hurt that it can add a little range to itself. If you go by the old addage 90% of cars sit doing nothing 90% of the time, as a remote worker who goes into work 1-2 times a month there's a very real possibility I would never have to charge the car. I'm not deluded enough to think I can start running my white goods off it 24/7 but if I can use it's battery for load balancing combined with off peak tariffs then it might well be a solution.

[@Henryzword]

Love it. Bloody excellent. Fully of great ideas.

[@deegesolar]

Just what we like to see! 🤩☀️

[@levmoses742]

Looks very cool!😎

[@kenmcclow8963]

This would be my favorite car to buy in Europe as someone who would probably only be there part of the time as I wouldn't worry about going away for three months and the battery being low. I really like that they saved money by using LFP batteries that don't mind charging to 100%

[@billyray323]

Brilliant, about bloody time & came from two youngsters , working from a shed, amazing 😉🍾🥂 It's a shame some great British minds can't make something similarly priced & as technically brilliant I'd love one! ✌🏻🇬🇧 I'd buy one of these or something as good or better, which is British .. come on you British Engineers, jump to it! Big Cat Company's watch out 🤪😉🍾🥂

[@johnchoice1371]

Reinvent the dinky toy, why don't they?

[@markusfalk9459]

@@johnchoice1371 You know, you don't have to buy one. Why don't you go and rain on someone else's parade? Also, I remember people liking the Mini...

[@mrpugster]

Well said Billy, crazy and very sad how a British car company hasn't emerged with a no frills ev.

[@swecreations]

It's got the perfect Honda Fit shape too! Literally the best car shape possible, space of a station wagon in the package of a hatchback.

[@ogopogohunter69]

Great ideas in this production car.

[@gramos9115]

Astonishing that such a small company can develop a car like this , where as the major brands have not ! With all their technological expertise and experience , they still cannot see that the future is solar power . Not just for cars but for all modes of transport . Well done Sonos , stand back and plan to expand fast !

[@kevroll99]

It's because legacy and most large auto makers truly do use the dealer model to create revenue in their service dept. That said it truly is surprising that no one except Aptera and this car are the only ones that are working on affordable EV's and they just happen to be solar powered too (Lightyear One is but not very affordable yet). Its a crazy and quickly changing world and i feel lucky to be here to experience it. ⚡🌎👌

[@parsonk4041]

Maybe they are not doing it because it is a stupid idea. I wish I had something like that if it actually works. But realistically how many KWh could you possible produce with those panels. The angles are not optimal. You can't run them in series because some won't be in the sun. All it could possible do is a bit of trickle charging. Don't want to call it a scam yet because I wish it works but I doubt it does what they claim.

[@brianp6859]

@@parsonk4041 Well even if it does do what it says 70km/week through the panels is pretty weak. Basically 10km a day. I guess the main redeeming point is the price point and the range for said price point. Also if you live in a desert like Arizona you could potentially get good value from this but i think for the average consumer this technology isn't quite there yet. Also if our politicians ever stop being retarded and start creating incentives for safe, clean nuclear power plants energy will be abundant and cheap meaning that the demand for solar on cars will likely be reduced. That being said if they can continue improving efficiency of solar panels then maybe it will go the other way and all electric cars will require atleast a few solar panels for emergency use? Just have to see where the tech goes

[@kevroll99]

@@parsonk4041 so you really think it doesn't work? Honestly that's pretty ignorant, i you actually had a solar system of any kind you'd understand how amazing it is, not to mention if you simply leave your car outside for the 8 hrs you spend at work you are getting charged! Or if you're simply not driving, its not rocket science let's be honest. Plus its not meant to be an end all be all solar car, its an electric car that has solar charging capabilities not to mention this as well as Aptera are first generation vehicles with solar panels. Literally no other manufacturer in history has done this, i applaud them for taking a giant leap forward into this technology and integration. 💥⚡👍 Oh and Lightyear is making their car too but its over $100k so...

[@parsonk4041]

@@kevroll99 I do have a solar system and electric car. I know how much coverage you need to generate a KW.. How much do you actually think it could generate in optimal conditions? I'd say there is a reason why they don't mention the output. I also know that the angle of panels is very important. You also couldn't run them all in series. On an 8 hour day in optimal conditions I don't see how this should generate more then 1KW And that would be on the best day. You can't just slap a panel on the site of the car and expect it to work at noon.

[@josephj6521]

The boot space is larger than many EVs out there costing almost twice the cost! I love the ability to sell power. Something all EV manufacturers can easily add. It’ll do very well in Australia. 👍

[@stevebendelack3935]

I cannot wait to buy one!

[@chancetheanimal]

I bought an old prius and have been turning it into a camping travel pod. I'm a cheap simple guy who doesn't want/need anything fancy, so this car feels like a must have

[@debap839]

I’d love a car like this! Fingers crossed Sono will do a RHD version some time soon. I’ve been waiting for cars like this to come along and in desperation have been looking at small vans as an option. My car is just a way of getting me, my friends and stuff about the place. The flat level entry boot is a big plus too.

[@danield.7359]

Great concept. Love it!

[@camorrisiii]

Love this, I hope this is available in the US.

[@PaulValickas]

I hope they will get to production. I would love to see this available for order like other cars.

[@clope24]

The first car I would love to own. I hope they will make it available here in the US. It has everything I would want from a modern car. Enough range for daily driving and to reach charger on longer trips, very spacious for it's class, sharing feature, reverse charging and of course solar.

[@appelsap]

For now it looks like you can pre-order the car for ~30k EUR, which is a bit more than what Jack stated, with production starting H2 2023. So it looks like we're a bit away from seeing them but an interesting concept for sure and definitely what we need more of going forward: affordable EVs.

[@morho9422]

i drive £500 mondeo. guess what i think of this.

[@macramepontocom]

Can't wait to drive mine in the sunny southern Portugal

[@tinatran356]

I want one! Love the green fluffy stuff on the dash!

[@nottooherbal]

Very nice and very acceptable looking. The full on regen is a good thing.

[@JackScarlett1]

Agree to all!

[@JasonGiaccone]

Great video Jack. Thanks for the info about the back seat. (my family got a lot of tall people) I hope they can keep the price close to this when it launches.

[@pascalnguyen4840]

Finally a good çar to be used in the city going from a to b thank you

[@Alex-tj1zo]

Chep, versatile and so practical. I am considering buying one myself. ...with tow bar 😁👍