Sono Group NV integrates proprietary solar technology into vehicle bodywork, enabling solar panels to capture sunlight and charge electric vehicle batteries. The company is developing the Sion, its first solar electric vehicle, while also collaborating with manufacturers to apply its technology across various transportation modes, promoting sustainable mobility.
Funding
$319.8M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Commercial and passenger vehicles, especially those with high electrical demands or operating in regions with limited charging infrastructure, face challenges in maintaining battery health and reducing fuel consumption. Retrofitting vehicles with solar technology can be complex and costly, hindering widespread adoption.
Solution
Sono Motors provides standardized solar integration solutions for commercial vehicles and passenger cars, enabling them to harness solar energy to reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and extend battery life. Their flagship products include the Solar Bus Kit, Solar Truck & Van Kit, and solutions for refrigerated trailers, each designed for easy retrofit or OEM integration. These kits utilize high-efficiency silicon solar panels and proprietary multi-channel MPPT charge controllers to maximize solar yield and directly power onboard electrical consumers. Sono Motors' solutions offer a cost-effective way for fleet operators and vehicle manufacturers to enhance sustainability and reduce total cost of ownership.
Target Audience
Sono Motors targets bus fleet operators, truck and van fleet managers, recreational vehicle manufacturers, and automotive OEMs seeking to integrate solar technology to reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and enhance vehicle efficiency.
Features
- Solar Bus Kit: A retrofit solution for diesel, hybrid, and electric buses, available in three sizes (720Wp to 1.4kWp), saving up to 1,250 liters of diesel and 3.3 tons of CO2 per bus per year.
- Solar Truck & Van Kit: A retrofit solar solution for diesel and electric trucks and vans, offered in two sizes for 24V and 12V electrical systems, preventing battery downtime and reducing fuel/electricity costs.
- High-efficiency silicon solar panels: Flexible and lightweight panels with system weight lower than 55 kg for buses and 10 kg for trucks/vans, ensuring compatibility with different roof layouts.
- Multi-channel MPPT charge controllers: Proprietary charge controllers with 8 channels for buses, optimizing solar energy delivery to the 24V vehicle battery and onboard electrical consumers.
- Solar Dashboard: A telematics device that delivers performance data, including solar output and battery health, displayed on a mobile and laptop dashboard.
- OEM integration support: Sono Motors provides integration support for bus OEMs, from planning to commissioning, offering customized system components and CAN communication for automated functions.
- Low voltage architecture: Safe low voltage (<60V) across all states, eliminating the need for high-voltage certification.
- System performance guarantee: >80% performance guaranteed after 10 years, ensuring long-term reliability and cost savings.