Mobility Powered by the Sun

The potential of solar is huge. In line with our mission of making every vehicle solar, we are developing innovative solar technology for transport & logistics. What does that mean? See for yourself!

From Cell to Fully Integrated Solar

Vehicle integrated photovoltaic (ViPV) – light, robust and cost-efficient.
Power electronics – intelligent solar electronics providing CAN and BMS communications.
Hardware integration – full installation of solar components.
Software – telematics and software utilizing solar data to optimize energy yields.
Aftermarket – ViPV diagnostics, technical documentation and more.

Cell Integration

Our core technology is a patended solar assembly process.

Cell Pre-Assembly

Special pre-assembly of solar cells to protect them from high-temperature and high-pressure processes.

Polymere Injection Molding

Adapted injection molding process to allow integration of solar cells without breaking.

Solar Body Panel

Seamless integration of solar cells into body panels.

Seamless System Integration

Cell Pre-Assembly

Solar cells:

IBC-Cells with 23% efficiency
Pre-assembly of cells
Copper back sheet

Solar Body Panel

Injection molding:

High volume
Low cost
60-90 seconds cycle times

Power Electronics

Solar Charge Controller MCU:

400V – 800V
CAN communication
Over-the-air-updates

Software

Live energy data and optimization of energy yields

What Are Our Advantages?

Technological edge over competitors.

* In total (including same patents filed in different jurisdictions), 4 patents granted, 26 patents or patent/utility model applications filed as of September 27, 2022.

Intelligent Power Electronics

Our intelligent solar electronics provide CAN as well as BMS communications and are capable of high voltage and multichannel distribution.

Automotive high voltage and multichannel solar electronics

Higher Energy Yield

Intelligent algorithm for >94% conversion efficiency
Fast adaptation to changing sun conditions and 99% tracking efficiency
Multi-channel approach for individual tracking of differently oriented solar panels

Over-the-Air-Updates

Fully OTA capable
Continuous software improvements

High Voltage Compatibility

400V suitable for battery electric vehicles
800V suitable for heavy vehicles
Also capable of 24V – 48V

CAN Communication

Communication with controler area network (CAN)
Enables battery system to perform complex tasks efficiently
Fullfills automotive standards

Solar Data Software

Our software unlocks the full value proposition

Live Data Visualization

Access precise data that is updated once a day
Track and check historic data on the unit as well as in the cloud
Easily scalable to any solution

Image shows B2B software dashboard.

Our Path to Make Every Vehicle Solar

Transforming the global transport sector by making vehicles more efficient and climate-friendly.

Buses

Solar integration for 12-meter buses to feed energy into auxiliary systems, e.g. HVAC or as a range extender for e-buses.

up to 7.7 kWh energy yields per day for a 12 m electric bus*
save up to 1,500 litres of diesel for a 12 m diesel bus with our Solar Bus Kit**

Information Sheet

Refrigerated Vehicles

Solar integration for reefer trucks and large trailers (13+ meters) to feed energy to a refrigeration system*. Solar integration on roof and sides for a reefer truck:

up to 82 kWh per day for a truck with a solar integrated trailer**
cover up to 50% of the yearly energy demand with solar***

Information Sheet

Electric Transporters

Solar integration for electric transporters to charge the vehicle’s main battery including full E/E integration. Solar integration on the roof and sides of vehicles:

up to 23.4 kWh / day for an electric cargo box van sides & roof*
potential independence from charging infrastructure

Information Sheet

*Installation on roof and shoulders, yearly average.

**Based on internal calculations.

***Energy demand defines the energy [kWh] needed to run the refrigeration unit of the truck for one day. At peak conditions up to 100% of this energy demand can be reached. The yearly average of energy earnings is approx 50% of the energy demand.

Solar Bus Kit

Scalable Solar Retrofit for Diesel Buses

Potential return on invesment: ~3-4 years,
Saves up to 1,500 liters of diesel per year*
Saves up to 4 tonnes of CO2 per year*

*Depending on days in operation and fuel prices

Current Projects

The following projects illustrate how we can integrate our patented solar technology into different types of vehicles.

Sono Motors and Pepper Debut Electric Bus With Solar Technology

As part of the ongoing collaboration, Sono Motors equipped an electrified Mercedes-Benz Citaro from pepper’s demo fleet with a customized version of the Solar Bus Kit containing 14 semi-flexible solar modules to provide around 1.3 kW peak to the 24-volt system.

Sono Motors Gains Scania and LLT as New Customers

The Munich-based solar mobility OEM Sono Motors (NASDAQ: SEV) gains new customers in Scania, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, and LLT, a Swedish public transport authority, in a unique project to test the Solar Bus Kit in real-life conditions in the northern hemisphere.

Sono Motors Debuts at IAA Transportation With Four Solar Trailer Premieres

Sono Motors, the Munich-based solar mobility OEM, will attend IAA Transportation, the world's most important platform for the future of the commercial vehicle industry, for the first time.

Sono Motors Unveils Production Design of Its ‘Sion’ Solar-Electric Passenger Car And ‘Solar Bus Kit’ For Public Transportation Fleets

The Solar Bus Kit is a versatile and straightforward solution, optimized for the most common 12-meter public transport bus types on the European market, including Mercedes-Benz Citaro and MAN Lion City.

Sono Motors and CHEREAU Sign Contract to Enter the Market for Solar-Powered Refrigerated Trailers

As part of this collaboration, the companies will build a first trailer vehicle with the Reefer Group’s French subsidiary CHEREAU S.A.S.

Sono Motors Technology Used for Munich’s First Solar Bus — MVG to Put Solar Bus Trailer Into Operation

Sono Motors innovative solar technology for buses is used in real conditions in Munich for the first time.

Sono Motors Cooperates With Logistics Provider Rhenus to Optimize Solar Technology

Sono Motors, the company that aims to revolutionize the future of solar-powered transportation, is working with the Rhenus Group, one of the world’s leading logistics service providers with annual sales of €7.0 billion, on the use of smart solar technology in last-mile logistics.

Sono Motors Presents Light Electric Vehicle ARI Motors Prototype With Solar Integration at the Intersolar Exhibition

Sono Motors has installed PV technology on the so-called “ARI 458 Kofferaufbau, L”, a light electric vehicle designed for last-mile delivery and urban transportation in cities, parks, industrial areas or airports.

Sono Motors and MAN Truck & Bus Want to Jointly Analyze Applications of Solar Technology in Commercial Vehicles

MAN Truck & Bus and Sono Motors have signed a Letter of Intent. The two companies have agreed to investigate the technical and economic feasibility of integrating the Sono Solar technology into MAN’s eTGE electric transporter.

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SOLAR IS NOW ONE OF THE CHEAPEST ELECTRICITY SOURCES

International Energy Agency, 2020