Sono Motors has been forced to cancel its Sion solar car project, and will instead concentrate on retro-fit solar panels for commercial vehicles and buses.

The company said termination of the Sion program “reflects a decision to focus on a capital-light business model” as 90% of its costs for 2023 were for the Sion car development.

“This pivot marks a significant step in Sono Motors’ business development," said Laurin Hahn, co-founder and CEO of Sono Motors. “Even though we had to terminate our original passion project, the Sion program, shifting our entire focus to business-to-business solar solutions provides us with an opportunity to continue to create innovative products in the solar space. It was a difficult decision and despite more than 45,000 reservations and pre-orders for the Sion, we were compelled to react to the ongoing financial market instability and streamline our business."

Sono Motors is currently working as a development-partner and supplier with companies across ten countries in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Customers include Mitsubishi Europe, CHEREAU, and two Volkswagen subsidiaries – Scania and MAN Truck & Bus.

Going forward, Sono Motors will scale up its technology, starting with the introduction of its mass-market-ready ‘Solar Bus Kit’ — planned for the second quarter of 2023. Talks with potential investors will now exclusively focus on solar technology.

In terms of Sion deposits, the company announced a payback plan to reimburse in various installments including a bonus over the next two years. Sono Motors will also try to sell its Sion program.

In light of the company’s decision to terminate the Sion program, it has been forced to announce the redundancy of approximately 300 employees. In this context, Thomas Hausch has decided to step down from his role as COO.

The company will now concentrate on selling panels for use on commercial vehicles