Sono’s solar panel covered car undergoes first crash test

German electric carmaker Sono has confirmed its solar panel covered car, the Sion, has performed as expected following its first crash test.

Upon crashing the vehicle at 50km/h, it was found that the polymer-based solar panels did not splinter and therefore do not pose any risk to the vehicle’s occupants or other road users.

Based on the Sion’s physical and simulated crash tests, Sono expects the vehicle to comply with all legal requirements including pedestrian safety.

The company is also undertaking additional crash tests like increasing crash safety for women and children as part of the European New Car Assessment Programme.

“After years of running successful crash simulations, we are very proud to see our solar technology delivering the same satisfying and high quality results in real life,” said Markus Volmer, CTO of Sono Motors.

“We want our customers to be able to drive with the comfort of knowing that the solar technology in their Sion is not only charging the battery for free but also adheres to the highest safety standards”

Sono will also introduce a range of driver assistance systems to the Sion like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. These systems will be updated to include adaptive cruise control after production begins.