#07 (EN): Test-Drive Regensburg, Results of the survey
Sunday! Today there is not only the usual list findings from the internet, but also some exclusive first-hand information!
+++ TRACK DAY +++
Last Friday, the prototype was on the test track in Regensburg to test the chassis and various control units. Temperature was freezing, but the sky was clear. I was able to use the opportunity to ask those responsible on site the questions collected from the community. Even driving a lap with the current prototype SVC2 was possible.
Sono was really transparent and all questions that were submitted in advance were answered. It was even possible to take a look at the bidirectional on-board loader under the bonnet.
Sono will publish the answers to all the questions in a video that is currently being edited, but does not want to anticipate this. A few things in advance:
The prototype is a real prototype, not a modified existing vehicle. Some parts are already the final parts. Some are pre-series parts, as they will come later in the Sion, only just made as one-offs. Some parts are placeholders that do not correspond to what will be seen later (such as the interior lighting, which looks like from the hardware store, with a toggle switch from Conrad).
The Sion is big inside. Even with thick winter jackets you don't feel constricted.
The solar roof works ... every now and then. I think that's absolutely ok. Firstly, it shows that the values are real and not a show simulation, and secondly, something like that is part of development and optimization.
The team still has a long way to go before the series. The SVC2 gives a good impression of the direction in which it is going. When the test drives start again, I can only recommend trying it out for yourself. It's really fun.
https://twitter.com/SonoMotors/status/1360211329601200131
+++ RESULTS OF THE SURVEY +++
The results of the February survey are available. Many results confirm the Sion concept and the procedure, with three points there are noticeable differences:
92% of the respondents want a range of more than 250 km. That is a very clear statement. Clear message to adjust the battery capacity.
82% do not want to see the names of the reservations inside. The names will have to be given because both the first 5,000 reservations and those who reserve more than € 8,000 were promised a “perpetuation”. But it doesn't have to be in the visible area. I also found that strange in the prototype and it certainly creates unsettled questions from passengers about why Josef, Jörg and Jaqueline are standing on the glove compartment.
50% want to use Android Auto / Carplay. I think you have to make it clear again that the Sion does not have a navigation system or other apps ex works - and vice versa, with the mobile phone coupling, the good Google navigation and Waze and voice control are available. Once you have used it, you will get used to it very quickly. The days of the great Shell Atlas are simply over.
When asked where to stow the charging cable, there was a typo in the heading. The “frunk” (front trunk, front trunk) has clearly won over to stow the charging cable. Whereby everyone can continue to do as they want. With my i3, I wanted to be in the front too, but at some point, out of laziness, you always pack it in the trunk, because it just opens so easily and the bonnet doesn't.
https://sonomotors.com/site/assets/files/5089/results_design_umfrage_sonomotors_pptx_2.pdf
TheDriven has analyzed the evaluation:
+++ PARTS FOR FUTURE +++
Until tonight, proposals for third party add-ons for the Sion can be submitted. A list of the entries will be published next week for voting until February 21st. It is allowed to advertise entries on social media in order to get as many votes as possible.
https://website.sonomotors.com/de/sion-parts-for-future/
+++ FULLY CHARGED +++
“Fully Charged” is one of the major English-speaking e-mobility blogs. In the latest video, Robert compiled the 75 most interesting EVs in 2021. The Sion can be seen at 13:37, after the Volvo XC40 Recharge.
(Thanks Bart for the hint)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQqEHd0gQCM
+++ ID TECHEX +++
The research company ID TechEx has carried out a market research into how the market for “PEV” (Photovoltaics Electric Vehicles) will develop from 2021 to 2040 You can see the early beginnings with companies like Sono, Lightyear and Aptera, later Hyundai to mainstream in 2035.
In addition, other mobility markets such as trains, trucks and boats are also highlighted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01M1EMiSjRg
+++ JOBS +++
Six new jobs have been added to the homepage. If this trend continues, 200 to 300 people will be working on the Sion at Sono by the end of the year.
Junior Test Engineer SolarTestPlanner Body Shell
Integration Integration andOnboard Charger
Production
EngineereCall Lead Engineer
Electrical Engineer - Infotainment System
Embedded Senior SW Developer for Platform & Instrument Cluster
Since all the test engineers have to share the two prototypes for testing, Sono could use its car sharing app to schedule test sessions with the two Prototype “Salt” and “Pepper”. Testers will have to super disciplined the coming months to get this done efficiently.
https://sonomotors.jobs.personio.de/
+++ FUN FACT +++
What surprised me with the prototype: the rear view mirrors can be adjusted electrically (here I would have expected manual operation for cost reasons). The front seats are adjusted manually and not assisted, which is not bad, it saves weight and is quick.
It is really funny (if you are not responsible for it) that the Sion’s headlights currently are shining wildly somewhere in the sky - and therefore need to be partially masked with tape in order not to dazzle anyone on the test track. Of course, this problem can be sorted out until the series production, but it's funny when other test drivers of premium cars might feel pressured by an electric car that has been limited to 140 km/h.
https://twitter.com/SonoMotors/status/1360211329601200131
You can really look forward to the test drives. Have a great week, stay safe.