Bosch Teams Up With Solar EV Automaker
German electronics giant Bosch has teamed up with a prospective EV automaker that incorporates solar panels into its cars to boost range.
Sono Motors has announced that Bosch will provide a central control unit and a software-based solution for intelligent networking on its Sion model which is due to begin series production at the end of 2019. The solar augmented electric car, claiming to be the first to go into series production, will have its data connection with the cloud managed by a connectivity control unit from the Bosch Automotive Cloud Suite. Cloud connectivity will also act as a basis for digital mobility services, such as charging electric cars and the European mandated eCall automated emergency call function.
The technology will employ a mobile application to allow users to share rides, energy, or the car itself. This offering of mobility-related services forms the second pillar of Sono’s business model, alongside car development and manufacturing.
Roberto Diesel, chief technology officer at Sono, said: “The mobility of the future must be devised in such a way that it is more climate and resource preserving and be considerably more efficient than it has been so far. Private vehicles remain unused for 23 hours per day on average. They worsen the problems of limited inner-city parking space and are often used by one person alone. The integrated mobility functions are therefore a core part of our car concept.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
