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The German Sono Motors is working with the Rhenus Group, a leading logistics service provider, on the use of intelligent solar technology in last-mile logistics. A first test vehicle from the Rhenus Group was fitted with radiation sensors for this purpose and will be on the road in Berlin, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania for the next 12 months.
The aim of the cooperation is to collect extensive solar data in real road operation in order to further optimize the potential of the innovative solar technology from Sono Motors for use on vans.
Sono says that a fully integrated solar system for a van has the potential to generate up to 8.8 kilowatt peak (kWp) in an area of just under 54 square meters.
Other potential benefits include extending vehicle battery life and reducing maintenance costs.
The Rhenus Group employs 37,500 people at 970 locations and develops innovative solutions along the entire value chain.
Jona Christians, CEO and co-founder of Sono Motors, says: “The project with the Rhenus Group provides us with important data to further optimize our patented technology. Our solar technology has the potential to make an important contribution to reducing emissions and increasing the range in end customer deliveries.”
“Innovative technologies such as solar-powered electric vans and trucks could make a major contribution to the energy transition in the future, since no additional areas need to be sealed for this type of ecological power generation,” adds Jonas von Frieling, Head of Innovation Hub for Rhenus Home Delivery and Rhenus high-tech. “If traffic is switched to electric drive across the board, the offer must grow accordingly. Solar cells on vehicles could relieve the power grid and fleet managers by relieving the charging infrastructure. We are moving forward with our test project.”
Sono Motors has already signed more than 17 partner contracts with companies such as MAN, easymile and the Munich Transport Company (MVG).
The first vehicles have already been delivered to a number of customers and partners, including a solar bus trailer for the Munich public transport company (MVG) and a light electric vehicle prototype for ARI Motors.
