# Solar Cell-Sheathed Vehicles This Second-Generation Electric Vehicle Has 248 Photovoltaic Panels By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2021-01-13 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/secondgeneration-electric-vehicle References: [insideevs](https://insideevs.com/news/465452/son0-sion-prototype-debut-ces-2021/) & [sonomotors](https://sonomotors.com/en/press/press-releases/sono-motors-unveils-solar-ev-prototype-surprising-audience-with-solar-trailer/) The Sion electric vehicle created plenty of attention when it was first put up for pre-order a few years ago, but the second-generation electric vehicle recently unveiled at CES 2021 has well and truly built on the progress with the inclusion of expanded range via an upgraded battery setup. The second-generation version of the Sion, created by Germany-based Sono Motors, makes generous use of [solar cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-race-vehicle) that are located all over the exterior of the vehicle, including its doors and the roof, while 248 photovoltaic panels are embedded in the structure of the vehicle. T As far as performance is concerned, this second-generation electric vehicle is set to offer a top speed in the range of 140 km/h in conjunction with 129 pounds-feet of torque, which goes to show that performance and eco-friendly stature needn't be mutually exclusive when it comes to [next-generation electric vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-compact-architecture). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Solar-powered Vehicles:** The integration of solar cells as an exterior component of electric vehicles presents a disruption in the automotive industry by providing alternative charging options and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. - **Expanded Range Via Battery Upgrades:** The inclusion of upgraded batteries in electric vehicles presents an opportunity for companies to increase range and address user concerns around charging infrastructure. - **Performance and Sustainability:** Electric vehicles with impressive performance capabilities that maintain an eco-friendly appeal offer a unique value proposition for consumers. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive:** The integration of solar cells and battery upgrades opens up opportunities for innovation in electric vehicle manufacturing. - **Renewable Energy:** The use of solar cells in electric vehicles provides a new market for solar energy and energy storage solutions. - **Sustainability and Environmental Services:** Vehicle manufacturers can partner with sustainability-focused organizations to promote the benefits of electric and solar-powered vehicles for widespread adoption. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Futuristic Solar-Powered Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightyear-0.md) - [Solar-Powered Sedan Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vision-eqxx.md) - [Solar-Powered Cargo Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-van.md) - [Solar-Powered City Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-cars.md) - [Sleek Solar-Powered SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/humble-one-suv.md) - [Two-Seater Solar-Powered Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aptera.md) - [Roof-Mounted EV Charging Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gosun-sun.md) - [Solar-Powered Sleek Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solaris.md) - [Solar-Powered Autonomous Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polestar-cladrus.md)