Sony Corporation revealed more details on its Vision-S EV at CES 2021, announcing it had completed the prototype and moved into the testing phase, evaluating the EV on public roads in Europe.

Revealed at last year’s CES Show, the Vision S was something of a shock to the automotive world – the giant Japanese company is best known for its consumer electronics products – but the high-tech car, in retrospect, seems like a natural extension of the company’s work.

Sony says that by bringing together its cutting-edge technologies, it ‘intends to contribute to the evolution of mobility by contributing safety, security, and in-car entertainment that generates new excitement.’

The Vision-S is packed with sensors to provide driving assistance features that include advanced cruise control, self-parking and auto-lane change functions and other semi-autonomous driving features.

Inside the cabin, entertainment, visuals and audio quality will be top notch.

A series of panoramic screens span the entire width of the car up front, and rear seats feature 10.1-inch screens. Audio quality comes via Sony’s 360 Reality Audio system. Updates to vehicle systems will be over-the-air and the Vision-S is set up for 5G connectivity.

Below the high-tech cabin sits an EV platform that Sony says is compact and flexible, and can be used for other vehicle types, including SUVs and MPVs. There are two 200kW motors – one up front and one at the rear – and all-wheel-drive. Sony claims acceleration comes in at a tasty 4.8 seconds for 0-100km/h, and top speed is 240km/h.

The only info on the battery is that it uses ‘ultrathin’ battery packs, but with the Vision S coming in at a hefty 2350kg, it suggest a sizeable battery system will be the go with decent range on offer.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (February 2021)

16 February 2021