Sony Vision-S testing on public roads

Japanese electronics giant Sony has used the 2021 Consumer Electronics Show to provide an update on its Vision-S battery electric vehicle.

While still described as a rolling laboratory that’s not intended for production, the handsome Vision-S has recently hit the road in Austria for public testing.

Why Austria? Because that’s where Sony’s automotive technology partner, Magna-Steyr, is based (Magna maufacturers low-volume cars for various brands, including Toyota, BMW and Mercedes-Benz).

In a video that accompanied Sony’s update, the Vision-S is shown being developed and assembled, being tested on Magna’s course next to its Graz factory and then heading onto city and then country roads.

The video was shot recently in the depths of a snow-laden Austrian winter.

“Last year at CES we unveiled Vision-S,” Sony Corporation global chief Kenichiro Yoshida said in a short video presentation.

“Our Vision-S processes information from the surrounding environment in real-time utilising Sony’s advanced sensing technologies

“Currently we are working to optimise safety through test drives on public roads.”

In an accompanying press release Sony confirmed the Vision-S would be tested in other regions as well.

In another video an update on features was revealed. There are now 40 sensors on the car that provide 360-degree situational awareness, aiding the quest for Lebel 4 autonomy.

Sony last provided an update on Vision-S when it arrived back in Japan for testing last August.  

The four-door four-seat all-wheel drive Vision-S is powered by two 200kW e-motors, accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 240km/h.