Saab to Introduce 9-3 ePower EV Prototype

In brief: Saab Automobile will debut the prototype for the 9-3 ePower electric car at the upcoming Paris Motor Show before undergoing field trials in Sweden next year.

Vehicle in the news

Make/Model: 9-3 ePower
Manufacturer: Saab

The word

The prototype will be the first of 70 planned ePower vehicles that Saab will be producing for trials next year. The trials will test performance in a variety of real-world conditions.

The 9-3 ePower's targets include a range of 124 miles per charge, a 0-61mph acceleration of 8.5 seconds, and a top speed of 93mph.

The Saab ePower uses batteries from Boston Power, which claims to have a higher energy density than any other lithium battery on the market.

The 9-3 is a station wagon body and the ePower will be based on the 9-3 SportCombi chassis. It's powered by a 135kW (184hp) motor in a front-wheel drive configuration. The Boston Power batteries are 35.5kWh lithium-ion packs positioned to replace the combustion engine's exhaust system and fuel tank.

And so ...

Other interesting components include electro-hydraulic power steering, a separate (standard) 12V battery for powering in-cabin accessories (charged via a transformer), giving them compatibility with current off-the-shelf Saab parts.

Photo credits: Saab