to evaluate the potential for developing a high-performance zero-emission electric vehicle and is an important next step in the extension of our EcoPower propulsion strategy,” Mats Fägerhag, executive director of vehicle engineering, said in a statement.

The 9-3 ePower features a 35.5 kilowatt-hour lithium ion pack developed with help from Boston Power. Saab is shooting for a range of 125 miles and says the battery delivers full power down to -30 degrees Celsius ( -22 Fahrenheit). The pack recharges in three to six hours — Saab doesn’t say so, but those figures are probably at 220 volts. Propulsion comes from a 135 kilowatt (184 horsepower) motor. Top speed is 93 mph and the car does zero to 100 km/hr in a claimed 8.5 seconds.

Saab plans to begin testing the car throughout Sweden late next year with an eye toward producing an EV at some point.

The company also is rolling into Paris with a new 2.0-liter “Biopower” engine that runs on E85 and produces 220 horsepower, a 2.0-liter turbodiesel good for 190 horsepower and 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 180 horsepower.

Photo: Saab

See Also:

• Saab Seeks Sexy, Shapely Styling
• Spyker May Bring Back the Saab 92
• 12 Wonderful Wagons We Want
• Memo to Spyker: Bring Back the Saab Sonett

Authors: Chuck Squatriglia

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