2010 Paris Auto Show: Saab 9-3 ePower

Those who want to experience the appeal of the new Saab, still fresh out from the GM umbrella, can do so at the Paris Auto Show which opened its gates yesterday. There, among all the models Saab has gotten us used to, the Swedish manufacturer is also presenting the Saab 9-3 ePower.

The electric version of the 9-3, the first electric vehicle wearing the Saab badge, is fitted with an electric motor which develops 184 hp and a lithium-ion battery pack which be charged using a standard household outlet.

The car is capable of doing the world famous naught to sixty sprint in 8.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). The maximum range given by the battery is of about 124 miles (200 km).

Next year, the 9-3 ePower will leave the auto show floor and take to the road, with 70 such vehicles to be deployed in Sweden for evaluation purposes. The goal is to make the vehicle an important player on the EV market.

"This program is designed 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," says Mats Fagerhag, Saab Automobile Vehicle Engineering executive director.

"This includes engine rightsizing, which exploits Saab expertise in turbocharging, as well as the use of alternative fuel, such as bio-ethanol through Saab BioPower technology."

The tests will run through 2012, so it is a bit early to talk about the price of the car.