Saab to test electric 9-3

By Tom Phillips

03rd August 2010

Saab is back with a bang. Not content with taking on the premium elite with its new 9-5, the firm has announced that it’s going electric.

From next year, Saab bosses have announced that the firm will test a fleet of "100 per cent electric vehicles" around the world, including the company’s base in Trollhatten, Sweden.

The EV will be based on the facelifted version of the 9-3, which will go on sale later this year, and will use an electric powertrain developed by Swedish firm Electroengine.

Electroengine has created a system called True Electric, which allows straightforward conversion of cars which were originally designed for internal combustion engines. The firm already has an electric Saab demonstrator working, based on the 9-3 Aero convertible (pictured).

That car currently has two electric motors, producing 335bhp, and can accelerate the car from 0-62mph in less than 6.5 seconds. However, the Saab system will be developed especially for the 9-3, optimising the powertrain, battery positioning for best weight distribution and range.

And as the system is already operational, Saab should be ahead of the game in getting its electric 9-3 to market.

Speaking about the move, CEO Jan Ake Jonsson said, "The main purpose is to draw technology from this test fleet, technology that we can then incorporate quickly.”