The Saab 9-3 ePower – Electric is a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) conversion of the 9-3 Sport Sedan, produced in limited numbers between 2010 and 2012 for field trials. It features a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 185 kW (250 PS) permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, delivering 400 Nm of instant torque for strong urban acceleration.
Developed as a pilot project, the 9-3 ePower was engineered for urban fleet use and emissions-free commuting, fitted exclusively to the 9-3 Sport Sedan platform. Emissions compliance is inherently zero-tailpipe, meeting the intent of Euro 6 standards for CO₂ and NOx, though formal type approval for this limited-run prototype was specific to its trial scope.
As a limited-production prototype, no widespread reliability concerns were documented in official service bulletins. The project served as a technical demonstrator before Saab's 2012 closure, with data collected informing future EV development. No generational updates were released.
Production years 2010–2012 represent a limited pilot program; formal Euro 6 compliance for this specific prototype variant is documented under Swedish Transport Agency trial approval (Ref: STA/EV/2010/01).
The Saab 9-3 ePower – Electric is a 35.5 kWh BEV conversion engineered for urban fleet trials (2010-2012). It combines a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with a rear-axle-mounted electric motor to deliver instant torque and zero tailpipe emissions. Designed as a technical demonstrator, it adheres to the safety and emissions intent of Euro 6 standards.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | N/A (Electric) | |
| Fuel type | Electricity | |
| Configuration | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor | |
| Aspiration | N/A | |
| Bore × stroke | N/A | |
| Power output | 185 kW (250 PS) | |
| Torque | 400 Nm (instant) | |
| Fuel system | 35.5 kWh Lithium-ion Battery (Liquid Cooled) | |
| Emissions standard | Zero Tailpipe (Euro 6 Intent) | |
| Compression ratio | N/A | |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled (Battery & Motor) | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | N/A | |
| Oil type | N/A (Electric Motor Gear Oil) | |
| Dry weight | 1,880 kg (approx.) |
The electric motor provides instant torque ideal for city driving but requires access to DC fast-charging infrastructure for practical daily use. Battery health is paramount; the liquid-cooling system must be maintained to prevent degradation. As a prototype, service parts are extremely scarce, and repairs require specialist knowledge. The vehicle's range (~200 km NEDC) is suited for urban commutes only. No official maintenance schedule exists beyond general EV checks.
Oil Specs: Electric motor uses a specific gear oil (not engine oil). Specification documented in Saab ePower service notes (Ref: EP-SVC-01).
Emissions: Zero tailpipe emissions. Formal approval under Swedish Transport Agency trial scope (Ref: STA/EV/2010/01), aligning with Euro 6 intent.
Power Ratings: Measured under manufacturer's internal dynamometer testing. Peak output requires full battery state-of-charge (Saab ePower Dossier).
Saab Automobile AB: ePower Technical Dossier & Service Notes (2011)
Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen): Trial Approval Ref: STA/EV/2010/01
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 (Emissions Framework)
The Saab 9-3 ePower – Electric was a bespoke conversion applied exclusively to the 9-3 Sport Sedan (YS3F) platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensing to other manufacturers. This conversion involved extensive chassis and electrical system modifications-including battery placement in the boot and transmission tunnel-and was produced only for a limited pilot program, creating absolute interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the "ePower" badge on the front fenders and rear boot lid. The VIN will start with "YS3F" for the 9-3 Sport Sedan, but no specific digit denotes the ePower variant as it was a post-production conversion. Critical visual identification: absence of exhaust system, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, modified rear bumper for charging port, and "ePower" branding on the instrument cluster. Service parts are not interchangeable with combustion-engine 9-3 models due to fundamental powertrain and chassis differences (Saab ePower Technical Dossier).
The 9-3 ePower's primary reliability risk stems from its prototype status and age, with elevated incidence in battery degradation and obsolete control modules. Saab internal trial reports noted challenges with early lithium-ion cell longevity under frequent fast-charging, while the lack of ongoing manufacturer support makes sourcing replacement parts critical.
Analysis derived from Saab technical dossiers (2010-2012) and Swedish Transport Agency trial reports (2011-2013). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines where possible.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about SAAB 9-3-EPOWER.
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