The Saab ePower 2.0 is a 1,998 cc, inline‑four petrol engine modified for plug‑in hybrid use, produced exclusively for the 2010–2011 9‑3 SportCombi evaluation fleet. It features direct injection, a turbocharger, and is paired with a 35 kW electric motor and 12 kWh lithium‑ion battery pack. This powertrain delivers a combined system output, enabling electric‑only driving for short urban commutes.
Fitted only to the limited‑run 9‑3 ePower SportCombi, this powertrain was engineered as a technical demonstrator for low‑emission mobility. It targeted urban efficiency with its ability to run on electric power alone, supplemented by the petrol engine for longer journeys or higher loads. Emissions compliance for the petrol component was based on Euro 5 standards.
As a prototype and evaluation vehicle, no widespread reliability concerns were documented in official service bulletins. The project was discontinued after General Motors' divestment of Saab, halting further development. No official service bulletins exist for this specific hybrid system beyond the initial pilot program documentation.
Saab
The ePower 2.0 was a prototype system for a limited evaluation fleet (2010–2011) and was not type‑approved for general consumer sale (VCA UK Type Approval N/A).
The Saab ePower 2.0 is a 1,998 cc inline‑four turbo‑petrol hybrid engineered for the 9‑3 SportCombi demonstrator (2010-2011). It combines direct injection with an electric motor to deliver electric‑only urban driving capability. Designed as a prototype, it was not certified for general sale but targeted Euro 5 emissions for its petrol component.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol / Electric | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 131 kW (178 PS) petrol + 35 kW (47 PS) electric | |
| Torque | 280 Nm petrol + 180 Nm electric | |
| Fuel system | Direct Injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (Petrol Component) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbocharger | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W‑30 (ACEA A3/B4) | |
| Battery | 12 kWh Lithium‑ion |
The hybrid system prioritizes urban efficiency with its 30 km electric range, but requires access to charging infrastructure. The high-voltage battery and associated systems demand specialized diagnostic tools and training for servicing, which are not widely available. As a non-production prototype, long-term maintenance and parts availability are significant challenges. The petrol engine follows standard Saab 2.0T maintenance, but the hybrid components have no established service schedule beyond the pilot program.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-30 meeting ACEA A3/B4 specification (Saab 9-3 ePower Technical Dossier).
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to the petrol engine component only. The vehicle as a whole was not type-approved for consumer markets (VCA Type Approval N/A).
Power Ratings: Combined system output measured under internal Saab test protocols. Electric motor peak output is 35 kW (Saab 9-3 ePower Technical Dossier).
Saab Automobile AB: 9-3 ePower Technical Dossier & Press Kit (2010)
European Commission: Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Saab ePower 2.0 was used exclusively in the Saab 9-3 SportCombi (YS3F) platform with longitudinal mounting. This engine and its hybrid system received no platform-specific adaptations beyond the initial prototype build. No facelift revisions occurred. All information is documented in the OEM technical dossier for the pilot program.
The ePower variant is identified by its unique "ePower" badging on the rear hatch and front fenders. The VIN for these vehicles falls within a specific, limited range allocated for the pilot program. Under the hood, the presence of orange high-voltage cables and a large battery pack in the cargo area are definitive identifiers. No engine code stamping differentiates it from the standard B207 petrol engine; identification is based on the complete vehicle package and VIN.
The ePower 2.0's primary reliability unknown is the long-term durability of its prototype lithium-ion battery pack and power electronics, as no official failure data exists. Being a limited pilot, UK DVSA or NHTSA statistics are unavailable. The standard B207 petrol engine is known for reliability, but the hybrid system's bespoke nature makes preventative maintenance for its unique components critical, though undefined.
Analysis derived from Saab technical documentation (2010-2011) and industry reports on the pilot program. No government failure statistics exist. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines, though these are incomplete for the hybrid system.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about SAAB EPOWER-2-0.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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