Saab ePower’s car has the potential to redraw the entire electric vehicle map. With a mileage of 125 miles or 200 kms, (with 16.8 cubic foot luggage capacity), and a charging time of just four hours, the Saab ePower, presented during Almedalsveckan in Sweden, sets a new standard for electric vehicles.
It was with great pride that Saab presented its latest vehicle in the proud history of the company. On location in Almedalen, the summer center for Sweden's opinion leaders, politicians and media elite, Saab unveiled three driveable versions of the highly anticipated 9-3 ePower.
”Saab has the tradition and the vision to realize such a project in such a record time,” says Dr. Christina Lampe-Önnerud, chairman of Boston-Power, the company that supplied the car's heart, a 35.5kWh battery pack.” At the start of the initiative in 2009, the goal was clear. Together, with partners Innovatum, Electroengine, Power Circle and Saab, the aim was to set a new standard for comfort, mileage and cargo capacity of an electric car – and we’ve accomplished that.”
”This is the world's first real family car powered by electricity. We have proved that an electric car need not be synonymous with short distances and small cargo. The ePower can both support a large and heavy load, and drive as far as 125 miles (200 kms) before it needs recharging,” says Christina Lampe-Önnerud.
”In addition, it is especially gratifying to work with a model that is so good looking,” says Christina Lampe-Önnerud. The prototypes will be exposed to a series of tough tests in the coming months before a larger test fleet will be launched sometime later this year.
”I look forward to the day that I get the opportunity to drive my own test car at home in Boston,” says Christina Lampe-Önnerud. "It will be exciting to drive a silent car down the city’s historic streets and neighborhoods."