Introduction

Saab Automobile AB is a famous Swedish car manufacturer known for its innovation and ingenuity. The acronym stands for Svenska Aeroplane Aktiebolaget is a car company owned by Spykers Cars NV.  The vehicle is also a Royal Warrant holder as appointed by the King of Sweden. Saab automobile was established in 1937 for the for the purpose of manufacturing aircraft for the Swedish Air Force. It was during this time when Sweden needed to have more aircrafts to protect the country’s neutrality. This is the time in history when Sweden feared for Europe is moving closer to the war. After the war the company began looking for new markets and building automobiles seems to be a good idea after producing hundreds of aircrafts.

Saab Automobile is known worldwide for its pioneering significant in terms of ergonomics. Each Saab cars are made with green technology, turbocharging, and safety features. But the company was acquired by General Motors in 1990 which was later on sold to Spykers in 2010. Now that it’s under a new management, the company is in full speed to produce cars of the future. Though GM already gave Sypkers all the rights for the company, they will still continue to supply Saab with transmissions, engines and completed vehicles. With this new partnership, Saab is soon to open a new US headquarters in Royal Oak, Michigan.

The future is coming for Saab, its hybrids and fully electric vehicles are soon to be in their range of products. Since the demand for electric vehicles are getting higher, Saab’s new chairman, Victor Muller announced his very own plans for the future of EV. Taking a slightly different take on for the EV, Saab will soon released its new take on for sustainable transportation and a partnership with Boston-Power. This is just a matter of time when consumers will soon to enjoy Saab’s electric cars and hybrids vehicles.

Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept

The use of hybrid technology and biofuels are the most widely used approaches in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Combining these two strategies are the best option for Saab and their BioPower Hybrid Concept was made out of this technology. In fact, the concept was known as the “the world first fossil free hybrid vehicle”. The all new Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept is placed and neatly packed in Saab’s 9-3 Convertible. This new concept was based in pure bioethanol which can produce more power because of its high octane rating, and its fuel emission is reduced to zero.

Armed with the latest Saab’s BioPower Hybrid technology, the Saab 9-3 Convertible is going to play a huge role in the revival of the Swedish automaker. This mainstream model features a new platform which is dubbed as the “Phoenix Architecture”, which is a step up for the next generation of Saab 9-5. The 2010 9-3 Convertible is equipped with 2.0-liter, I4, 210-horsepower and its state of the art turbo engine can speed up to 20-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. It also comes with 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is another standard features and an optional 5-speed automatic transmission. This two-door four-passenger luxury convertible is available in two trims. The 2.0T and the Aero trims are a carryover from 2009.

The Aero trim on the other hand is equipped with standard 2.0-liter, I4, 210-horsepower. Its turbo engine can achieve 19-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway, a perfect car for young professionals and small family. This hybrid vehicle also features a standard 5-speed automatic transmission and an optional 6-speed manual transmission that can deliver stunning performance and mileage. Drivers also have an option to drive full electric at 50 km/h speed in just one press of the Zero Mode Button. Its high-performance batteries has a capacity to drive 10–20 km, far enough for a convertible to drive without the combustion engine.

Made for commuting and congested driving condition, the Saab 9-3 Convertible is armed with Zero Mode and will automatically turns to normal hybrid drive when the speed is over 50 km/h. Its turbocharging is built to take higher octane rating of pure bioethanol(E100) and its powerful engine can produce 260 bhp and a huge 375 Nm torque. All Saab BioPower cars are made to last with its immensely flexible engine that can run equally well on fuels. Fuels can range from 100 % petrol to 100 % bioethanol or anything in between.

ZE Saab 9-3

Partnering with Boston-Power is a good move for Saab for it will be the start of the brand new ZE Saab 9-3. Powered by Boston-Power battery the new electric vehicle is built with an impressive body work. The name ZE stands for “zero emission” and its drivetrain was developed by Electro Engine, it comes with twin electric motors that are capable of producing 335 hp. Its front-wheel drive can speed up to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, an astounding speed with zero-emission. In fact, the vehicle is the first application of the Boston’s Power Swing battery and people around are already excited to see how it works. The Saab ZE’s top speed is about 112 mph (180 km/h) and with 26 kWh battery good for over 93 miles (150 km) when it comes to its original specs though this version may have a different pack.

Its battery pack is powered by advanced cells that can provide the vehicle the power to around 155 - 186 mile (250 - 300 km) range which was quoted by Swish press. This electric vehicle is clearly an engineering masterpiece and a good start for Saab to jumpstart their sales. With the total project cost of 200 million, the ZE Saab 9-3 is a sure winner. This vehicle is a mix skill of different companies who have faith for this electric vehicle to make it big.  Even if it’s not yet out in the market, the ZE Saab 9-3 is receiving a lot of rave reviews and this could be the beginning of Saab to get back on the track again. This electric car maybe new but it offers lot of potential and real threat for mainstream electric vehicles.