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 exclus…
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 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.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
As a limited-run prototype from a defunct manufacturer, long-term reliability is a significant challenge. The primary concerns are battery degradation and the complete unavailability of OEM parts for its unique electric drivetrain and control systems. Its viability today depends entirely on the condition of its original components.
The most common issues are battery capacity loss, failure of obsolete electronic control modules (BMS, motor controller), CHAdeMO charging incompatibility with modern stations, and leaks in the aging liquid cooling system for the battery and motor. These stem from its age and prototype status.
The ePower drivetrain was fitted exclusively to a limited number of Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan (YS3F) models between 2010 and 2012. It was not offered on any other Saab model (like the 9-5) and was never sold to the public, only used in field trials.
No. The vehicle's software and hardware were locked down for the trial program. There is no known method or community to remap the ECU for increased power, and doing so would risk damaging the already fragile and unsupported control systems. Its 250 PS output is fixed.
Being electric, it doesn't use fuel. Its efficiency was rated at approximately 17 kWh/100km under the NEDC cycle. Real-world consumption varies greatly with driving style and temperature, but expect figures between 18-22 kWh/100km, translating to a real-world range of 150-160 km on a full charge.
No. This is not applicable. The 9-3 ePower uses an electric motor, not an internal combustion engine. There are no pistons, valves, or timing chains that can interfere with each other.
It does not require engine oil. The electric motor and reduction gearbox use a specific gear oil, documented in Saab's service notes. The exact specification is critical for gearbox longevity, but the oil itself is a standard automotive gear oil, not a unique Saab formulation.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.