Alternative Power

Now serving the environment and eco-minded individuals in Ireland and Nordic markets, automobile giant Saab released this week its alternative-fuel vehicle, the Saab 9-5 2.3t BioPower.

 

Based on the development of eco-friendly renewable energy source, Saab’s BioPower technology is produced from a wide variety of biomass sources, including forest residue, sugar cane and sugar beet. When mixed with low volumes of petrol, bioethanol creates E85, which is 85 percent ethanol, 10 percent petrol.

 

The Saab BioPower is a flex-fuel vehicle, meaning it can run on both E85 or petrol in any size without any modification needed. Because E85 has a much higher octane rating than petrol, this allows the timing of the engine’s ignition to be advanced, producing more power and a sportier edge.

 

According to the release, Saab 9-5 2.3t BioPower engine delivers its maximum power of 210 bhp and 310 Nm of torque, compared to 185 bhp and 280 Nm when using unleaded petrol.

 

“I have been delighted to see such an upsurge of interest in the UK’s emerging bioethanol industry during the course of 2006,” said Jonathan Nash, Managing Director of Saab Great Britain Limited in a statement. “Saab has been at the forefront of this movement right from the start, and now our efforts are beginning to pay off.”

 

Also this week, it was noted in the press that Sir Richard Branson, Virgin executive, endorses the Saab 9-5 BioPower, saying “it's high-time that flex-fuel cars, such as the Saab 9-5 BioPower, are given the same concessions in the UK as other green cars, like for example, exemption from London's Congestion Charge.”

 

Saab plans to offer the vehicle in other European markets later this year.