It was undoubtedly an arduous journey for NEVS to get Saab back on its feet after it went down, being made even more challenging with the announcement that it was also going to be converted into an EV manufacturer that would use Chinese parts. Now, after the first new petrol-powered 9-3 (pictured here) was built in September of 2013, they’ve made an electric version too.

NEVS doesn’t want to show the car to anybody just yet, and the one they have assembled is going straight to China for testing as part of a larger (future) fleet of 200 cars headed for the city of Quingdao. SverigesRadio reports that the electric 9-3s will also feature styling changes and a battery pack mounted low in the chassis to keep the center of gravity down.

Currently, the range of these vehicles is said to be 200 km (125 miles), but according to the same information it will be increased before mass production, which is set to commence later this year. The market debut will take place in 2015.

By Andrei Nedelea

Note: Conventional petrol-powered Saab 9-3 made by NEVS pictured

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