Saft Groupe : wins order to supply batteries for 93 of MTR Hong Kong’s new metro trains

• Saft batteries will provide 60 minutes of backup power for new trains on Hong Kong's Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan, Island and Tseung Kwan O metro lines.
• In a five-year multi-million euro contract, Saft is supplying battery kits to the Chinese train builder CRRC Sifang Co. Ltd.

Paris, July 25 2017

- In a five-year multi-million euro contract Saft is supplying its specialized SRM nickel-technology batteries for 93 eight-car MTR metro trains currently under construction by CRRC Sifang Co. Ltd, the Chinese rolling stock manufacturer. Saft batteries will help maintain world-class service for passengers on Hong Kong's new MTR metro trains. Should a train lose its main power supply the onboard Saft batteries will take over seamlessly to power lighting, air conditioning and door opening systems as well as new dynamic route maps.

The Hong Kong MTR carries over 5.5 million passengers every day. It is regarded as one of the world's leading metro systems for safety, reliability, customer service and cost efficiency. To maintain this exceptional level of performance, 93 new trains have been ordered to replace all the first-generation trains operating currently on the Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan, Island and Tseung Kwan O lines. The new trains, featuring more modern operating systems and equipment, will be delivered between 2018 and 2023.

The Saft batteries will provide the new MTR trains with up to 60 minutes of backup power to support vital control and safety functions. MTR has specified the SRM cells in a steel casing that meets the highest fire-proof standards. The SRM cells are designed for extreme reliability as well as enabling the batteries to be some 20 percent smaller and lighter than lead-acid batteries of similar performance. Their nickel-based technology does not suffer 'sudden death' failure and can provide a long service life of up to 15 years while requiring minimal maintenance.

'This prestigious project for the Hong Kong MTR confirms that Saft rail batteries are the first choice when safety, reliability and performance are critical factors' said Philippe Ulrich, Saft General Manager & Director of Sales Asia. 'The contract also further extends a long-running association with the Hong Kong MTR as we have previously supplied batteries for trains on the West Island line and are currently delivering a contract for refurbished trains in the New Territories.'

Saft is supplying the batteries to CRRC Sifang in the form of kits comprising 76 SRM cells. Three battery kits will be fitted onboard each eight-car MRT train. Delivery of the first battery kits will commence shortly, with completion scheduled for 2022.

CRRC Sifang SRM cells are designed and manufactured in Saft's Bordeaux factory in France, the batteries are assembled in Saft's Zhuhai factory in China.

About Saft

Saft specializes in advanced technology battery solutions for industry, from the design and development to the production, customization and service provision. For nearly 100 years, Saft's longer-lasting batteries and systems have provided critical safety applications, back-up power and propulsion for our customers. Our innovative, safe and reliable technology delivers high performance in space, at sea, in the air and on land. Saft is powering industry and smarter cities, while providing critical back-up functionality in remote and harsh environments from the Arctic Circle to the Sahara desert. Saft is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Total.
Designed for industry. www.saftbatteries.com

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