Saft Signs Multi-Million Euro on-Board Battery System Contract for SNCF’s French Fleet of TER Trains

  • Valued at around €4 million, the SNCF contract is Saft’s largest with a European railway operator for the past 10 years.
  • SNCF is switching its TER 2N NG trainsets from lead-acid batteries to Saft’s state-of-the-art nickel-based MRX battery systems.
  • Saft batteries will be installed on around 200 double-decker trainsets operating on regional routes across France.
  • First deliveries to SNCF started in the third quarter of 2015.

(Photo: Business Wire)

PARIS--()--Saft, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of high-tech industrial batteries, has signed an on-board battery system replacement contract valued at around 4 million with SNCF, France’s national state-owned railway operator. In its largest single contract with a European railway operator for the past 10 years, Saft is enabling SNCF to migrate its entire fleet of over 200 TER 2N NG (double-decker new generation) trainsets to state-of-the-art nickel-based batteries that ensure improved performance and reliability over a long service life.

SNCF’s TER 2N NG trainsets that first entered service in 2000 are based on the Alstom Coradia Duplex electric multiple unit (EMU) platform. These trains, which are capable of speeds up to 160 km/h, are ideally suited to densely loaded intercity or suburban services and are deployed on SNCF regional routes across France.

The on-board batteries play a critical role for SNCF by providing the backup power to support control, safety and communications functions should the main power supply be interrupted. As part of a general upgrading programme SNCF is replacing the existing time-expired lead-acid batteries with Saft’s specialized MRX batteries.

The switch to nickel-based technology is delivering a number of performance and reliability advantages for SNCF. Primarily, unlike lead-acid batteries, the MRX design does not suffer from ‘sudden death’. Instead, it has been developed specifically for the intensive usage typical of rail backup operations, where it offers predictable and reliable performance over a long service life of up to 15 years that contributes to an optimized Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Furthermore, MRX batteries offer a higher energy capability at extreme temperatures, ranging from - 30°C to + 70°C, to ensure continuity of train services especially for routes in locations in France that experience severe winters.

An additional benefit of the MRX batteries is their compact, lightweight design that has enabled each SNCF battery system to be reduced in weight by 90 kg – equivalent to the average weight of a single passenger. As well as reduced maintenance requirements, an important advantage for train operators is the integrated water filling system that makes topping-up fast and simple.

“Saft is delighted that SNCF has switched from lead-acid batteries to our nickel-based MRX batteries for this prestigious, high value contract. It is a further, very important European reference for the performance, reliability and total cost of ownership advantages of our well-proven nickel-based rail battery technology” says Ghislain Lescuyer, Chairman of Saft’s Management Board.

The contract covers the supply of a total of 284 battery systems for the SNCF double-decker trainsets, made of “54 MRX130” batteries. The battery systems feature Saft’s innovative patented design, based on a riveted battery box that is extremely simple and cost-effective to manufacture as it eliminates welding.

First deliveries to SNCF started in the third quarter of 2015.

About Saft

Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry. The Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium batteries for the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics’ markets. Saft is the world leader in space and defence batteries with its Li-ion technologies which are also deployed in the energy storage, transportation and telecommunication network markets. More than 4,000 employees in 18 countries, 14 manufacturing sites and an extensive sales network all contribute to accelerating the Group’s growth for the future.

Saft batteries. Designed for industry. www.saftbatteries.com

Contacts

Saft
Karen Hollington, Corporate Communication Manager
Tel.: +33 1 49 93 17 68, e-mail: Karen.hollingrton@saftbatteries.com
or
Marie-Christine Guihéneuf, IBG Communication Manager
Tel.: +33 1 49 93 17 16, e-mail: marie-christine.guiheneuf@saftbatteries.com
or
Six Degrees
Andrew Bartlett, Tel.: +44 118 900 0860, e-mail: andrew.bartlett@sixdegreespr.com
or
French | West | Vaughan
Melissa Timney, Tel.: +1-919-277-1165, e-mail: mtimney@fwv-us.com

Release Summary

Saft, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of high-tech industrial batteries, signed an on-board battery system replacement contract with SNCF, France’s national state-owned railway operator.

Contacts

Saft
Karen Hollington, Corporate Communication Manager
Tel.: +33 1 49 93 17 68, e-mail: Karen.hollingrton@saftbatteries.com
or
Marie-Christine Guihéneuf, IBG Communication Manager
Tel.: +33 1 49 93 17 16, e-mail: marie-christine.guiheneuf@saftbatteries.com
or
Six Degrees
Andrew Bartlett, Tel.: +44 118 900 0860, e-mail: andrew.bartlett@sixdegreespr.com
or
French | West | Vaughan
Melissa Timney, Tel.: +1-919-277-1165, e-mail: mtimney@fwv-us.com