Saft delivers second batch of emergency traction batteries for the Moscow Metro

• New contract confirms successful operation of Saft’s emergency traction batteries on the first production run of the flagship Moskva-2020 trains
• Saft will supply MSX cells and provide technical advice to Russian manufacturer KSC Group as part of the local production initiative supported by the Russian authorities.

Paris, August 27, 2021 – Saft has won a follow-on contract with Russian railway system supplier KSC Group to deliver battery systems for emergency traction on the Moscow Metro. In the event of a power failure, the batteries will enable the metro trains to travel up to 6.5 km to the next station. This enhances the convenience and safety of the metro and encourages citizens to switch to public transport, boosting the quality of life in one of the largest megacities in the world.

Under the new contract, Saft will deliver up to 1,240 battery kits based on its MSX nickel technology cells for installation on the new fleet of Moskva-2020 trains, which are due to enter service by the end of 2023.
For its flagship vehicles, the Moscow Metro wanted to make maximum use of the Russian supply chain in support of the government’s “Made in Russia” strategy. Saft is assisting KSC Group locally by providing technical advice and guidance on battery system sizing, design, and production to KSC Systems drives, part of the KSC Group, which will assemble and test the battery systems.

The contract builds on Saft’s delivery of battery systems to Russia’s largest train and coach builder Transmashholding (TMH) in 2020. The initial production run confirmed the proof of concept in the challenging application where Saft was the only battery company able to meet the requirements for performance, safety, compact size, and high reliability.

Alexey Myasnikov, Managing Director of KSC Drive Systems said: “Saft has established itself as a reliable developer and manufacturer of modern battery solutions. Being engaged in the joint development of emergency traction batteries for "Moscow-2020" trains, we not only create complex systems, but also contribute to the development of technologies in the Russian engineering industry.”

David Masgrangeas, General Manager of Saft Russia said: “The signing of the new contract testifies to the growing position of Saft in this segment of the Russian energy market and we are proud to work with KSC Group to provide expert technical and engineering support locally throughout the project. Extending emergency traction across the entire new fleet of Moskva-2020 trains demonstrates the unique high performance of Saft’s technology to ensure the highest standards of service, safety, and comfort for passengers.”

Saft’s MSX nickel batteries are fully adapted to withstand cold winter conditions, which are typical for Russia. They also provide high power and low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) while being 30 percent lighter and 40 percent smaller than conventional batteries.

About Saft

Saft specializes in advanced technology battery solutions for industry, from the design and development to the production, customization, and service provision. For more than 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 on land, at sea, in the air and in space. 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 TotalEnergies, a broad energy group that produces and markets fuels, natural gas, and electricity.

We energize the world. www.saftbatteries.com

About KSC Group

KSC Group is one of the largest Russian manufacturers of systems and components for rail rolling stock. KSC Group is also increasing its presence in the segments of public and commercial vehicles, agricultural construction vehicles, and shipbuilding. It unites more than 30 Russian companies engaged in the development, production and maintenance of equipment and components for transport engineering. The production facilities of KSC Group are located in eight regions of Russia. The Group of Companies employs more than 7,000 people. The KSC Group clients are more than 200 companies in Russia and Europe.

###

Press Contacts

Saft
Elma Peters, Corporate Communications Director Tel. +331 58 63 17 04, 
elma.peters@saftbatteries.com

KSC Group
Yuliya Kuprina, Press Secretary
press@kscgroup.ru

TopLine Comms
Andrew Bartlett, Tel.: +44 207 580 6502,
andrew@toplinecomms.com