Saft powers new Moscow Metro train “Moskva-2020” with first emergency traction system
- Battery systems power Moscow Metro’s first emergency traction system to enable trains to reach the nearest station in the event of a power outage, protecting passenger comfort and convenience
Paris, October 15th 2020 – Saft won a major order from Metrowagonmash (MWM), a company of Transmashholding (TMH), Russia’s largest train and coach builder and world’s fourth largest railway rolling stock developer and manufacturer. Saft MSX cells provide emergency traction power for new rail cars destined for the Moscow Metro. The project is Moscow Metro’s first use of onboard batteries to prevent trains being stranded between stations in the event of a power outage.
The batteries enable trains to run on their own autonomous power for distances up to 6.5 km and on gradients of up to four percent – the maximum on the network. Saft MSX nickel technology cells is the only solution able to meet Metrowagonmash’s requirements for high safety and performance within very tight size and weight limits.
Maurice Leroy, advisor to Moscow’s mayor Sergei Sobyanin, said: “Adding emergency traction batteries to our metro cars is just the latest example of how Moscow is transforming its public transport network to be safer, more convenient and more comfortable for passengers. Our aim is to improve mobility and quality of life, while helping to drive economic development, making Moscow the world’s best city.”
Saft is starting to deliver batteries and accessories for the first trains being manufactured in 2020 under a contract that could eventually be extended to 1,376 battery kits serving a total of 172 metro trains.
MWM and TMH developed the design of the battery systems jointly with Saft’s technical and support experts. The operator, chose Saft MSX batteries as a proven technology in underground tunnels. The batteries installed underneath the floor of the new ‘Moskva-2020’ coaches. The new trains will run on several of the city’s metro lines.
Saft’s MSX cells are up to 30 percent lighter and 40 percent smaller than conventional onboard backup batteries thanks to their compact and durable design. They also operate across a wide temperature range and will deliver specified performance up to -40°C for Moscow’s over ground sections, to withstand the extreme low temperatures of the Russian winter.
Saft’s MSX cells are designed and manufactured at Saft’s Bordeaux factory in France, with Saft Russia providing technical support throughout the project to ensure straightforward certification and import, as well as aftersales support
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About Saft
Saft specializes in advanced technology battery solutions for industry, from the design and development to the production, customization and service provision. For 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 Total, a leading international oil and gas company and a major player in low-carbon energies.
We energize the world. www.saftbatteries.com
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