Saft has secured a contract to supply its SRM nickel-technology batteries for 93 eight-car MTR metro trains that are set to begin operation in Hong Kong.
The Saft batteries are capable of maintaining lighting, air-conditioning, automatic door-opening systems, and new dynamic route maps during the event of a loss of power supply to the trains.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Saft Sales Asia general manager and director Philippe Ulrich said: “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.
“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.”
The company claims that Saft batteries are able to provide 60 minutes of backup power to the new MTR trains.
SRM cell batteries are designed to be 20% smaller and lighter than conventional lead-acid batteries, and will be supplied with steel casing to ensure compliance with the strictest fire-proofing standards.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataThe batteries' nickel-based technology can provide a long service-life of up to 15 years and is resistant to ‘sudden death’ failure.
The trains scheduled to be equipped with the SRM cells are currently under construction by CRRC Sifang, a rolling stock manufacturer based in China.
Three battery kits are to be fitted on-board each of the eight-car MRT trains, according to the plans.
The batteries will be designed and manufactured at Saft’s Bordeaux factory in France, and will be supplied to CRRC Sifang in kits consisting of 76 SRM cells.
Delivery of the first battery kits is expected soon, while the last segment of the order will be delivered in 2022.
The Hong Kong MTR carries more than 5.5 million passengers every day, and the Saft battery-equipped trains are expected to run on the Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan, Island and Tseung Kwan O lines.
