Saft's e6T Military Technology Selected for Evaluation in Commercial Use

Saft, the world's leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry, is working with CALSTART, a member organization that works with business, fleets, and government to develop and implement clean, efficient transportation solutions, to test its e6T Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery for use in military and commercial applications. This development marks the first time the military e6T Li-ion battery configuration will be tested for commercial trucks and could result in the power supply's wide scale adoption beyond the military.

The partnership is part of a larger program, funded by the U.S. Army, in which CALSTART and participants will evaluate and test 12V Li-ion military format batteries as starter batteries. Compared to lead-acid batteries, Saft's Li-ion technology enables increased lifecycle, depth of charge and faster recharges, resulting in greater fuel and cost savings. The company is among three battery suppliers chosen for this testing and will deliver the 12V batteries as well as integration services for assessing the technology's use in commercial trucks. The agreement also includes delivery of 24V e6T power supplies to TARDEC, the U.S. Army's Tank and Research Development and Engineering Center.

The Saft e6T Li-ion battery system features an advanced, lightweight design within the dimensions of a traditional lead-acid battery, enabling easy installation into the vehicle. The system provides power for starting, lights and ignition, as well as devices critical to safety during silent watch missions. Li-ion technology enables soldiers to safely recharge electronics, such as a night sight or GPS, while the vehicle is turned off. Additionally, the 12V and 24V power supplies feature CANBus communications that relay vital information, including state-of-charge, cell voltages, temperatures and battery diagnostics.

"As a leader in the research and advancement of Li-ion technology, the CALSTART partnership provides Saft with the unique opportunity to grow market demand of the e6T product line," said Ben Helminen, Marketing & Strategic Planning Director for Saft. "We are proud to be an integral part of providing technology that keeps the country's military personnel safe, and we look forward to contributing those advantages to the commercial industry."

CALSTART will be collecting, the data generated from Saft and the two additional battery suppliers during the evaluation and testing. Delivery of the batteries is underway.

About Saft

Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world leader in the design and manufacture 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 defense batteries with its Li-ion technologies which are also being deployed in the energy storage, transportation and telecommunication markets. Saft's 4,000 employees present in 18 countries, together with its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network, all contribute to accelerating the Group's growth for the future.

For more information, visit Saft at www.saftbatteries.com.

About CALSTART

CALSTART is a member-supported organization of more than 150 firms, fleets and agencies worldwide dedicated to supporting a growing high-tech, clean transportation industry that cleans the air, creates jobs, cuts imported oil and reduces global warming emissions. CALSTART provides services and consulting to spur advanced transportation technologies, fuels, systems and the companies that make them.

For more information, visit http://www.calstart.org/

Saft
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