SAFT is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry. SAFT batteries are used in high performance applications, such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, space and defense. SAFT is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range ofend markets. The group is also the European leader for specialised advancedtechnologies for the defence and space industries. With approximately 4,000employees worldwide, SAFT is present in 18 countries with a 2009 turnover of559 million Euros. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide.

In the field of new technologies, SAFT has developed Nickel – Metal Hydride and Lithium-ion battery systems which are anticipated to become the dominant technology for most of the applications. Beside hybrid and electric vehicles applications, renewable energies are for SAFT a strategic item for potential business development.

SAFT has more than 15 years experience in the design of lithium-ion systems applied to automotive (hybrid and electric vehicles). It has demonstrated experience in program coordination through several European programs (Li-ion Heart,Pomerol...), multi-national (Eurogia Programs Sol-ion and ILIS, USABC) and national programs (Predit, Ademe, ANR…). SAFT has been involved in many European projects related to Distributed Generation (EU-DEEP, GROW-DERS) and photovoltaic (SoS-PVI). Since 2008, SAFT is operating in France the first world industrial manufacturing plant for Li-ion cells and has opened a new plant in the US for the manufacturing of lithium-ion cells in 2011.

SAFT is bringing to the program its expertise of system design in the field of lithium-ion batteries. The strategy of SAFT is to be a leading partner in the elaboration of future safety standards that will enable a large dissemination of lithium-ion batteries for stationary applications.