Saft Showcases Lithium-Ion Technology for Hybrid Electric Vehicles at Electric Drive Transportation Association Conference

VANCOUVER, Canada, Dec. 6, 2005 -- EDTA Booth # 422 -- Saft has been deeply involved over the last decade in the development and the production of advanced battery technologies to meet the needs of the Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) market. HEV combine two separate power sources to provide their propulsion: an electric motor and a thermal engine - a configuration that significantly reduces energy consumption and therefore CO2 emissions and fuel costs compared to conventional vehicles.

Saft offers a wide range of high power and high energy Li-ion (lithium- ion) cells and complete battery systems that have been selected by many companies in the car industry to equip new generations of mild-hybrids, full- hybrids, plug-in-hybrids and fuel cell vehicles. With capacities ranging from 4 Ah to 45 Ah and power densities from 660 W/kg to 4,000 W/kg, the range of Saft's cells virtually covers all types of alternative drive train requirements.

Saft Li-ion technology provides a number of key benefits: more compact and lighter battery systems, cold cranking capabilities, life span same as vehicle life, excellent charge/discharge energy efficiency, long storage capability, easy state-of-charge and state-of-health monitoring. Li-ion technology versatility enables its integration on existing ICE models as well as dedicated HEV platforms at affordable adaptation cost and development time. The combination of its limited mass and volume characteristics makes Saft Li- ion the reference solution for advanced plug-in-hybrid systems.

Saft's philosophy is to be the advanced battery system partner of the automotive industry, offering no stand alone cells but a complete range of engineering services and battery systems customized to each HEV's specifications. Based on proprietary cell designs, Saft battery systems include electronic cell monitoring units, battery management systems, thermal management systems (air or liquid), and CAN bus communication capabilities.

About Saft

Saft is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industrial applications. 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 industry and defense. The group is also a leader for specialized battery technologies for space and defense. Saft is present in 17 countries and employs approximately 4,000 people worldwide. Its 16 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide.

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