Saft to supply batteries for MRS
Written by Andrew CorselliSaft Batteries recently announced that it has won an order from Brazilian company MRS Logistica to supply specialized SRX onboard battery systems.
Saft said it “will provide dependable engine starting for a diesel-electric locomotive fleet that operates freight hauling services. The low-maintenance nickel-technology battery systems are being fitted to 58 C36 locomotives manufactured by GE Transportation for MRS Logistica. The 64 V battery systems are based on Saft’s SRX190 FR-PP or SRX1900P cells and provide a capacity of 190 Ah for five hours.”
The move comes on the heels of the news that, according to estimates, just over 20% of Brazil’s total cargo is carried by rail, with 63% traveling by road. “The federal government has decided that due to the high costs and potential for delays, the country must end its economic reliance on road transportation and make a broad transition toward rail freight. Its goal is to achieve a 100% increase in rail capacity over the next four years.”
“Brazil’s rail industry is an important growth area for Saft and this major order represents a significant breakthrough in the locomotive sector,” said Milan Sima, GM, Rail and Mobility, Saft. “The track record demonstrated by our SRX battery systems in previous rail projects across the world was the key factor in winning this order for MRS Logistica.”
