Under the new contract, Saft will deliver up to 1,240 battery kits based on its MSX nickel-based cells for installation in the new “Moskva-2020” train fleet, which will enter service by the end of 2023.
For its flagship vehicles, the Moscow Metro wanted to leverage the Russian supply chain to the fullest extent possible in support of the government’s “Made in Russia” strategy. Saft is providing local support by offering technical advice and guidance on sizing, design, and production to KSC Drive Systems, part of the KSC Group, which will assemble and test the battery systems.
The contract builds on Saft’s delivery of battery systems to Russia’s largest train and coach manufacturer, Transmashholding (TMH), in 2020. Initial production confirmed the proof of concept in the challenging application where Saft was the only battery company capable of meeting the requirements for performance, safety, size, and high reliability.

Alexey Myasnikov, Managing Director of KSC Drive Systems, said: “Saft has established itself as a reliable developer and manufacturer of battery solutions by participating in the development of the emergency traction battery pack for the 'Moscow-2020' trains. We not only created complex systems but also contributed to the development of technologies in the Russian engineering industry.”
David Masgrangeas, Managing Director of Saft Russia, said: “The signing of this new contract demonstrates Saft’s position in this segment of the Russian energy market, and we are proud to work with the KSC Group to provide technical and engineering support for the project locally. Extending the emergency traction to the entire new Moskva-2020 train fleet demonstrates the high performance of Saft’s technology in ensuring the highest standards of service, safety, and passenger comfort.”
Saft’s MSX nickel batteries are fully adapted to withstand the cold winter conditions typical of Russia. They also provide high power and a low total cost of ownership (TCO), while being 30 percent lighter and 40 percent smaller than conventional batteries.