Saft, a wholly owned subsidiary of TotalEnergies, is supplying its cutting-edge lithium titanate oxide (LTO) traction batteries to Siemens Mobility for seven new-generation Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains operating in Germany. These lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are part of a hybrid system that integrates with fuel cells, offering a smart, sustainable alternative to diesel multiple units (DMUs). This hybrid setup enables the Mireo Plus H to operate emission-free and autonomously on long-distance routes, even in areas without overhead power lines.
This milestone marks a significant achievement for Saft, as it is the first time the company’s LTO battery technology is being deployed in a major commercial rail project.
Cedric Duclos, CEO of Saft, commented:
“This contract is the result of a long-term development partnership with Siemens Mobility. The adoption of this innovative technology for traction applications brings several benefits over earlier Li-ion generations—enhanced safety and reliability, reduced CO₂ emissions, extended lifespan, and greater power performance.”
Albrecht Neumann, CEO of Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility, added:
“Siemens Mobility is committed to reducing emissions in transportation. The Mireo Plus H trains are a key step toward decarbonizing rail travel. While hydrogen is the main energy source, the traction batteries are essential to the system’s success. Our collaboration with Saft has led to a customized version of LTO technology perfectly suited for our hydrogen-powered trains.”
In the Mireo Plus H system, the fuel cells serve as the primary power source, while the LTO batteries provide critical support. They supply additional power during acceleration, recover energy during braking, and handle load leveling during cruising for optimized fuel cell efficiency. Each two-car trainset is equipped with two LTO batteries.
Saft’s LTO technology stands out in its lithium-ion product lineup. It offers ten times the cycle life of conventional technologies, superior safety due to stable electrochemistry, and unmatched performance in rapid charge and discharge—key requirements for traction systems.
As one of the few manufacturers developing its own battery chemistries, Saft is able to customize solutions to meet each customer’s specific requirements. The LTO technology used in this project was developed at Saft’s R&D center in Bordeaux, France, and the batteries are assembled in Nersac. Deliveries to Siemens Mobility began in summer 2024.
About Saft
Saft specializes in advanced battery solutions for industrial applications—offering complete services from design and development to production and customization. For over a century, Saft’s high-performance, long-lasting batteries have powered mission-critical operations in diverse environments on land, at sea, in the air, and even in space.
From powering smarter cities to ensuring reliable backup in extreme environments—from the Arctic Circle to the Sahara—Saft’s technologies deliver safety and performance where it matters most.
Saft is a wholly owned subsidiary of TotalEnergies, a global multi-energy company producing and marketing oil, biofuels, natural gas, green gases, renewables, and electricity.
We energize the world.
www.saft.com