Peugeot Scooters Launches its new Scooter e-Vivacity Using Saft Lithium-ion Batteries

PARIS, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

- Twice as Light and Long-lasting, Saft's new Generation Lithium-ion Batteries Equip Peugeot's new 100% Electric Scooter

Saft, the world's leading designer, developer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industrial applications, has added two-wheeled vehicles to the list of its innovations. The Group has specifically developed new modules of lithium-ion batteries for Peugeot's latest scooter, the e-Vivacity. Modern, easy to ride, practical and combining performance with total respect for the environment (zero CO2 emission), the eco-citizen e-Vivacity scooter equipped with Saft's new generation lithium-ion batteries is capable of accelerations from standstill equal to those of many 125cm3 models despite being a 50cm3 equivalent model. The Saft battery system lodged under the scooter's flat deck provides the e-Vivacity with power that is particularly appreciable for ease of insertion in traffic flows.

Increased power and autonomy thanks to Saft batteries

By integrating two Saft lithium-ion battery modules each developing 1kWh, Peugeot Scooters has been able to provide its latest model with total power of 3kW at 6,000rpm and 60km of autonomy assuming a constant speed of 45km/h. After equipping the 3,000 first generation Peugeot electric scooters, the new Saft batteries take up less than half the space, and weigh less than half as much as their predecessors.

They offer numerous other benefits. They need no maintenance and can be fully recharged at least 1,000 times without any deterioration in their performance. They have been designed to last at least ten years and allow the e-Vivacity to clock up 40,000km and reach the same top speed as equivalent two-wheel vehicles equipped with 50cm3 combustion engines.

A new electronic battery management system

The battery modules designed and manufactured by Saft are equipped with an electronic battery management system developed using the international IEC 61508 standard risk reduction procedure and thereby ensuring an optimal level of safety for the battery system.

Simple and efficient recharging

The Saft battery system equipping the e-Vivacity is very simple to recharge. It suffices to connect a cable lodged under the seat to a domestic 220V plug or an urban charge port. A complete recharge requires between five and eight hours depending on whether the vehicle is equipped with one or two chargers; if with two, then 80% of the full charge can be obtained in just three hours. Partial charges do not affect the batteries' useful life.

An industrial partnership focusing on clean, reliable and affordable mobility

For its new generation electric scooter, Peugeot Scooters has opted to work with the French company Saft, the leading manufacturer of advanced technology batteries. As the pioneer developer of battery systems for clean vehicles, trains, aeronautical and space applications and renewable energy storage, Saft offers users of Peugeot's electric scooters the assurance of owning or renting a vehicle which combines affordability, reliability and performance. And Saft's lithium-ion batteries can be fully recycled.

Mr Colin, CEO of Peugeot Scooters, said:

"We have not chosen Saft, the world leader for advanced technology batteries, by chance but to provide our customers with the assurance of acquiring a vehicle combining performance with safety and reliability. Our partnership has enabled us to achieve a veritable technical and industrial prowess given the compactness of the lithium-ion batteries and the vehicle's design providing right from the start for integration of an electric engine."

John Searle, Chairman of Saft's Management Board, added: "Saft is delighted to be working alongside Peugeot Scooters on this new generation of all-electric scooters. Saft's Li-ion batteries are well adapted to the performance requirements for this type of clean urban mobility application. Innovation remains more than ever at the heart of Saft's business."

About Saft

Saft (Euronext: 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 defence. The Group is also very well positioned in the new markets for clean vehicles and renewable energy storage. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer of nickel batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialised advanced technologies for the defence and space industries. With approximately 4,000 employees, Saft is present in 19 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the Group to serve its customers worldwide.

    For more information, visit Saft at http://www.saftbatteries.com.

    Saft: Jill Ledger, Saft Corporate Communications and Institutional
    Relations Director Tel.: +33-1-49-93-17-77
    email:  [email protected]

    Catherine Jouatel, Corporate Communication Manager
    Tel.: +33-1-49-93-17-68, email: [email protected]

    FD (Financial Dynamics):, Yannick Duvergé / Claire Michel
    Tel.: +33-1-47-03-68-10,
    email: [email protected] / [email protected]

SOURCE Saft Groupe