ROME, October 1 /PRNewswire/ --

- New High-Volumic Energy Density Maintenance-Free Nickel-Cadmium
Battery Offers Outstanding Reliability Over a Long Service Life to Deliver
the Optimum TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) for Power Backup Applications in
Remote or Outdoor Telecom Plants

At Intelec 07 Saft is launching its new Tel.X battery, the first high-
volumic energy density, long-life, maintenance free nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd)
battery designed specifically to ensure maximum reliability and optimum TCO
(total cost of ownership) for the variety of remote or outdoor plant that now
play an increasingly important role in the new generation of decentralised
telecom networks. Typical Tel.X applications will be to provide backup power
for demanding outdoor applications, such as cabinets and end terminals in
fibre-optic 'triple-play' networks as well as BTS (Base Transceiver Station)
and BSC (Base Station Controller) installations in wireless networks.

The key feature of the Tel.X is its exceptionally long service
life, over 20 years in normal temperatures and more than 14 years at
+40degreesC. So in many cases the battery can be expected to outlive the
installation, during which time it will be maintenance free, under normal
operating conditions, with no need for topping-up with water.

Furthermore, the Tel.X delivers predictable performance over a
wide temperature range from -20degreesC to +40degreesC, and can withstand
extremes from -50degreesC to +70degreesC - this is particularly important as
the majority of cabinet installations will not offer a temperature controlled
environment. Unlike VRLA (valve regulated lead acid batteries) often found in
telecoms applications, the Tel.X's robust, well proven, Ni-Cd construction
and engineered electrolyte means that it cannot not suffer from 'sudden
death', even in extreme conditions.

The Tel.X offers high volumic energy density, of up to 100
Wh/L while weighing around 30 per cent less than a conventional battery. It
is designed for use in standard 19" and 23" racks and cabinets, where its
compact size makes it easy to fit and install as a direct replacement for
VRLA batteries and it is compatible with all telecoms rectifiers.

Saft Tel.X batteries will be available in industrial series
production in mid 2008 in a range of four capacities: 80 Ah, 100 Ah, 150 Ah
and 180 Ah.

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. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer
of nickel-cadmium 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 3,900 employees worldwide, Saft is 
present in 17 countries. Its 16 manufacturing sites and extensive sales 
network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide.

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

Press contacts
    
    Ginette Kergoat
    Industrial Battery Group
    Tel: +33-1-49-93-17-69
    E-mail:ginette.kergoat@saftbatteries.com
    
    Jill Ledger
    Saft Communications Director
    Tel: +33-1-49-93-17-77
    E-mail:jill.ledger@saftbatteries.com
    
    Corporate Press contact: - FINANCIAL DYNAMICS - Catherine Toulemonde
    Tel: +33-1-47-03-68-55
    E.mail: catherine.toulemonde@fd.com