Saft wins $46M order for Li-ion batteries for broadband mobile base stations in India
18 July 2013
Saft has won €35-million (US$46-million) of orders to supply specialized Li-ion telecom battery systems for Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL) broadband mobile base stations in India. Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited is a subsidiary of India’s largest private firm and currently the only Pan-Indian 4G/LTE operator.
The order is Saft’s largest to date for Li-ion telecom batteries.
The high energy density and fast charging 48V Evolion module offers a capacity of 3.9 kWh, and is fully compatible with existing telecom equipment, but is around half the size of a conventional telecom battery, freeing up more space in the cabinet for revenue-generating equipment. The Li-ion battery is also around one quarter of the weight, making it much easier and safer to transport, handle and install. It operates over a wide range of temperatures from -40°C to +75°C.
The first deliveries began during the second quarter of 2013 and will be completed by the end of the first quarter 2014.
This is a particularly demanding application that calls for batteries capable of working hard and long in challenging climatic conditions to keep the network operating 24/7, and our Li-ion Evolion system offers the perfect technical solution. Another key factor in this success is the high level of local support we now offer through our new Amco-Saft India Ltd factory that has just opened in Bangalore and we see huge potential for growth in India’s telecoms market.
—Xavier Delacroix, General Manager of Saft’s IBG Division
I wonder what the price per kWh was. This is the module level, so one may assume less than $1000/kWh, but who knows. If I make that assumption ($1000/kWh) that means 46,000 kWh total order. This is equivolent to less than 2000 Leaf batteries or about 3000 Volts batteries. Still, good NEWS.
Oh yes, double those number if you assume $500/kWh, or half if it's $2000/kWh.
Posted by: Brotherkenny4 | 18 July 2013 at 11:07 AM