The Board of Directors of SNCF Voyageurs has approved an additional order for 15 new-generation Avelia Horizon very high-speed trains (known in France as TGV), worth approximately EUR 600 million. Deliveries are expected in 2029. This order is for the quad-voltage version of the new generation of high-speed trains, which meets European traffic requirements.
The Avelia Horizon range meets ambitious objectives in terms of competitiveness in the rail sector and profitability for SNCF Voyageurs. This optional tranche of the Avelia Horizon Innovation Partnership contract between SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom is the fourth of this new generation of very high-speed trains. It complements the 115 trains already ordered by SNCF Voyageurs, including 100 for commercial operation in France and 15 for commercial operation in Europe, as well as the 30 trains ordered by Eurostar last October, bringing the total for this contract to 160 trains.
The Avelia Horizon train consists of two innovative short locomotives, combining high performance and compactness, and double-decker articulated cars. Maintenance costs will be more than 30% lower than those currently recorded by SNCF Voyageur in France. The train's maintainability is taken into account from the design stage, with a remote diagnostic system for predictive maintenance, which improves the reliability and availability of the trains.
Many components have been optimised to simplify and reduce maintenance and allow for longer intervals between maintenance operations. Thanks to its aerodynamic design and more efficient traction, the new-generation TGV will consume 20% less energy than existing TGVs. Ten of Alstom's 14 French sites will be involved in this project: Belfort, for power cars; La Rochelle, for passenger cars; Villeurbanne, for the control- command computer system, the passenger information system and on-board equipment; Ornans, for the motors; Le Creusot, for bogies; and Valenciennes, for interiors.
With over 40 years of experience in high-speed commercial service, Alstom's Avelia Horizon very high -speed train is the only double-decker train in the world capable of travelling at speeds above 300 km/h. It offers great operational flexibility and guarantees high levels of safety and passenger experience. Alstom??, Avelia?? and Avelia Horizon??
are registered trademarks of the Alstom Group. TGV is a registered trademark of SNCF.
