The TGV M (also known as the Avelia Horizon) is a high speed passenger train under development by Alstom. It has been developed since the late 2010s and is expected to enter service with French operator SNCF in TGV service in 2024.[1] It will feature a similar design to the TGV Duplex sets, with bi-level carriages and a push-pull configuration with a power car on either end.[2]

History

In 2015, SNCF launched a program to select a supplier for a new generation of high speed trainsets, to be designed as a joint venture with the manufacturer.[3] On 7 September 2016, SNCF and Alstom signed an agreement to design and build the trains, with the design phase scheduled to be complete by the end of 2017 and an entry into service in 2022.[4] SNCF specified that the new trains be at least 20% less expensive to purchase and have lower operating costs than their predecessors.[3] To meet the goal, Alstom developed the trains as part of a broader family of high speed equipment offered for global sale, which is a change from all previous TGV orders that were built specifically for the French market.[3]

In July 2018, with the design complete and publicly dubbed Avelia Horizon, SNCF placed a €2.7 billion order for 100 trainsets, options for change in the number of orders during construction, and maintenance.[5][6] The first trains are scheduled to enter revenue service in 2024, with deliveries continuing through 2033.[5]

Design

The TGV M is a push–pull trainset, with power cars at both ends and seven to nine bilevel passenger cars in an articulated configuration.[6] In the highest capacity interior layout, each trainset can carry up to 740 passengers.[5] The total power output is 8 megawatts (11,000 hp), which gives the trains a top speed of 350 kilometres per hour (220 mph).[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Introducing the TGV M— modular, recyclable, and 100% connected". SNCF. Retrieved 2022-01-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ "Introducing the TGV M— modular, recyclable, and 100% connected". Archived from the original on 2021-11-15.
  3. ^ a b c "Developing the new TGV, brick by brick". International Rail Journal. 15 July 2017. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  4. ^ "Next-generation TGV to enter service in 2022". International Rail Journal. 7 September 2016. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  5. ^ a b c "SNCF confirms TGV of the Future order". Railway Gazette International. 26 July 2018. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  6. ^ a b c "SNCF awards €3bn next-generation TGV contract". International Rail Journal. 26 July 2018. Retrieved 2 August 2018.