SNCF Voyageurs ordered from Alstom 15 additional Avelia Horizon high-speed trains worth almost EUR 590 million as part of an innovation partnership framework agreement. This is the second optional tranche for new-generation Avelia Horizon trains completing the 100 TGVs order placed by SNCF Voyageurs for commercial operation in France.
The Avelia Horizon train consists of two innovative short-length, high-performance and compact-power cars, and articulated double-deck coaches. Their design allows for a 20% increase in passenger capacity, enabling the train to accommodate up to 740 passengers when using the most efficient configuration.
The very high-speed trains ordered are the new generation 4-voltage high-speed trains, which meet the requirements of European traffic. The Avelia Horizon portfolio reaches ambitious objectives in terms of competitiveness in the rail sector and profitability for SNCF Voyageurs, with a total acquisition cost that is 20% lower than the previous generation.
Maintenance costs will be over 30% lower than those currently recorded by SNCF Voyageurs in France. The train’s maintainability is considered from the design phase, with a remote diagnostic system allowing predictive maintenance, which improves the trains’ reliability and availability. Many components have been optimised to simplify, reduce and allow longer intervals between maintenance interventions. Thanks to its aerodynamic design and more efficient traction, the new generation of Avelia Horizon high-speed trains will consume 20% less energy than existing high-speed trains.
“This order once again seals the success of very high-speed trains and of the Avelia Horizon platform. This solution meets the technological, economic and competitive challenges of SNCF, in an environment of strong passenger demand for low-carbon mobility solutions,” Jean-Baptiste Eyméoud, President of Alstom France, said.
In 2018, SNCF Mobilités and Alstom signed a framework agreement for the supply of 100 Avelia Horizon TGVs at a reduced cost of EUR 25 million per trainset with an additional budget of EUR 190 million for options and services. The entire contract has a value of EUR 2.7 billion.
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