Avelia Horizon

TGV M
Avelia Horizon
Avelia Horizon being tested on the Paris–Brest railway
ManufacturerAlstom
Built atLa Rochelle (Aytré)/Belfort
Family nameAvelia
Constructed2020–
Number under construction115
Number built2 sets [1]
Formation2 power cars + 7-9 passenger cars
Operators
  • SNCF
  • Proxima
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium
Train lengthUp to 202 m (663 ft)
Width2.9 or 3.2 m (9.5 or 10.5 ft)
Height4.32 or 4.7 m (14.2 or 15.4 ft)
Floor height~430 mm (17 in)
Platform height127–550 mm (5.0–21.7 in)
Maximum speed320 km/h (200 mph) (in service)
350 km/h (220 mph) (design)
Traction systemAlstom IGBT–VVVF
Power output8 MW (11,000 hp)
TransmissionAC-DC-AC
Electric system(s)
Current collector(s)Pantograph, 2 per power car
Braking system(s)Dynamic and regenerative (power cars)
Electro-pneumatic disk and tread (trainset)
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge

The Avelia Horizon, called TGV M ("M" for modular) by its main customer SNCF, is a high-speed passenger train designed and produced by Alstom. It has a broadly similar design to the TGV Duplex sets, with bi-level carriages and a push–pull configuration with a power car on either end. However, it is more energy efficient and provides lower operating costs.[2]

Development of the TGV M originated with SNCF's launch of a program to procure a new generation of high-speed trains in 2015. In May 2016, the Alstom-headed Speedinnov joint venture was selected as the winning bidder for the program; on 7 September 2016, SNCF and Alstom signed an agreement to design and build the new trains. In July 2018, SNCF placed an initial €2.7 billion order for 100 Avelia Horizon trainsets. Production of the first bodyshells commenced in mid-2020; two years later, dynamic testing was underway. In August 2022, SNCF announced that it had exercised an option for 15 additional quad-current Avelia Horizon trainsets for international services valued at €590m.[3][4]

The TGV M is expected to enter service with the French train operator SNCF in TGV service in 2025;[5] deliveries will continue into the 2030s. In 2023, SNCF labelled the train as TGV InOui 2025.[5]

  1. ^ "New TGV-M secret stuff going on 🤫🚄 #TGV #TGVM #alstom". YouTube.
  2. ^ "Introducing the TGV M— modular, recyclable, and 100% connected". SNCF. Archived from the original on 15 November 2021.
  3. ^ Preston, Robert (19 August 2022). "SNCF orders more Avelia Horizon high-speed trains from Alstom". International Rail Journal.
  4. ^ Street, Francesca (15 September 2022). "TGV unveils high-speed trains of the future". CNN. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  5. ^ a b Emma Dailey (7 September 2023). "SNCF unveils the TGV M INOUI's new seats". Retrieved 15 September 2023.