SNCF Voyageurs Doubles Down on High-Speed Rail with €600M Avelia Horizon Order

PARIS, France – SNCF Voyageurs has approved a further order for 15 Alstom Avelia Horizon very high-speed trains in a deal valued at approximately €600 million, reinforcing its strategy for low-carbon, high-performance rail. The investment comes as the European high-speed rail sector faces intense operational scrutiny, underscoring the industry’s critical focus on deploying next-generation technology to enhance safety, efficiency, and international connectivity.

The order, approved by the SNCF Voyageurs Board of Directors, represents the fourth optional tranche of the Avelia Horizon innovation partnership framework contract between the two French rail giants. This latest commitment brings the total number of Avelia Horizon units under contract to 160, including previous orders for SNCF and 30 trains for Eurostar. The deal solidifies the Avelia Horizon as the future backbone of France’s TGV network and a key asset for cross-border European services.

The Avelia Horizon platform is engineered for superior performance and pan-European operation. The new trains will be the quad-voltage version, enabling seamless travel across different national electrification systems and meeting stringent international interoperability requirements. As the only double-decker high-speed train capable of speeds exceeding 300 km/h, its unique architecture—featuring two compact power cars and articulated passenger coaches—maximizes capacity up to 740 seats while delivering significant operational efficiencies. Alstom projects the new fleet will consume 20% less energy than existing TGV models, thanks to advanced aerodynamics and traction systems, and will achieve over 30% lower maintenance costs through integrated predictive maintenance tools.

This major investment in fleet renewal is set against a backdrop of rapid expansion and heightened safety concerns in Europe’s high-speed rail market. While networks are growing, as seen in Spain where SNCF’s own Ouigo subsidiary competes, a recent tragic high-speed collision near Córdoba has served as a stark reminder of the immense responsibility placed on operators and infrastructure managers. By investing in the Avelia Horizon, which features remote diagnostics and enhanced reliability systems, SNCF is betting on state-of-the-art technology to uphold the highest safety standards and build passenger confidence in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Fleet Expansion: The order for 15 trains, valued at €600 million, brings the total Avelia Horizon fleet to 160 units, significantly modernizing high-speed services in France and for Eurostar.
• Designed for Europe: The quad-voltage capability is essential for fulfilling the vision of a unified European rail network, allowing the trains to operate across multiple borders without technical stops.
• Focus on Sustainability & Efficiency: The Avelia Horizon platform sets a new standard with a 20% reduction in energy consumption and a 30% decrease in maintenance costs, boosting both environmental credentials and economic viability.

Editor’s Analysis

SNCF’s latest order is more than a simple fleet upgrade; it is a calculated strategic move in a rapidly evolving European rail market. As liberalization intensifies competition—a trend SNCF itself is driving with its Ouigo brand in Spain—possessing the most technologically advanced, efficient, and reliable rolling stock becomes a decisive competitive advantage. In the wake of recent safety incidents, an investment in a platform equipped with modern diagnostics and predictive maintenance is also a powerful statement on operational integrity. This move signals to regulators, competitors, and passengers that SNCF is committed to leading the future of high-speed rail not just on speed and capacity, but on the crucial pillars of safety, sustainability, and cross-border interoperability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Avelia Horizon train?

The Avelia Horizon is Alstom’s latest generation of very high-speed trains. It is a double-decker, articulated train capable of speeds over 300 km/h, designed for high capacity, energy efficiency, and cross-border European operation.

How many Avelia Horizon trains has SNCF ordered in total?

With this latest tranche of 15, SNCF Voyageurs has now ordered a total of 130 Avelia Horizon trains. An additional 30 units have been ordered by Eurostar, bringing the programme total to 160 trains.

What makes the Avelia Horizon more efficient than older TGV models?

The Avelia Horizon achieves greater efficiency through several innovations. It features optimized aerodynamics and a more efficient traction system, leading to 20% less energy consumption. Furthermore, its design incorporates predictive maintenance tools and remote diagnostics, which are projected to reduce maintenance costs by over 30%.