SNCF Orders More Alstom TGV M Trains: €600M Boost for Europe

SNCF Voyageurs has solidified its commitment to next-generation high-speed rail, approving a EUR 600 million order for 15 additional Alstom Avelia Horizon (TGV M) trainsets. This latest acquisition expands the total fleet order to 160 units, reinforcing a strategic push for enhanced efficiency and pan-European service capabilities.

PARIS, FRANCE – SNCF Voyageurs has exercised an option to purchase an additional 15 Avelia Horizon very high-speed trains from manufacturer Alstom. The order, valued at nearly EUR 600 million, marks the fourth tranche of the Avelia Horizon Innovation Partnership contract between the two companies. This new batch of trains, slated for delivery in 2029, will bolster the future TGV INOUI fleet and expand its operational reach across the continent.

The 15 newly ordered trains are the quad-voltage version of the TGV M, specifically designed to meet the diverse technical specifications of various European rail networks. This interoperability is a cornerstone of the Avelia Horizon platform, which features two compact, high-performance power cars and articulated double-deck carriages. Alstom has engineered the new generation TGV to deliver significant operational gains, projecting a 20% reduction in energy consumption compared to current TGV models, thanks to a more aerodynamic profile and an advanced, efficient traction system. Furthermore, maintenance costs are expected to be over 30% lower, driven by a design focused on simplified servicing and a remote diagnostic system that enables predictive maintenance, thereby increasing reliability and availability.

This order brings the total number of Avelia Horizon sets under the framework agreement to 160. The comprehensive fleet now includes 115 trains for SNCF’s domestic and European services, 30 trains ordered by Eurostar in October 2023, and this latest tranche of 15. The significant investment underscores the growing demand for high-speed rail travel across Europe, a market where major national operators like Spain’s Renfe carried over 25 million passengers on high-speed services in 2024 alone. By acquiring more interoperable rolling stock, SNCF is positioning itself to compete and expand services in an increasingly liberalized European rail market.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Fleet Expansion: The €600 million order for 15 trains brings the total Avelia Horizon fleet to 160 units, signaling a major long-term investment.
• Focus on Efficiency: The TGV M platform is designed to cut operational costs significantly, with 20% less energy use and 30% lower maintenance expenses.
• Pan-European Ambition: The acquisition of quad-voltage trains underlines a clear strategy to operate seamless high-speed services across national borders in Europe.

Editor’s Analysis

This latest order is more than a simple fleet modernization; it is a decisive strategic move by SNCF Voyageurs to secure a competitive edge in the future of European high-speed rail. The Avelia Horizon’s core design principles—interoperability, energy efficiency, and lower maintenance costs—directly address the key challenges of cross-border operations and profitability. As European rail markets continue to open to competition, owning a standardized, highly efficient, and versatile fleet like the TGV M provides SNCF with a powerful tool to not only defend its home market but also to aggressively expand its TGV INOUI brand across the continent, challenging established national operators and new private entrants alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TGV M?

TGV M is the commercial name used by SNCF for Alstom’s Avelia Horizon, a new generation of articulated, double-deck, very high-speed trains designed for enhanced performance and efficiency.

How many Avelia Horizon trains have been ordered in total?

With this latest purchase, the total number of Avelia Horizon trainsets ordered under the SNCF-Alstom framework agreement has reached 160.

What makes the Avelia Horizon suitable for European travel?

The trains ordered are the quad-voltage version, making them technically compatible with the different electrification systems used on high-speed lines across France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and other European countries, enabling seamless cross-border journeys.