SNCF TGV M
The TGV M ("M" for modular, also known as the Avelia Horizon) 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.
| SNCF TGV M Avelia Horizon | |
|---|---|
TGV M being tested on Paris–Brest railway | |
| Manufacturer | Alstom |
| Built at | La Rochelle (Aytré)/Belfort |
| Family name | Avelia |
| Constructed | 2020– |
| Number under construction | 115 |
| Number built | 2 sets |
| Formation | 2 power cars + 7-9 passenger cars |
| Operators | SNCF |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Aluminium |
| Train length | Up to 202 m (663 ft) |
| Width | 2.9 or 3.2 m (9.5 or 10.5 ft) |
| Height | 4.32 or 4.7 m (14.2 or 15.4 ft) |
| Floor height | ~430 mm (17 in) |
| Platform height | 127–550 mm (5.0–21.7 in) |
| Maximum speed | 320 km/h (200 mph) (in service) 350 km/h (220 mph) (design) |
| Traction system | Alstom IGBT–VVVF |
| Power output | 8 MW (11,000 hp) |
| Transmission | AC-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 gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
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 trainsets, then referred to as the Avelia Horizon. 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 TGV M trainsets for international services valued at €590m.
The TGV M is expected to enter service with the French train operator SNCF in TGV service in 2025; deliveries will continue into the 2030s.