SNCF Voyageurs has approved an additional order for 15 Avelia Horizon very high-speed trains from Alstom, valued at approximately EUR 600m, according to the manufacturer.
The order represents an optional tranche under the existing Avelia Horizon Innovation Partnership framework contract between SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom. The trains will be supplied in a quad-voltage version to meet European network requirements.
With this tranche, SNCF Voyageurs’ total Avelia Horizon orders reach 130 trainsets, comprising 100 for domestic operation in France and 30 for international services in Europe. The framework contract also includes 30 Avelia Horizon trains ordered by Eurostar in October 2025, bringing the total volume under the contract to 160 trainsets.
The Avelia Horizon platform is based on a configuration with two short power cars and articulated double-deck passenger cars. Alstom states that the design targets maintenance cost reductions of more than 30% compared with SNCF Voyageurs’ current high-speed fleet, supported by condition monitoring and predictive maintenance systems.
Energy consumption is specified as around 20% lower than existing TGV trainsets, reflecting changes to aerodynamics and traction systems. The trainsets are designed for operation at speeds above 300 km/h.
Production of the additional trains will involve ten Alstom sites in France. Belfort will supply power cars, La Rochelle passenger cars, and Le Creusot bogies. Other sites involved include Villeurbanne (on-board systems), Ornans (motors), Tarbes (traction equipment), Toulouse (electrical circuits), Petit-Quevilly (transformers), Saint-Ouen (design and signalling), and Valenciennes (interiors).
