SNCF Voyageurs plans to introduce the first TGV INOUI services with the new rolling stock in early September 2026 following a summer testing phase.
The authorization confirms compliance with safety and interoperability requirements. SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom submitted the approval dossier in December 2025 after an admission testing campaign that began in 2023 and covered nearly 1 million kilometres.
Deliveries will begin in June, with two trainsets handed over at the start of summer. The fleet is scheduled to increase to six trainsets by the end of August and 13 by year-end, with a broader ramp-up in the second half of 2026.
Before entering service, the first trainsets will undergo several weeks of pre-commercial testing under real operating conditions on the national network. The programme involves operations staff and onboard crews and is intended to complete final adjustments and familiarisation ahead of passenger service.
The first six trainsets should be integrated into the timetable during this phase, ahead of the planned September launch.
The TGV-M was developed through an innovation partnership between SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom as the next generation of TGV rolling stock. A total of 160 trainsets have been ordered, including 130 for SNCF Voyageurs and 30 for Eurostar, with an option for 20 additional sets.
In its maximum configuration, the TGV-M offers 740 seats, 20% more than the current generation, and 20% additional luggage space. Alstom states that the train delivers 20% lower energy consumption and 32% lower CO₂ emissions, alongside 30% lower maintenance costs compared with existing TGV fleets.
The trainsets are built from 97% recyclable materials. More than 4,000 people were involved in the project, which has generated over 400 patents. The marketing authorization file submitted to the ERA comprised more than 1,000 technical documents, including test reports and expert assessments.
