Alstom has received an order from SNCF for 15 high speed trains.

The additional order is an option from the Avelia Horizon innovation partnership framework agreement and has a value of around €590 million

The order will see the new generation 4-voltage high-speed trains and will conform with European traffic requirements. Alstom‘s Avelia Horizon portfolio has achieved impressive feats when it comes to competing within the rail sector, especially when it comes to profitability with the SNCF Voyaguears seeing a total acquisition cost of 20% less than its previous version.

The Avelia Horizon is made up of two short-length, high-performance and compact power cars alongside articulated double-deck coaches. The innovative design provides a 20% increase in capacity with the train able to accommodate around 740 passengers if used in its most effective set-up.

Jean-Baptiste Eyméoud, President of Alstom France said; “This solution meets the technological, economic and competitive challenges of SNCF, in an environment of strong passenger demand for low-carbon mobility solutions.”

Competitive costing is also a feature when it comes to maintenance with costs coming in at 30% less than those of SNCF Voyageurs in France currently. The train has been designed with maintenance in mind and features a remote diagnostic system which predicts maintenance needs making the train more reliable and increasing availability. Optimised components also simplify, reduce and mean that longer periods can be taken between maintenance interventions. The train’s aerodynamic design also provides improved efficiency when it comes to traction which means that this latest generation of high-speed trains will use 20% less energy than current high-speed trains.

Jean-Baptiste Eyméoud went on to say: “This order once again seals the success of very high-speed trains and of the Avelia Horizon platform. This solution meets the technological, economic and competitive challenges of SNCF, in an environment of strong passenger demand for low-carbon mobility solutions,” said Jean-Baptiste Eyméoud, President of Alstom France.”