The French railway company SNCF had to wait 2,5 years longer than expected, but today the inaugural run of the new TGV M, manufactured by Alstom, has finally taken place.
The trains will initially be gradually integrated into the schedule for the route between Garde de Lyon in Paris and Marseille. They will later also be used on routes between France and Belgium.
The TGV M, known at Alstom as the Avelia Horizon, is – along with its predecessor, the Duplex – considered the only double-decker train in the world capable of traveling at a speed of 320 km/h. However, the main benefits lie in capacity and fuel efficiency, not in travel time, as that will remain approximately 3 hours between Paris and Marseille.
Significant delay – a familiar story by now
SNCF ordered 160 TGV M trains, representing a 5-billion-euro order, but the delivery of the first trains is significantly behind schedule. The new trains were initially expected to be ready for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The target for entry into service was then set for 2025, but was ultimately postponed again to 2026.
The delay stems from several issues. Among other things, there were technical problems during testing of the new battery system and vibrations in the cabin. The TCMS, the train’s control and management system, is also said to have exhibited reliability issues.
These technical complications, combined with the scope of the tests required for type approval, meant that the train did not receive European market authorization until May of this year.
In addition, there were also routine industrial delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Alstom has recently been grappling with several projects that are falling behind schedule and costing more than planned – which is why the new CEO, Martin Sion, wants a thorough review of the organizational and operational models, as well as an assessment of the project portfolio and the company’s industrial footprint.
More compact design and less energy consumption
The TGV M – SNCF chose the letter “M” to emphasize its modularity, such as the division between 1st and 2nd class – is broadly based on the same concept as the TGV Duplex, the TGV M’s predecessor, with double-decker cars and a power car at each end.
What has changed, for example, is the design: the more compact motor cars (4 meters shorter than those of the Duplex, allowing 9 cars to fit into the same length instead of 8) and the sleeker shape.
The new train also has greater capacity, offering 573 seats compared to 500 currently. Also noteworthy: energy consumption is 20% lower thanks to a smaller and quieter propulsion system, regenerative braking, and improved aerodynamics – such as the increasingly streamlined shape of the nose. The CO2 emissions are 32% lower.
One of the most important innovations is the batteries, manufactured by Saft. They allow the train to operate independently of the power supply in the event of an overhead wire failure or power outage. This ensures that the light and air conditioning remain on and that the train can reach a station under its own power.
Other innovations focus on comfort and accessibility. The lighting adjusts to the natural light inside the cars. And wheelchair users can board without assistance, although staff will still be on hand.
Apparently, it is also the first TGV designed for 5G from the outset, although this also depends on 5G coverage along the tracks, which is not yet complete in many areas.
From an economic standpoint, the 25,000 data points analyzed in real time enable predictive maintenance. This reduces downtime in the workshop and lowers maintenance costs by 30%.
The train is made from 25% recycled materials and is 97% recyclable.
SNCF vs Trenitalia
The new trainsets will gradually replace the existing fleet – the oldest of which date back to the 1990s – over about 10 years. 100 are destined for the French market, 15 for routes between France and Belgium, 30 for the Eurostar network, and about 15 for the Italian market, where the SNCF plans to expand – starting with the Paris-Milan line.
The first commercial trips on the new TGV M, operated under the TGV INOUI brand, will begin Monday on the Paris-Lyon-Marseille route. It is no coincidence that this route was chosen: Trenitalia already competes with SNCF on this line.
Initially, there will be one round trip per day with 2 coupled trains, offering a total of 1,240 seats.
As a rule, if you’re flexible about your departure time and looking for the lowest price, it’s best to check Trenitalia first. If you need to leave at a specific time, want to arrive as quickly as possible, or want to avoid a stopover, choose SNCF.
