The future TGV M begins testing… but not in France

Alstom announced that the next-generation TGV will conduct tests outside our borders until summer 2023.

This Thursday, December 8, the TGV M entered Velim station (Czech Republic), announced Alstom. Until summer 2023, it will undergo a series of technical tests. These include a dynamic testing phase at 200 km/h on the city’s railway test loop. Highly anticipated, this new generation high-speed train is scheduled to be put into service in France in 2024. It will be slightly slower but more economical than the previous TGV trains.

Alstom improves its TGVs

This new TGV M is theoretically better than its predecessors. Its nose has been redesigned for better aerodynamics. It would maintain the same maximum commercial speed as the existing TGV. Increasing speed involves greater stress on the materials (parts, rails, catenaries, etc.). This would lead to higher operating and maintenance costs. All of this is precisely what the SNCF aims to avoid.

The energy savings compared to the previous generation reach up to 20%, and CO₂ emission reductions would be 32%. This is achieved thanks to energy recycling during braking, eco-driving, and reduced friction due to better weight management. Finally, 97% of the train’s components are recyclable, compared to 90% for current TGVs.

The new train sets can accommodate up to 740 people. The onboard space has increased by 20% compared to the current TGV generation. The number of cars will be adjusted to suit market needs. The interior of the vehicle is highly modular, allowing reconfiguration of “first class” spaces into “second class” areas. One car will be dedicated to passengers in wheelchairs to ensure full independence.

SNCF has ordered 115 trains (15 for international routes and 100 for domestic use) at a cost of 3.5 billion euros. They will be used as TGV Inoui as well as Ouigo. Overall, Alstom reports investing nearly 50 million euros in new production lines dedicated to manufacturing these TGV M trains, which are expected to arrive in 2024.

Read also: REME: Strasbourg’s RER trains launched this December 11