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Alstom's record-breaking high speed trains

By pushing back speed limits, the TGV* has transformed our take on distance and brought big cities closer together. Fuelled by the commercial success of the TGV and the latest advances in technology, Alstom has just launched the 4th generation of this modern, fast and clean form of transport.

The rail revolution

The TGV* is not quite like any other train. It not only changes our relationship with time, but profoundly repositions us in relation to distance. In just 25 years, high speed rail has transformed the map of Europe more than any other method of transport. It has brought Europe’s great cities closer together, now that London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and tomorrow Frankfurt are just a few hours away from each other. This rail revolution has also been a commercial success, given that the TGV, currently focused mainly on Europe and South Korea, is set to make its mark in many other countries around the globe, with new projects slated in the United States, Latin America, Russia, North Africa, the Persian Gulf and Asia.

Efficient, speedy transport

In three hours, TGVs can travel nearly 1,000 km. Over the years, the trains manufactured by Alstom have stepped up their performance. While the first TGV travelled at a commercial speed of around 270 kph, the latest TGV-Est has reached commercials speeds of 320 kph. The next generation of very high speed trains developed by Alstom will make it possible to travel from Moscow to Saint Petersburg in 2.5 hours instead of the 8 hours needed today. Another clear advantage over its main competitor – the airplane – is that the TGV links the centres of major cities, so that central Paris is less than three hours from the City of London, sparing passengers the trip out to airports and the waiting time before boarding.

CO2-free travel

As well as saving time for travellers, very high speed rail is also one of the most energy-efficient transport methods. It is estimated that a TGV travelling at 320 kph requires an equivalent energy cost of 1.2 litre of petrol per passenger. It is also the only long-distance transport system that does not directly use fossil fuels, meaning that it emits no CO2.

A lower environmental impact

Alstom is continuing its research into lessening the environmental impact of its trains, especially by making them lighter in weight. By using composites and aluminium, as on the TGV Duplex, and by improving its traction systems, trains need nearly 15% less power. Alstom’s fourth generation AGV (Automotrice Grande Vitesse) very high speed train will only weigh 395 tonnes instead of the 430 tonnes of today’s TGVs.

574.8 kph: breaking the record!

On 3 April 2007, the eyes of the world were riveted on the silver train that streaked along the East European line at a breakthrough speed. The V150 train set, resulting from a partnership between Alstom, RFF and the SNCF, reached a new rail speed record of 574.8 kph, and with its unique duplex train comprising motor coaches, cars and standard elements, provides a perfect example of French excellence in very high speed rail. It drew attention to the broad margin of performance and safety inherent in Alstom’s rolling stock. The previous record had been set by a TGV in 1990, with a speed of 515.3 kph.

The AGV already on track

The first TGV, designed by the SNCF and developed by Alstom in 1978, set the standard. Since then, Alstom has constantly upgraded this concept, first with the TGV Atlantique, and then the unique TGV Duplex, which helped optimise high speed train traffic. Tomorrow’s fourth generation of very high speed trains is the AGV, Automotrice Grande Vitesse.), This single deck, state-of-the art train incorporates articulated carriages, a technology which has contributed to the success of the TGV, and a new distributed drive system. It will be able to reach a commercial speed of 360 kph. The AGV already has its first customer: Italy’s new railway operator, NTV.

*TGV is an SNCF trademark.

08 October 2007