{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}} {{Short description|High-speed train type made by Alstom}} {{Infobox train | name = TGV M<br />{{small|Avelia Horizon}} | image = TGM M à gare de Lyon (3) (cropped).jpg | imagealt = | imagesize = | caption = Avelia Horizon TGV M 997 in Gare de Lyon station | interiorimage = | interiorimagealt = | interiorcaption = | stocktype = | service = | manufacturer = Alstom | factory = La Rochelle (Aytré) / Belfort | family = Avelia | replaced = | yearconstruction = 2020– | yearservice = | refurbishment = | yearscrapped = | numberconstruction = {{nowrap|130 (SNCF Voyageurs)}};<br> {{nowrap|12 (Proxima)}};<br> {{nowrap|18 (ONCF)}};<br> {{nowrap|30 (Eurostar)}} | numberservice = | numberpreserved = | numberscrapped = | formation = 2 power cars + 7-9 passenger cars | fleetnumbers = | capacity = | operator = {{hlist|SNCF Voyageurs|Proxima|ONCF|Eurostar}} | depots = | lines = | carbody = Aluminium | trainlength = Up to {{cvt|202|m|ft}} | carlength = | width = {{cvt|2.9 or 3.2|m|ft}} | height = {{cvt|4.32 or 4.7|m|ft}} | floorheight = ~{{cvt|430|mm|in}} | platformheight = {{cvt|127–550|mm|in}} | entrylevelorstep = | doors = | art-sections = | wheeldiameter = | wheelbase = | maxspeed = {{ubl|class=nowrap| |'''Service:''' |{{convert|320|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} |'''Design:''' |{{convert|350|km/h|0|abbr=on}} }} | weight = | axleload = | traction = Alstom IGBT–VVVF | traction motors = | poweroutput = {{Convert|7.8|MW|abbr=on}} | tractiveeffort = | transmission = AC-DC-AC | acceleration = | deceleration = | aux = | powersupply = | hvac = | electricsystem = {{Unbulleted list | Overhead line: | {{in5|3}} {{25 kV 50 Hz}} | {{in5|3}} {{15 kV AC}} | {{in5|3}} {{1,500 V DC}} | {{in5|3}} {{3,000 V DC}} }} | collectionmethod = Pantograph, 2 per power car | uicclass = Bo′Bo′+2′(2)′(2)′(2)′(2)′(2)′(2)′((2)′((2)′))2′+Bo′Bo′ | bogies = | brakes = Dynamic and regenerative (power cars)<br />Electro-pneumatic disk and tread (trainset) | safety = ETCS, TVM, KVB | coupling = | multipleworking = | gauge = {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}} | notes = }} The '''Avelia Horizon''', called '''TGV M''' ("M" for modular) by its main customer, SNCF Voyageurs, is a high-speed passenger train designed and produced by Alstom. It has a broadly similar design to the TGV Duplex sets, with double-decker coaches and a top and tail configuration with a power car on either end. However, it is more energy efficient and provides lower operating costs.<ref name="SNCF discoverTGVM">{{Cite web |url = https://www.sncf.com/en/innovation-development/innovation-research/discover-the-tgv-m |title = Introducing the TGV M— modular, recyclable, and 100% connected |publisher = SNCF |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211115232733/https://www.sncf.com/en/innovation-development/innovation-research/discover-the-tgv-m |archive-date = 15 November 2021 }}</ref>
Development of the TGV M originated with SNCF Mobilités's launch of a program to procure a new generation of high-speed trains in 2015. In May 2016, the Alstom-headed ''Speedinnov'' joint venture was selected as the winning bidder for the program; on 7 September 2016, SNCF and Alstom signed an agreement to design and build the new trains. In July 2018, SNCF Mobilités placed an initial €2.7 billion order for 100 Avelia Horizon trainsets. Production of the first bodyshells commenced in mid-2020; two years later, dynamic testing was underway. In August 2022, SNCF Voyageurs announced that it had exercised an option for 15 additional quad-current Avelia Horizon trainsets for international services valued at €590 million.<ref>{{cite web |last=Preston |first=Robert |date=19 August 2022 |title=SNCF orders more Avelia Horizon high-speed trains from Alstom |url=https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/sncf-orders-more-avelia-horizon-high-speed-trains-from-alstom/ |publisher=International Rail Journal}}</ref><ref name="cnn001">{{Cite web |last=Street |first=Francesca |date=15 September 2022 |title=TGV unveils high-speed trains of the future |url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/tgv-m-next-generation-high-speed-train-france/index.html |access-date=15 October 2022 |work=CNN}}</ref> In January 2026, SNCF Voyageurs exercised a further option for 15 additional quad-current trainsets for services to Brussels, valued at approximately €600 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Preston |first=Robert |date=2026-01-19 |title=SNCF orders more TGV M high-speed trains |url=https://www.railjournal.com/fleet/sncf-orders-more-tgv-m-high-speed-trains/ |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=International Railway Journal |language=en-GB}}</ref>
The TGV M is expected to enter service with the French train operator SNCF Voyageurs in TGV service in April 2026;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fainsilber |first=Denis |date=6 October 2025 |title=SNCF : dernière ligne droite pour les essais du futur TGV Premium |url=https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/tourisme-transport/sncf-derniere-ligne-droite-pour-les-essais-du-futur-tgv-2190362 |access-date=12 October 2025 |website=Les Echos |language=fr}}</ref> deliveries will continue into the 2030s. In 2023, SNCF Voyageurs labelled the train as ''TGV InOui 2025''.<ref name="railtech-sept24">{{cite web |url=https://www.railtech.com/innovation/2023/09/07/sncf-unveils-the-tgv-m-inouis-new-seats/ |title=SNCF unveils the TGV M INOUI's new seats |author= Emma Dailey |date= 2023-09-07|accessdate=2023-09-15 }}</ref> Versions of the Avelia Horizon have also been ordered by French private operator Proxima, Morocco's national railway operator ONCF, and Eurostar (Thalys).
== History == [[File:TGV_M_1005_La_Rochelle.jpg|alt=|thumb|TGV M unit 1005 seen near Gare de La Rochelle]] === SNCF Voyageurs === In 2015, SNCF Mobilités launched a program to select a supplier for a new generation of high-speed trainsets, to be designed as a joint venture with the manufacturer.<ref name="irj aug2018">{{cite web |url = https://www.railjournal.com/index.php/rolling-stock/developing-the-new-tgv-brick-by-brick.html |title = Developing the new TGV, brick by brick |publisher = International Rail Journal |first = Kevin |last = Smith |date = 15 July 2017 |access-date = 2 August 2018}}</ref> Amongst its requirements, SNCF Mobilités specified that the new trains be at least 20% less expensive to purchase than their predecessors while possessing lower operating costs as well. Planners were reportedly keen to minimize the lifetime costs of rolling stock so that cheaper tickets could be offered.<ref name="irj aug2018" />
Around this time, the profitability of France's railway was under pressure from a combination of budget airlines, car sharing, and long-distance bus operators; in response, the French government was proactive in its efforts to reorient long-distance travelers towards its railways. Additional support for the program came via the European Commission's Europe 2020 strategy.<ref name="irj aug2018" /> The French government agency Ademe partnered with the rolling stock manufacturer Alstom to form the ''SpeedInnov'' joint venture, which submitted a bid for the SNCF's program. The submission was for a new train that would be one part of a broader family of high-speed equipment that Alstom would pursue the sales of globally; this philosophy was a significant shift from that of all previous TGV orders, which had involving rolling stock being built specifically to suit the French market. Alongside new technology, many existing features from the company's prior high-speed trains were also reused.<ref name="irj aug2018" />
SpeedInnov was selected as the winning bid, enabling work to commence in May 2016.<ref name="irj aug2018" /> On 7 September 2016, SNCF Mobilités and Alstom signed an agreement to design and build the trains, with the design phase scheduled to be complete by the end of 2017 and an entry into service in 2022.<ref name="irj agree2016">{{cite web |url = http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/high-speed/next-generation-tgv-to-enter-service-in-2022.html |title = Next-generation TGV to enter service in 2022 |publisher = International Rail Journal |first = Kevin |last = Barrow |date = 7 September 2016 |access-date = 2 August 2018}}</ref> Thereafter, an 18 month development period was undertaken. During this time, the new trainset's design was defined after examining various conceptual arrangements; various recent innovations were also evaluated for their potential inclusion, the benefits and cost of such inclusions being individually discussed in detail with SNCF.<ref name="irj aug2018" />
By July 2018, the design was complete and branded ''Avelia Horizon'' by the manufacturer. That same month, SNCF Mobilités placed a €2.7 billion order for 100 Avelia Horizon trainsets; this order was accompanied by options to potentially change the quantity on order as well as a maintenance package.<ref name="rg confirm2018">{{cite web |url = https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/sncf-confirms-tgv-of-the-future-order.html |title = SNCF confirms TGV of the Future order |publisher = Railway Gazette International |first = Kevin |last = Smith |date = 26 July 2018 |access-date = 2 August 2018}}</ref><ref name="irj confirm2018">{{cite web |date=26 July 2018 |title=SNCF awards €3bn next-generation TGV contract |url=https://www.railjournal.com/index.php/high-speed/sncf-awards-E3bn-next-generation-tgv-contract.html |access-date=2 August 2018 |publisher=International Rail Journal |quote=The new Avelia Horizon trains have been developed jointly by Alstom and French National Railways (SNCF)}}</ref> SNCF observed that the unit costs of the new train were 20 percent less than the older TGV Duplex. Economic consequences of this order include the creation of 4,000 new jobs across the French railway sector, largely within the manufacturing sector via the engagement of ten of Alstom’s facilities in France over a ten-year period; it was also promoted as boosting SNCF's productivity, controlling its costs, and boosting market share.<ref name="irj confirm2018" />
Between 2018 and 2022, the detailed design of the train was undertaken, along with the preparation of production, and the necessary steps towards its certification to permit its operation.<ref name="irj confirm2018" /> In July 2020, Alstom announced that it had started manufacturing bodyshells for the Avelia Horizon at its plant in La Rochelle; static testing of the first vehicles started in summer 2021 while dynamic testing commenced one year later.<ref name="irj bodyshell2020">{{cite web |url = https://www.railjournal.com/fleet/alstom-starts-production-of-100-avelia-horizon-trains-for-sncf/ |title = Alstom starts production of 100 Avelia Horizon trains for SNCF |publisher = International Rail Journal |first = David |last = Briginshaw |date = 21 July 2020}}</ref> The first test phase began in the Czech Republic in December 2022 and is scheduled to continue until summer 2023.<ref name="rt_2022">{{cite web |title=SNCF's new TGV M arrives in Czech Republic for dynamic testing |url=https://www.railtech.com/rolling-stock/2022/12/20/sncfs-new-tgv-m-arrives-in-czech-republic-for-dynamic-testing/ |website=RailTech.com |date=20 December 2022 |access-date=1 January 2023}}</ref>
=== Proxima === In October 2024, French start-up company Proxima ordered 12 Avelia Horizon high speed trains and 15 years of maintenance for almost 850 million euros. These trains are technically similar to the SNCF Voyageurs version with some minor differences, such as the interior layout. The first deliveries are expected in 2028 and the trains are intended to be deployed on the high speed lines between Paris and the Atlantic coast.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-03 |title=Proxima orders high-speed train fleet |url=https://www.railjournal.com/fleet/proxima-orders-high-speed-train-fleet/ |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=International Railway Journal |quote=High speed rail start-up Proxima has signed a €850m firm order for Alstom to supply 12 Avelia Horizon double-deck high-speed trains for its planned open access services between Bordeaux, Nantes, Rennes, Angers and Paris.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 October 2024 |title=La start-up ferroviaire Proxima s'offre les TGV M d'Alstom |url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/services/transport-logistique/la-start-up-ferroviaire-proxima-s-offre-les-tgv-m-d-alstom-1007994.html |access-date= |website=La Tribune |language=fr |quote=Alstom reçoit de la compagnie Proxima une commande de 12 trains à grande vitesse Avelia Horizon, incluant 15 ans de maintenance}}</ref> It will operate with the brand name of ''Velvet''.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-07-02 |title=High speed train operator Velvet aims to offer simplicity, delight and innovation |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/high-speed/high-speed-train-operator-velvet-aims-to-offer-simplicity-delight-and-innovation/69084.article |url-access=registration |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en}}</ref>
=== ONCF === In March 2025, ONCF signed a contract with Alstom to provide 18 Avelia Horizon trains for Morocco's expansion of its high speed Al-Boraq service to Marrakech. The contract was valued at €781 million, and was financed by the French treasury.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 March 2025 |title=Alstom will supply 18 Avelia Horizon trains for Morocco's high-speed rail expansion |url=https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2025/3/alstom-will-supply-18-avelia-horizon-trains-moroccos-high-speed-rail-expansion |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=Alstom |language=en}}</ref>
=== Eurostar === In October 2025, Eurostar signed a contract with Alstom for 30 trains, with options for a further 20, valued at approximately €2 billion. Named the Eurostar ''Celestia'', they will be 200 metres long with 540 seats each and will be delivered in January 2031, with service entry from May 2031. The trains will be maintained at Temple Mills Depot in London.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stubbings |first=David |title=Eurostar confirms order for Alstom double-decker trains - first due in service in 2031 |url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/eurostar-confirms-order-for-alstom-double-decker-trains-first-due-in-service-in-2031 |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=Rail Magazine |language=en}}</ref>
== Specifications == The Avelia Horizon is a high-speed train that is promoted as being a fully French design. Furthermore, it is also one member of a wider family of high-speed trains, referred to as ''Avelia'', that has been developed for the global high-speed rail market.<ref name="irj confirm2018" /> In terms of its basic configuration, it is a push–pull trainset, comprising power cars at both ends along with between seven and nine double-decker coaches in an articulated arrangement.<ref name="irj confirm2018" />
Compared to the previous generation TGV Euroduplex (at 200 m, with 8 passenger cars), the power cars have each been shortened by 4 m, achieved in part by traction motors now directly mounted to the bogies. Moving the main transformers to the underframe allows enough space for auxiliary equipment. Each passenger car has also been shortened by 1 m, resulting in a 9-passenger car train at a total train length of 202 m, with the option of shorter formations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alstom sets course for new Horizon |url=https://www.railjournal.com/in_depth/alstom-sets-course-for-new-horizon/ |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=International Railway Journal |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-12 |title=First TGV M unveiled by Alstom and SNCF |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/high-speed/first-tgv-m-unveiled-by-alstom-and-sncf/62542.article |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en |quote=The first of 115 double-deck high speed trainsets branded Avelia Horizon by manufacturer Alstom and TGV M by SNCF Voyageurs has been unveiled ahead of dynamic testing at Velim}}</ref>
The TGV M has been designed to be readily adaptable. It is outfitted with a modular interior that permits the operator to adapt the same basic design to suit various types of passenger experiences and market trends.<ref name="irj aug2018" /> It is possible to rapidly reconfigure an individual coach or train; reportedly, first-class coaches can be converted into second-class coaches within half a day. Features such as luggage storage, bike racks, and additional seating can be added or removed when appropriate.<ref name="SNCF discoverTGVM" /> When outfitted with the highest capacity interior layout, each trainset is capable of carrying up to 740 instead of the current 634 passengers.<ref name="rg confirm2018" /><ref name="irj confirm2018" /><ref name="cnn001" />
The TGV M will be the first high-speed train in SNCF Voyageurs service to have complete digital connectivity, provisioned via an optimised onboard internet network that is reportedly capable of integrating future innovations.<ref name="irj bodyshell2020" /> Amongst other benefits, this shall facilitate on-board WiFi provision along with real-time passenger information displays throughout the train.<ref name="SNCF discoverTGVM" /> An intelligently-managed air conditioning system provides precision climate control for greater comfort; airflow is managed via a series of ceiling vents. It has a dual level bar car (car 4), named ''Le Bistro'', with self-service fridges, coffee machines and microwaves on the lower level and seating for 28 passengers on the upper level, though this area is not accessible.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lepic |first=Emma |date=11 March 2025 |title=Nouveau TGV Inoui : toujours sur deux niveaux, mais pas encore tout à fait à la hauteur |url=https://www.faire-face.fr/2025/03/11/nouveau-tgv-inoui-accessibilite/ |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=www.faire-face.fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Rebecca Ann |date=2025-03-13 |title=Take a look inside France’s newly designed TGV trains |url=https://www.euronews.com/travel/2025/03/13/a-two-storey-bar-and-more-leg-room-inside-frances-new-high-speed-tgv-trains |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=Euronews |language=}}</ref>
Doors on non-accessible cars have an entry height of 617 mm. The accessible car (car 3) is level with 550 mm platforms, with a rotating interior lift. On 760 mm platforms, such as those in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK (on HS1), ramps are required for passengers with mobility impairments, while the accessible car also has active suspension to raise the floor of the accessible entry to 627 mm to aid this.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jon |date=2025-03-11 |title=The accessibility problems with Alstom's new TGV-M train - with implications for future Channel Tunnel operators |url=https://crossborderrail.trainsforeurope.eu/the-accessibility-problems-with-alstoms-new-tgv-m-train-with-implications-for-future-channel-tunnel-operators/ |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=#CrossBorderRail |language=en-GB}}</ref>
The interior design and the nose of the train was developed by Arep, a subsidiary of SNCF, and Nendo, a Japanese firm, designed around the theme of "flow", and incorporating the national colours of red, white and blue. All seats have access to USB ports, power sockets and an individual light. Seats are covered in a "3D-woven" fabric, accompanied by yellow table lamps.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Anne |first=Jérémie |date=2025-03-13 |title=Go with the flow: SNCF and Alstom unveil design of next TGV fleet |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/traction-and-rolling-stock/go-with-the-flow-sncf-and-alstom-unveil-design-of-next-tgv-fleet/68469.article |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Griffiths |first=Alyn |date=2025-03-20 |title=Nendo and Arep revamp France's high-speed TGV train "from nose to seat" |url=https://www.dezeen.com/2025/03/20/tgv-inoui-high-speed-train-nendo-arep/ |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=Dezeen |language=en}}</ref> 3 bicycle spaces are available in each trainset and 8 non-dismantled bicycles (in adjustable luggage racks) can be carried.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-28 |title=From TGV M to the new TGV INOUI |url=https://www.groupe-sncf.com/en/innovation/decarbonization-trains/new-tgv-inoui |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=SNCF Group |language=en}}</ref>
It is fitted with ETCS, KVB and TVM signalling, and has a power rating of 7.8 MW. It has a lithium-ion battery pack for emergency power and traction, in the event of an electrical supply failure.<ref name=":0" />
The TGV M is capable of attaining a maximum speed of {{convert|350|kph|mph|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="irj confirm2018" /> A 20 percent reduction in energy consumption is attributable to the effectiveness of its regenerative braking. In addition, each trainset is composed almost entirely of recyclable materials, the use of more eco-friendly materials resulted in a 37 percent reduction in the TGV M's carbon footprint over that of its predecessors.<ref name="irj confirm2018" /> Via the use of remote diagnostic systems, which facilitates the adoption of predictive maintenance practices, a 30 percent reduction in maintenance costs has been claimed by the manufacturer. Furthermore, a large proportion of the components used benefit from an optimised design that should simplify maintenance procedures and facilitate longer intervals between maintenance actions.<ref name="irj confirm2018" />
== See also == {{Portal|Trains}} * Avelia Liberty, another Alstom Avelia product, in service on Amtrak's ''Acela'' service along the Northeast Corridor. * TGV Duplex
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == {{commons category inline}}
{{SNCF units}} {{TGV navbox}} {{High-speed rail}} Category:TGV trainsets Category:Electric multiple units with locomotive-like power cars Category:Double-decker high-speed trains Category:Alstom multiple units Category:1500 V DC multiple units of France Category:3000 V DC multiple units Category:15 kV AC multiple units Category:25 kV AC multiple units