{{short description|High-speed train type}} {{multiple issues| {{update|date=June 2013|cat=Rail transport articles in need of updating}} {{Refimprove|date=June 2013}} }} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2025}} {{Infobox EMU | background = #800000 | name = <span style="color:white;">PBKA</span> | image = Thalys-Eilendorf2.jpg | caption = PBKA at Eilendorf. | interiorimage = Interieur Comfort 1.jpg | interiorcaption = Interior of Comfort (1st class) coach. | stocktype = Electric multiple unit | service = 1998–present | manufacturer = GEC-Alsthom | family = TGV | yearconstruction = 1995–1998 | numberbuilt = 17 trainsets | formation = 2 power cars + 8 passenger cars | fleetnumbers = {{Unbulleted list | 4301–4307 (funded by SNCB) | 4321–4322 (funded by DB) | 4331–4332 (funded by NS) | 4341–4346 (funded by SNCF) }} | capacity = 404 seats (120 1st class, 284 2nd class including tip up seats)<br/>Ruby: 401 seats | operator = Eurostar | depots = | lines = | carbody = | trainlength = {{convert|200|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | carlength = | width = | height = | floorheight = | platformheight = | entrylevelorstep = | art-sections = | doors = | maxspeed = {{Unbulleted list | '''Design''': {{cvt|320|km/h}} | '''On 25 kV AC''': {{cvt|300|km/h}} | '''On 15 kV AC''': {{cvt|200|km/h}} | '''On DC''': {{cvt|220|km/h}} }} | weight = {{convert|383|t|lb|abbr=on}} | acceleration = | deceleration = | traction = GEC-Alsthom thyristor-CSI | engine = | traction motors = GEC-Alsthom SM 47<br>(a.k.a. Holec SMT67/39.5-06) | poweroutput = {{Unbulleted list | '''On 25 kV AC''': {{cvt|8800|kW}} | '''On 15 kV AC''': {{cvt|5160|kW}} | '''On DC''': {{cvt|3680|kW}} }} | transmission = | 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 | uicclass = Bo′Bo′+2′(2)′(2)′(2)′(2)′(2)′(2)′(2)′2′+Bo′Bo′ | bogies = | brakes = | safety = ERTMS level 2, TVM-430, KVB, ATB | coupling = | multipleworking = | gauge = {{track gauge|sg|allk=on}} }}
'''PBKA''' is a high-speed trainset, built by the French manufacturer Alstom (then known as GEC-Alsthom) for international services operated by Thalys, which later merged with Eurostar. The designation "PBKA" refers to the original planned routes linking Paris, Brussels, Cologne (''Köln''), and Amsterdam.
The PBKA belongs to the TGV family of trainsets and was designed to operate across multiple national railway networks. Each unit is equipped to run under four electrification systems: {{25 kV 50 Hz}} (France), {{3,000 V DC}} (Belgium), {{1,500 V DC}} (the Netherlands and parts of France), and {{15 kV AC}} (Germany).
The PBKA was originally intended to serve as the sole rolling stock for Thalys, but due to the cost and complexity of its quadri-current capability, seven simpler tri-current versions, the PBA, was also ordered. The PBA omits equipment for operation under Germany's 15{{nbsp}}kV AC system. The two types are interoperable and can operate in multiple when coupled together.
Each PBKA set is {{convert|200|m}} long and weighs about {{convert|383|t|lb|lk=on}}. The trains comprise two power cars and eight passenger coaches—three first class, one bar, and four second class—offering 404 seats in total (120 in first class and 284 in second class).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thalys Seat Plan |url=https://www.seat61.com/reference/trainseatplans/Thalys-seat-plan.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207054954/https://www.seat61.com/reference/trainseatplans/Thalys-seat-plan.pdf |archive-date=7 December 2023 |access-date=28 November 2023}}</ref><ref name="railfaneurope2">{{Cite web |date=16 July 2023 |title=Eurostar shunters and trainsets |url=http://www.railfaneurope.net/list/france_eu.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729153937/http://www.railfaneurope.net/list/france_eu.html |archive-date=29 July 2023 |access-date=28 November 2023}}</ref>
Maximum operating speeds and power output vary by voltage: up to {{convert|300|km/h}} with {{convert|8800|kW}} under 25 kV AC, {{convert|200|km/h|abbr=on}} with {{convert|5160|kW|abbr=on}} under 15 kV AC, and {{convert|220|km/h|abbr=on}} with {{convert|3680|kW|abbr=on}} under 1,500 or 3,000 V DC.<ref name="railfaneurope2" /><ref name="pos2">{{cite web |author=Alain Jeunesse and Michel Rollin |date=March 2004 |title=La motorisation du TGV POS |url=http://pagesperso-orange.fr/actgv/technique/tgv-pos/p-tgv-pos.html |access-date=4 July 2007 |language=French}}</ref>
A total of 17 PBKA trainsets were built between 1995 and 1998. Of these, nine were funded by the National Railway Company of Belgium, six by SNCF of France, two by Deutsche Bahn of Germany, and two by Nederlandse Spoorwegen of the Netherlands.
== See also == * SNCF TGV POS * KTX-Sancheon * List of high-speed trains
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category inline}}
{{SNCF units}} {{TGV navbox}} {{Eurostar navbox}} {{Train types in the Netherlands}} {{High-speed rail}}
Pbka Category:Electric multiple units with locomotive-like power cars Category:3000 V DC multiple units Category:15 kV AC multiple units Category:25 kV AC multiple units Category:1500 V DC multiple units of France Category:Alstom multiple units Category:Eurostar rolling stock Category:Train-related introductions in 1998