Published on
October 25, 2025
Eurostar partners with Alstom to launch Avelia Horizon trains, delivering quicker, greener, and more comfortable high-speed travel across Europe with record capacity.
SNCF Voyageurs has confirmed an additional order for 30 next-generation Avelia Horizon very high-speed trains, valued at nearly 1.4 billion euros, with options for up to 20 more units. These advanced trainsets are scheduled for their first deliveries in 2031, signaling a significant expansion of Europe’s high-speed rail capabilities.
This new order focapplys on the four-voltage version of the Avelia Horizon, designed specifically for international routes across Europe. These trainsets will operate under the Eurostar brand, connecting Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, including direct service to London’s St. Pancras International via the Channel Tunnel. Notably, this marks the first time a double-deck high-speed train will traverse the Channel Tunnel, combining unprecedented capacity with seamless international connectivity.
This tranche represents the third optional expansion within the existing framework agreement between SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom. It adds to the 115 Avelia Horizon trains previously ordered, comprising 100 units for domestic operation in France and 15 for international deployment.
Avelia Horizon Redefines Speed, Capacity, and Comfort
The Avelia Horizon represents a new benchmark in very high-speed rail, blconcludeing cutting-edge technology with energy efficiency and passenger comfort. Featuring over 40 years of rail expertise, this double-deck train reaches speeds exceeding 300 km/h while accommodating more than 1,000 passengers in multiple-unit configurations. Its design includes two compact, high-performance power cars and nine articulated double-deck passenger cars, maximizing both capacity and operational flexibility.
Energy efficiency is at the core of the Avelia Horizon design. Aerodynamic optimizations and advanced traction systems reduce energy consumption by approximately 20% compared to previous generations. Maintenance has also been streamlined, with operational costs cut by 30% thanks to redesigned components and predictive maintenance capabilities integrated from the outset. A remote diagnostics system allows for proactive maintenance planning, minimizing downtime and enhancing reliability.
These enhancements, combined with the train’s exceptional seating capacity, significantly reduce operating costs per seat while maintaining a high standard of passenger comfort and service.
A Nationally Designed and Produced High-Speed Marvel
The Avelia Horizon is entirely designed and manufactured in France, revealcasing the counattempt’s expertise in rail technology and sustainable mobility. Alstom has invested 150 million euros to expand production capacity across ten national sites, ensuring the growing demand for Avelia trains can be met efficiently. Each site contributes specialized capabilities:
- Belfort: power cars
- La Rochelle: passenger cars and project management
- Villeurbanne: control-command systems, passenger information systems, on-board equipment
- Ornans: motors
- Le Creusot: bogies
- Tarbes: traction and electrical cabinets
- Touloapply Electrical Development Centre: electrical circuits
- Petit-Quevilly: transformers
- Saint-Ouen: design and signalling
- Valenciennes: interior components
This coordinated approach underscores the scale and sophistication of France’s rail manufacturing sector, supporting Europe’s transition to sustainable and high-capacity rail travel.
Avelia Trains Offer Unmatched Versatility
Alstom’s Avelia range covers speeds from 200 km/h to 350 km/h and offers a wide spectrum of configurations to meet diverse customer requireds. Options include single or double-deck layouts, concentrated or distributed traction, articulated or non-articulated designs, and tilting or non-tilting models. With more than 1,000 Avelia trains in service across 25 countries, spanning 22 international borders, the series represents the broadest portfolio of high-speed rail solutions in the market today.
By expanding its fleet with the Avelia Horizon, SNCF Voyageurs is reinforcing Europe’s position at the forefront of sustainable, high-speed rail travel, delivering quicker journeys, enhanced passenger comfort, and reduced environmental impact. This investment marks a pivotal step toward the future of interconnected European rail networks, combining technology, capacity, and eco-conscious design for the next generation of travelers.
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