Renfe has closed a contract with Siemens to add 30 Velaro Novo high-speed trains to its fleet, with the possibility of expanding the order by another 10 additional units. The total amount amounts to 1.218 billion euros and includes both the supply of rolling stock and the necessary elements for its maintenance throughout its useful life.
These new trains, designed to reach speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour, will have 520 seats per composition and will feature improvements aimed at increasing passenger comfort, optimizing available space, and reinforcing service reliability, while simultaneously reducing energy consumption, as detailed by the operator in a statement.
The Velaro Novo model represents a technological evolution of the series 103 that Renfe is already operating. It incorporates advanced technical developments and improvements in its performance, among which stand out a better use of interior space for passengers, a reduction in energy consumption, and greater ease of maintenance to reduce downtime.
The supply schedule establishes that the first five units must be delivered within a maximum period of 40 months (3.3 years), while the rest will be received gradually until the order is completed in 62 months (5.2 years). Renfe emphasizes that it cannot afford further delays in the reception of trains from manufacturers, like those recorded with Talgo, as these compositions are set to reinforce the offer of seats and services against the competition from Iryo and Ouigo.
Conditions of the award
The bidding for this contract was launched last April, emphasizing the technical and industrial capacity of the manufacturer to meet the committed delivery deadlines and the proposal of a train certified to operate at 350 kilometers per hour.
The public company explains in a statement that the German Siemens presents a profile of "high corporate solvency," as it integrates into an industrial and technological group with a diversified financial position and the capacity to undertake large-scale contracts.
"These capabilities, along with its international capacity in rolling stock, railway infrastructure, services, and software, provide the necessary support for the assumption of the contract," points out Renfe, which recalls that Siemens has recently been awarded a contract to supply ten Velaro Novo trains in Vietnam and another in California (United States) for high speed between Las Vegas and Southern California.
More space, comfort, and energy efficiency
The planned configuration for these units includes seven cars and 520 seats on a single level, distributed in two classes: 404 seats in Tourist, 78% of the total, with two seats on each side of the aisle; and 116 in Preferential, 22%, with two seats on one side and one on the other. All seats will be orientable in the direction of travel and each seat will have a power outlet and individual USB connection.
The reduction of weight and volume occupied by technical equipment compared to the current model allows for an increase in the number of seats without increasing the length of the train and enables larger multifunctional areas for luggage, bicycles, or people with reduced mobility.
In addition, the design of the new bogies, along with the lower total weight and optimized aerodynamics, aims to offer a quieter journey, with less vibration and greater stability at high speed. The aerodynamic improvement is also aimed at reducing pressure waves in tunnels and noise when two trains pass each other, a particularly relevant aspect in corridors with numerous tunnels.
The digital architecture of the Velaro Novo is prepared to offer higher capacity wifi, simplify system updates during the train's lifespan, and improve both onboard entertainment management and traveler information, with more advanced and customizable options.
The lightweight design, lower resistance to advancement, and state-of-the-art traction technology allow for a reduction in the energy required for each journey, contributing to a decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and cutting operational costs for the operator.