Alstom AGV

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The AGV (Automotrice à grande vitesse) is a very high-speed electric multiple unit designed by Alstom of France that is to replace the TGV (push-pull trainset). Unlike conventional high speed EMUs, the AGV is articulated with the entire trainset (7 to 14 cars) rested on Jacobs bogies shared between each carriage. The articulated design enabled the AGV to be lighter than competitors from Siemens, Bombardier, and Kawasaki. According to Alstom, the AGV consumed 20% less energy than the TGV trainsets while achieves a higher revenue top speed of 360 km/h (224 mph). Each AGV trainset will have a total power output of 6 to 12 MW (8,000 to 16,000 hp).

AGV being tested in Italy

The bogie of the AGV was first introduced on the V150 test train that refreshed the world speed record of conventional trains to 574.8 km/h (357.2 mph) in 2007. The prototype of the AGV was unveiled on 5 February 2008 by Alstom with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in attendance of the ceremony.



The launch customer of the AGV is Italian company Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori, who is currently in the process of testing the trainset and completing European TSI certification for commercial use. Air France-KLM has also proposed to operate high speed rail service with Veolia using the AGV between Paris, Amsterdam, and London.

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