(21/02/2024) 

The dynamic testing phase of the trains will begin now. With a design speed of 230 km/h and an operating speed of 200 km/h, the trains will feature a larger width than standard cars in cross-border traffic, which will allow for more interior space and higher passenger comfort while keeping full technical interoperability to serve not only domestic routes but also international services.

The Talgo 230 platform trains reduce energy consumption by up to 30% as compared with the industry standard thanks to their rolling assembly technology and the lightweight passenger coaches, and boast a 95% recoverability of the train structure.

Certification

During the certification process all the systems must be validated to ensure the levels of reliability DSB requires and to guarantee compatibility of the train with the rail infrastructure and with the locomotives that will pull the units.

In a second phase, an end-cab car will be added to each train to allow for a push-pull configuration that will ensure swift train turnaround times at the final destination of each route, thus improving operation and minimizing train weight as well as cutting accelerating and braking times, compared to trains with locomotives at head and end.

Contract

Back in February 2020, DSB awarded Talgo a framework contract worth €500 million which included a first firm order of €134 million for the supply of eight complete trains of the Talgo 230 platform.

In April 2021 and in light of the new demand for international rail travel, DSB increased the fleet size with a second order for additional coaches which raised the passenger capacity of the eight initial trains by a full 10%, to 492 seats each. Then in April 2023 the railway company placed a third order, for eight additional trains and worth €184 million.