Velaro Novo

The Velaro Novo is the latest in high-speed rail technology. Developed with decades of high-speed rail expertise in mind, the Velaro Novo brings to the market one of the most digital and seamless trains on the market. It combines proven technology with future-oriented innovations and increases value sustainably over the entire lifecycle thanks to its unique economic efficiency.

Key qualities What makes the Velaro Novo so special? A lot of technical developments that work together in unique ways to maximize economic efficiency and sustainability. This allows operators to shape the rail transport – cost-efficient, resource-saving, and passenger-friendly.

Flexible train concept

graphic of trains in a city — The Velaro Novo offers 10% more available space, providing more capacity and comfort.

Trains have rarely been as variable as the Velaro Novo. “Variable train” refers toall the innovations that make each Velaro Novo unique for operators and passengers alike. It allows each operator to customize the passenger experience to the needs of their riders. This includes maximizing the available space by 10 percent, and its high-speed range of 174-224 mph (280 - 360 km/h).

Video Variable train

image of the inside of a train shell — Flexibility is improved using the Empty Tube Concept, which involves relocating the technical installations away from the interior.

In addition to increasing the available space by 10%, it was possible to increase aisle width inside the train by 11mm.

Maximizing available space offers operators new opportunities for customizing the interior.

The Velaro Novo’s lightweight body shell is based on theThe Velaro Novo’s lightweight body shell is based on the Empty Tube Concept, meaning there are no permanent installations inside the car. The interior can be furnished according to customer wishes and altered whenever requirements change. The cars have no underseat containers or electrical cabinets in their interior, and their length has beenenlarged to 94.32 ft (28.75 m) from the original Velaro. Passengers can enjoy the maximum available space, with the possibility of comfortable seating, wide aisles and larger windows.

Holistic cost efficiency

The Velaro Novo consumes up to 30% less energy than the Velaro – which means that the savings from one Velaro Novo over a period of one year could supply power to up to 261 households.

The train is already the most economical motorized carrier today: Velaro Novo boasts an equivalent gas consumption of just 0.2l per passenger per 100km.

Compared with other high-speed trains, the Velaro Novo is a genuine lightweight: At a little over 400t, its weight has been reduced by over 70t, the approximate weight of one medium-haul airplane

“Reduced total costs” covers all aspects that contribute to the overall cost efficiency of the Velaro Novo. A 20 percent reduction in investment costs and 30 percent lower maintenance and servicing costs make the Velaro Novo unique on the market when it comes to cost efficiency.

Video Reduced total costs

On the basis of advanced profile and welding technologies for car bodies, Velaro Novo’s weight could be reduced by 15%.

The Velaro Novo is about 15 percent lighter than previous Velaro generations. We were able to reduce the train’s weight by more than 70 tons. Maintenance effort is also reduced, thanks to the continuous collection of status data from the vehicle and the new housings. The Velaro Novo’s status can be analyzed in real time, and status-oriented maintenance can be scheduled to avoid downtime due to maintenance work.

Enhanced drive concept

The Velaro Novo has fewer engines – but these have 10% more power. This results in a top speed of 360km/h.

Smart drive concepts are needed if a high-speed train is to meet the needs of future-proof mobility. “Intelligent motion” describes all the innovations that create an advantage for the Velaro Novo on the rails – from the latest measurement and sensor technology to the improvement of mechanical components.

Video Intelligent motion

The Velaro Novo has inbound bogies. With their inbound bearings, the running and traction bogies ensure smoother running, less wear and tear, and better protection from snow, ice and gravel.

Optimized aerodynamics

“Aerodynamic excellence” describes all the innovations that help optimize the aerodynamics of the Velaro Novo. This includes full housing of the bogies, which will reduce energy consumption by well over 15 percent. These innovations are thus a core element in achieving an overall reduction in energy consumption by up to 30 percent.

Video Aerodynamic excellence

The full housing of the bogies significantly decreases aerodynamic drag, which in turn greatly reduces energy consumption.

The bogies’ fully enclosed base tray improves aerodynamics and protects against ballast pick-up.

A seemingly small measure with a tremendous effect: The Velaro Novo’s streamlined roof with its fully insulated pantograph reduces aerodynamic drag by 10 percent compared with the Velaro.

The roof optimizations also include brake resistor flaps on the roof, the effects of which have been thoroughly tested in a wind tunnel.

The aerodynamic improvements also include optimized aerodynamics of the end cars. Their more streamlined front surface significantly reduces the train’s aerodynamic drag. Along with streamlined intercar gangways, they help cut energy consumption by ten percent. The high-voltage roof equipment is also completely covered, further improving the aerodynamics.

Extensive testing

The #seeitnovo test car travels over a two-year period as much a human being does over his entire life on foot.

“Proven technology” means tried and tested innovation and years of experience: More than 1,000 Velaro trains in use around the world have covered more than 3 billion kilometers at speeds of up to 380 km/h. Since April 2018, all the innovations in the Velaro Novo have been tested using the #seeitnovo test car. During a two-year period, it will travel a total of 100,000 kilometers.

Video Proven technology

Since April 9, 2018, the #seeitnovo test car is on the tracks.

Integrated into DB Systemtechnik’s ICE S, the test car is being driven through Germany.

The test car is equipped with hundreds of sensors for comprehensive testing.

The Velaro Novo is based on experience gained from three Velaro generations, ever since the Velaro E was first delivered to Spain in 2005.

Over 1,000 Velaro trains have travelled more than two billion kilometers worldwide at speeds of up to 380km/h.

Every day, the mileage climbs about a million kilometers: In 2018, Turkish State Railways (TCDD) ordered 10 additional Velaro trains.

With the #seeitnovo test car a broad spectrum of innovations is being tested: the dynamic structural performance of the vehicle, the floor coverings, paint structure, and even the restrooms. The tests ensure that all innovations have been tested for robustness before put into operation with passengers.

Technical data

	Velaro Novo 173.99 mph (280km/h)	Velaro Novo 198.84 mph (320km/h)	Velaro Novo 223.69 mph (360km/h)	Velaro AC single system
Traction power	4,700 kW	6,600 kW	8,000 kW	8,000 kW
Starting tractive effort	230 kN	230 kN	275 kN	300 kN
Recuperative brake power	7,200 kW	9,900 kW	11,800 kW	8,200 kW
Rheostatic brake power	5,600 kW	7,000 kW	8,400 kW	-
Mass	412 t	416 t	420 t	485 t
Length	662.73 ft (202 m)	662.73 ft (202 m)	662.73 ft (202 m)	659.45 ft (201 m)
Maximum speed	173.99 mph (280 km/h)	198.84mph (320 km/h)	223.69mph (360 km/h)	198.84 mph (320 km/h)

Velaro Novo

Germany

#seeitnovo test car

Already on track before the first trip

Test runs throughout Germany with the Novo test car, integrated into the ICE-S test train operated by Deutsche Bahn´s System Engineering unit
Two-year test period covering a total 62,137.12 miles (100,000 kilometers)
Hundreds of sensors in the bogie area, in the add-ons in the bogie area, in the interior, and on the roof provide comprehensive measurements

Expert interviews The experts behind our Velaro Novo explain what it means to rethink something that already exists. In exclusive interviews, they talk about what inspired them to look at their field from a whole new perspective – and thus make the Velaro Novo unique.

Interview with Michael Kopp. Michael Kopp, Program Director for the entire platform, tells us why the Velaro Novo is the most economically efficient high-speed train available on the market. And he introduces the people behind the project.

Interview with Rene Trosiner. Technical manager Rene Trosiner loves to ride in “his” #seeitnovo test car. He explains the limitations of digital simulations and why real measurements and test runs are so important to the development of trains.

Interview with Martin Krause. Research, work meticulously, and continue developing until you achieve perfection: Martin Krause, specialist in mechanics and aerodynamics, is one of the masterminds who reduced the Velaro Novo’s energy consumption. He reveals his secrets in this interview.

Interview with Ben Dobernecker. Ben Dobernecker, Business Development Manager for North America at Siemens Mobility, played a key role in maximizing the available space in the Velaro Novo as the Passenger Experience Project Manager. Learn more in this interview.

Interview with Alexander Prix. As project manager for the Velaro Novo bogie, Alexander Prix played a major role in ensuring that customers will benefit from a unique, complete package in the future. In this interview he explains what’s special about the Velaro Novo bogie.

Interview with Tom Kutscher. Tom Kutscher is head of Sales for high-speed and intercity trains and takes responsibility for the development of the Velaro Novo in terms of its economic efficiency and customer benefits. In this interview, he talks about what makes the Velaro Novo an attractive total package for operators.