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

Setting standards with innovations that look at the entire system

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

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

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

“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

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

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 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

“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

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

Discover all facts and figures at a glance.



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)

Expert interviews

Expertise as the basis for a successful concept: interviews with the Velaro Novo experts

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.

Contact

Rethink velocity

Interested in the Velaro Novo? Contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.