Renfe orders new high speed trains
posted on 28th Oct 2026 07:55
Following a previous tender, Renfe awarded Siemens on 27 October 2026 a 1.218 billion EUR contract for 30 new 350 km/h, 520-seat Velaro Novo EMUs, with an option for ten more. The contract includes the supply of spare parts for maintenance purposes.
The trains will essentially be a development of the Class 103 fleet, acquired by Renfe almost two decades ago, and the current Spanish rail speed record holders. This, 403.7 km/h, was achieved by 103 002 during the night of 15/16 July 2006 between km 117.5 and 112.4 of the Madrid - Barcelona HSL, while the train, heading towards Madrid, was being subjected to authorisation testing.
Siemens and Renfe announced that the new trains would fulfil three objectives: provide more usable space for passengers, reduce energy consumption, and facilitate maintenance, giving higher availability and reliability levels.
The first five Velaro Novos are to be delivered within 40 months of contract signing and the remainder within 62 months. No delays in the production schedule will be tolerated - Renfe has lost patience following the long-winded AVRIL fiascos with Talgo.
The Velaro Novos will be seven-car, single deck formations. 404 seats will be provided in Turista (second) class, with seats in 2 + 2 formation (unlike the cramped 2 + 3 configuration on the AVRILs). In Preferente (first) class the 116 seats will be in 2 + 1 configuration.
All seats will be of rotating design, to face the direction of travel, and will have power and USB sockets. Spacious multi-purpose areas for the use of wheelchair-bound passengers and the stowage of bikes and luggage will be provided. All traction equipment (distributed, not in power cars) will be mounted underfloor.
The design of the bogies on which the Velaro Novo is mounted results in a lower weight than those used on earlier Velaro models, and is more aerodynamic. The entire design of the Velaro Novo ensures that the effect of pressure waves and noise when entering tunnels or when passing other trains will be reduced. The aerodynamic profile of the Velaro Novo, combined with its reduced weight, results in a substantial reduction in power consuption.
Moreover the Velaro Novo incorporates a vital element: Last Mile batteries. In the event of a loss of power in the catenary, or a breakdown in the on-board electrical traction system the train can continue, at reduced speed, to the nearest station. In addition to assisting passengers in reaching their destinations, this also ensures that tracks are not blocked by stranded trains, and, if necessary rescue by a salvage locomotive is facilitated.
