Renfe has awarded Siemens Mobility a €1.218 billion contract to supply 30 Velaro Novo trainsets designed to operate at speeds of 350 km/h. The announcement on 27 October 2026 follows a tender launched in late March focused on meeting the top speed and delivery deadlines. Siemens Mobility prevailed over Hitachi, whose ETR1000 design was considered, and Talgo, whose Avril trainset bid was disqualified for late submission. The contract also includes maintenance equipment and commitments on train availability and reliability.
Train Design and Technical Features
The Velaro Novo trainsets are seven-car single-deck trains with 404 tourist class seats arranged 2+2 and 116 first-class seats arranged 2+1.
Seats offer adjustable orientation to travel direction and are equipped with power outlets and USB ports. Compared to previous models, the trains feature lower weight, new bogie designs, and aerodynamic improvements to reduce energy consumption, noise, vibration, and tunnel pressure waves. High-capacity batteries enable last-mile traction to move trains in case of incidents, reducing the need for rescue locomotives.
Digital systems in the Velaro Novo include enhanced onboard wi-fi capacity, streamlined software updates, and improved passenger information and entertainment through personalized digital services. The design emphasizes ease of maintenance to increase fleet availability, incorporating fewer components and advanced remote diagnostics
for predictive upkeep.
Delivery Timeline and Fleet Replacement
Renfe requires delivery of the first five trainsets within 40 months of contract signing and all 30 trainsets within 62 months. An option exists to acquire an additional 10 trainsets. These new Velaro Novo trains will replace Renfe’s 23 Series 100 trainsets, which are set to reach 35 years of service in 2027. The contract reflects Renfe’s goal to avoid delays experienced in previous train acquisitions, such as with Talgo’s S106 Avril sets.
Operating Routes and Network Expansion
The Velaro Novo sets will operate on the standard gauge high-speed rail lines between Madrid and Barcelona, and Madrid and Sevilla. They are also
planned for future service on expanding lines serving the Basque region, Cantabria, Navarra, and Huelva. This fleet modernization supports Renfe’s strategy to maintain leadership in Spain’s liberalized high-speed rail market.
Context and Official Statements
Renfe highlighted the importance of reliable and timely deliveries after earlier delays caused operational disruptions. Siemens Mobility, part of a financially robust industrial group, offers extensive experience with nearly 20 years of Velaro trains operating in Spain. Siemens representatives noted the Velaro Novo brings improved energy efficiency, higher passenger capacity, and reduced life cycle costs. The design advances stem from the Series 103 Velaro E trains supplied in 2007.
Passenger Experience and Operational Reliability
The
introduction of Velaro Novo trainsets is expected to enhance passenger comfort through increased seating capacity and larger multifunctional spaces for luggage, bicycles, and passengers with reduced mobility. Reduced noise, vibration, and energy consumption also contribute to a better travel environment. Operational reliability improvements aim to minimize breakdowns and disruptions via advanced monitoring and predictive maintenance technologies.
Industry Competition and Market Position
This contract strengthens Siemens Mobility’s role as a leading supplier in European high-speed rail markets amid competition from major manufacturers such as Hitachi, Talgo, CAF, CRRC, and Alstom. While Talgo’s bid was excluded and CAF and CRRC lack suitable high-speed designs approved in Europe,
Alstom maintains large orders for its Avelia Horizon trains but did not secure this contract. Renfe’s selection reflects competitive evaluations emphasizing train performance, delivery reliability, and fleet modernization goals in Spain’s expanding high-speed rail infrastructure.
