The AGV is the next generation of the Super High Speed Trains from a TGV manufacturer Alstom. The Automotrice à Grande Vitesse is targeted to compete directly with the highly Successfull Siemens Velaro trains. Very similar at first look, the Velaro is here today, Alstoms AGV is being readied for use in 2010. 

 The AGV Story   
The development of the AGV (The Automotrice à Grande Vitesse meaning super fast EMU) was initially started 2 decades ago. Alstom was looking at the development across the border in Germany, where the Siemens and other manufacturers were gradually preparing the ICE3 train (the predecessor of the Velaro product line) for use. Both train types recieved some public subsidies because this kind of new technology is as demanding as the airliner industry.   

The main feature to distinguish the AGV from TGV is that while TGV has a locomotive at both ends, the AGV has power distributed throughout the train. While this might compromise (not known as of yet) the safety in case of an accident, compared with the TGV, it also provides more passenger capacity for the revenue earning service. The components of the AGV were tested early 2000's and Alstom had even an "Elisa" test train with two development modules coupled with a Reseau modules in it's use to evaluate the design. 

In the spring of 2008 the AGV was finally finalized and specifications unveiled. One prototype train was built for futher testing. This train was located at the Velim test circuit in Tzech Republic during the summer and some sources indicate these tests have been extended to continue thorugh the rest of the year 2008.  Velim enables testing for a maximum speed of 210 km/h, so further tests are rumored to be carried out in LGV-EST later. The full European TSI certification for the AGV is not expected before the year 2010, after which it will be allowed for normal traffic.  
 

Picture of the AGV in Velim by Miroslav Broz 2008, provided under Creative Commons Licence.

 The Lead Customers   
The first firm customer for the AGV will be NTV or Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori from Italy with 25 trains in order. NTV was formed to compete with the Italian national operator Trenitalia both nationally and internationally. The routes for the NTV are rumored to be the same as the current Trenitalia super high speed and high speed routes. With speed of up to 360 kph (220mph) NTV wil have edge over the Trenitailia in travel times. To minimize the lead customers great risks with a new train type, Alstom will take care of the service of the units for the Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori. 
   
Also the "Channel tunnel operator" Eurostar has expressed it's interest in the AGV train design. According to magazines Eurostar is unhappy with Alstoms performance on the Eurostars availability, which is said to be 94%, far from the reliability of the TGV, so naturally Eurostars interest is to improve the availability.  
   
Also the French national operator SNCF has expressed it's interest for the double decked AGV's. As the archprovider for the super fast trains for the SNCF, Alstom will probably close discussions with SNCF as soon as the AGV types realiability is confirmed. 

 The AGV Technology    
The new designs most important feature to distinguish it from the competition is the new kind of permanent magnet motor, not seen before. But throughout the train there are major design improvenments, aiding also to control the environmental worries.    

Technical details
-> Delivered to use: NTV 2010 -
-> Number of units: (25 (+10 options)), to be serviced by Alstom for 30 years.
-> Configuration: flexible, 7 - 14 cars, the AGV design basic unit has 3 units + 4 bogies, and these can be coupled together with intermediate car. The configurations thus are: 7 units (3+i+3), 11 units (3+i+3+i+3) and interestingly 14 units (3+1+6+i+3).      
-> Capacity:  300 - 700 passengers depending on the configuration
-> (to be) Owned and operated by: NTV (Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori, Italy) 11 car versions. SNCF and Eurostar likely to follow soon. 
-> Possible operations area:  most of European super high speed network: ie. France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Belgium,...

-> Unit length: 130 - 250 meters
-> Unit power: 6000 - 12000 kW (      Hp) depending on the unit length
-> Power to weight ratio : 22,6 kW/ton  (    Hp)
-> quad current version: 25kV 50 Hz, 15kV 16,66 Hz, 3000V DC, 1500V DC
-> Bogie motor type: permanent magnet motors with power feed back capability (new motor type to be used). Each 3 car unit has outermost bogies powered.   
-> IGBT traction converters next to the powered bogies.
-> Operational max. speed: 360 km/h (7 unit sets 300 km/h due to the TSI braking rules)

-> Mass, metric tons: 270 - 510 metric tons net  
-> Power car wheel diameter:  mm
-> Trailer lenght: 17,1 m (TGV 's 18.7 m)
-> Trailer width: 3,0 meters (TGV's 2,9 m)
-> train  control: ERTMS to run on all major European lines
-> Coupler type: to be added
-> Track axle weight max: 17 tons  

Picture of the AGV in Velim by Miroslav Broz 2008, provided under Creative Commons Licence.