The Talgo 230 is a new state-of-the-art intercity train introduced by the Danish State Railways (DSB) in January 2024.
Manufactured by Spanish rolling stock manufacturer Talgo, the trains are set to enhance connectivity between Danish cities such as Copenhagen and Aarhus, and potentially expand to international routes, including Hamburg, Germany.
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The trains are designed to offer high-speed travel, energy efficiency, and increased passenger comfort.
Talgo 230 intercity train details
Talgo 230 intercity trains are equipped with cutting-edge features such as natural tilting, a variable gauge system, and energy-efficient technologies. The vehicles feature independently rotating, self-guided rolling assemblies.
Designed to operate at a maximum speed of 230km/h and a commercial speed of 200km/h, the trains offer high scalability for enhancements from conventional to very high-speed service.
The extruded aluminium structure of the trains guarantees safety and minimal air resistance at cruising speeds ranging between 180km/h and 250km/h. The trains can withstand diverse climatic conditions and incorporate advanced safety systems.
Talgo’s variable gauge system allows the trains to run on different networks without significant time loss at gauge-changing stations, adjusting to any track type. Furthermore, the natural tilting in curves and auxiliary generators provide operators with various options to meet specific requirements.
The train’s self-guiding axles facilitate the incorporation of lower floors with no internal barriers, allowing for optimal passenger mobility and platform-level access. The design reduces station stop times by 50% and enables passengers with reduced mobility to access the train unaided.
The trains can be equipped with locomotives provided by Talgo or cab-car, bogie-mounted passenger vehicles for push-pull operations.
Interiors of the Talgo 230
The interior design of the Talgo trains draws from the company’s experience in high-comfort, long-distance services.
The trains have a capacity of 492 seats across various coach types, including flex-space, disabled-friendly, second-class, and first-class coaches. The seating arrangement in the train caters to a diverse range of passenger needs.
The flex-space coach includes 36 seats and designated areas for prams and bicycles, complete with e-bike recharging stations.
The train is also equipped with a disabled-friendly coach, featuring ten seats, three wheelchair spaces, a disabled toilet, and vending machines for hot and cold beverages and snacks. The second-class coaches offer a comfortable seating arrangement with 32 and 40 seats.
The two first-class carriages provide an exclusive travel experience with 22 and 28 seats respectively, arranged in a 2+1 configuration, offering more space compared to the standard 2+2 arrangement.
A cab car, referred to as a ‘styrevogn’, is planned to be added in a subsequent phase of the project.
Amenities onboard the Talgo 230
The Talgo 230 train boasts state-of-the-art amenities to ensure a comfortable journey for all travellers. The increased car width affords more space inside, thereby improving passenger comfort.
Each carriage provides Wi-Fi connectivity and at-seat entertainment options, complemented by individual reading lights and power sockets for personal devices. The advanced air conditioning system maintains a pleasant onboard climate, irrespective of the weather outside.
Special provisions have been made for passengers with reduced mobility, including continuous and low-floor carriages that align seamlessly with the platform for effortless boarding. The ample luggage storage easily accommodates bulky items such as skis and bicycles.
Additionally, the lavatory facilities are not only contemporary and spacious but also designed for straightforward maintenance.
An at-seat catering service is available to further enhance passenger convenience, allowing travellers to enjoy refreshments without leaving the comfort of their seats.
Sustainability features
The trains are 30% lighter than traditional vehicles and have a 95% recyclability rate, which reduces energy consumption, environmental impact, and running costs.
Designed for extreme temperatures, the trains come with fire detection and extinguishing systems, geolocation (GPS, GLONASS), and CCTV.
The trains operate with new electric Vectron locomotives in a sandwich formation, which allows for quick delivery and operational readiness. The electric range can last up to 12 hours without a locomotive, ensuring uninterrupted on-board services.
The unique rolling assembly technology and lightweight coaches enable a 30% reduction in energy consumption compared to industry standards.
Orders and deliveries of the Talgo 230 trains
In February 2019, Deutsche Bahn (DB) signed an agreement for the manufacture of up to 100 Talgo 230 trains, with an initial order of 23 trains for €550m ($568m). As part of this framework contract, DB placed a new order for 56 units in May 2023, valued at €1.4bn ($1.52bn). The trains will operate under the ICE L name in Germany.
Danish state operator DSB formalised an initial order for eight Talgo 230 trains in 2020, amounting to €134m ($148m), as part of a larger framework valued at up to €500m ($552m).
Egyptian National Railways (ENR) ordered six trains in 2019 under a €157m ($170m) contract, which includes eight years of maintenance services. ENR signed a new €280m ($285.3m) contract in August 2022 for seven new trains, including 15 years of maintenance services. The units are expected to be delivered in 2024.
In April 2021, DSB expanded its initial fleet by ordering additional coaches, boosting the passenger capacity of each train by 10%, resulting in 492 seats per train.
DSB placed a supplementary order for eight new Talgo 230 intercity trains, including associated services and spare parts for maintenance, valued at €184m ($202m), in April 2023.
