Summary: Acronym for Alta Velocidad Española. This is the Spanish high-speed train, the first examples of which started running on 21 April 1992 on the 471 km Madrid-Seville high-speed line, to coincide with the Expo 92 world exhibition. The Spanish high-speed network has gradually expanded to become the largest in Europe in terms of mileage, currently totalling 3,086 km, and second in the world behind China. Originally, the AVE was an Alstom TGV-Atlantique trainset classified S-100 by the operator Renfe, as there was no other choice at the time. Talgo subsequently worked with Bombardier to design other S-102/S-112 trainsets (photo), which now account for the majority of Renfe’s fleet of 46 trainsets. The S-103 is an AVE similar to the ICE 3 operated by Deutsche Bahn and has 26 trainsets in circulation. State operator Renfe recently ordered the Talgo Avril, which is currently being tested. This new AVE should make it possible to retire the S-100 and enable Renfe to go to France.

➤ See also: Avlo (Renfe) – Eurostar (since 2024) – Frecciarossa – ICE – InOui – Iryo – Lyria – NTV-Italo – Ouigo SNCF

➤ See also: High speed train in France – High speed train in Germany – High speed train in Italy – High speed train in Japan