Óscar Puente oversees the certification process in the Czech Republic for 70 new trains purchased by Renfe for €520 million

The Minister for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente, visited the test track in the Czech town of Velim, where the new trains purchased by Renfe for €520 million are undergoing certification. This is the 480 series from the Spanish manufacturer CAF, an electric train designed for medium-distance services and manufactured at the Beasain plant in Gipuzkoa, Spain. Renfe has purchased 70 units of this model, which is currently in the final phase of manufacturing and certification. The first units are expected to enter service on the Valencian network during 2027, covering routes along the Mediterranean Corridor.

In recent years, the Spanish operator has launched several tenders totalling €520 million, acquiring a total of 61 Iberian-gauge trains (15 standard-configuration and 46 extended-configuration units) and 9 extended-configuration trains for standard UIC gauge. These trains will be gradually added to Renfe's fleet from 2027 onwards, becoming part of the various Spanish medium-distance and commuter rail networks, starting with the Valencian coast.

The CAF 480 series trains reach a top speed of 200 km/h and can carry up to 264 passengers. These are dual-voltage trains equipped with batteries to provide traction on 'last-mile' sections or non-electrified lines. The interiors are spacious, with areas for bicycles, power sockets, information screens and on-board Wi-Fi.

Renfe's fleet renewal plan

The purchase of the 70 CAF trains forms part of Renfe's fleet renewal plan to acquire new rolling stock for the whole of the country. As part of this plan, the first high-capacity Stadler 100 and 200 trains are expected to enter service on Madrid's commuter rail network by the end of summer.

The arrival of new trains will enable the system's capacity to be increased and will complement the investment currently being made in infrastructure and rail corridors, directly improving passengers' day-to-day travel.

About the VUZ Test Centre in Velim

The VUZ Test Centre Velim is one of Europe's leading railway testing facilities, frequently used by major European manufacturers to certify new trains before they enter service. It consists of two closed-circuit tracks with no commercial traffic: a large circuit of 13.2 kilometres for maximum speeds of 230 km/h and a small circuit of 3.9 kilometres for maximum speeds of 90 km/h.

Among other things, the facility carries out a range of comprehensive tests on braking, acceleration, signalling, electromagnetic compatibility, and noise and vibration measurement.

Non official translation