SNCF Voyageurs has joined forces with Alstom and the regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Hauts-de-France, Sud, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Occitanie to test battery-powered TER trains. Three high-capacity dual-mode AGC railcars, originally powered by overhead lines or two diesel engines, have already been converted into fully electric dual-mode trainsets. Their diesel engines have been replaced with lithium-ion traction batteries, enabling them to run on either overhead power or battery power.

Three dual-mode trainsets have gone 100% electric, with their diesel engines replaced by lithium-ion batteries. Following successful trials at Alstom’s Crespin site, the Centre d’Essais Ferroviaires in Bar-le-Duc, and on the national rail network, they received EPSF safety certification in April 2026. This clears the way for them to enter commercial service in the project’s participating regions in the second half of 2026.

The future trainsets’ lithium-ion batteries will charge rapidly from the overhead power supply, both while the trains are running and when they stop at electrified stations. Energy generated during braking is also recovered and stored in the batteries, reducing energy consumption by up to 20%. The battery-powered AGC trainsets have a range of 80 km on non-electrified sections, plus an energy reserve equivalent to approximately 20 km.

The new battery-powered AGC trainsets will enter commercial service in participating regions, with first services set to operate on the following routes:

• Avignon TGV–Carpentras and Marseille–Miramas via the Côte Bleue line
• Nîmes–Vauvert, on the Le Grau-du-Roi line
• Bordeaux–Mont-de-Marsan, Bordeaux–Saint-Mariens and Bordeaux–Le Verdon

Why focus on batteries?

We want to decarbonize the TER fleet, and battery-powered trains are one way to do that. As with the hybrid TER, the concept calls for replacing the diesel power system in an existing train with batteries, giving the train a second, even greener lease of life. 

Yes, this is part of our effort to find solutions that reduce the carbon footprint of our trains—and of our passengers’ journeys—as much as possible. Batteries have sufficient capacity for a range of services: without an overhead power supply, these trains can travel up to 80 km before they need to recharge. An impressive achievement for rolling stock that is already 20 years old!

How long do they last? 

The batteries have an expected lifespan of 10 years, guaranteed by Alstom—far longer than typical consumer batteries, such as those used in cell phones. The aim is to maximize their service life and avoid frequent replacement.

How are they recycled? 

SNCF must comply with European regulations on battery traceability and recycling, which require at least 50% of each battery to be recycled. Some companies are already achieving recycling rates of 75%, and processes are expected to improve further by 2030.

Ultimately, the vast majority of battery components should be recoverable, either for use in new batteries or for other applications. At SNCF, we will work with Alstom, which is responsible for this process, to determine the most appropriate recycling options.