The Talgo 230 platform, developed by Spanish manufacturer Talgo, delivers high-performance, lightweight trains with a top commercial speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). The trains feature a modular design, allowing them to operate flexibly across different European rail networks. Deutsche Bahn will deploy the trains under the name of ICE-L (Intercity Express Low-Floor), both on domestic routes and for cross-border services between Germany and several neighbouring countries. Talgo is seeking approvals for operation of its trains in Denmark, Austria, and the Netherlands, and for border stations in Switzerland.

Throughout the entire approval journey, TÜV SÜD Rail GmbH has supported the ICE-L project as Notified Body (NoBo), Designated Body (DeBo) for Germany and the Netherlands, and Independent Assessment Body (AsBo). The Notified Body (NoBo) provides EC verification and certification of rolling stock in line with the European Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI), while the Designated Body (DeBo) conducts assessments and certifications under the national regulations of the EU Member States. The independent Assessment Body (AsBo) evaluates the applicant’s risk management process in accordance with EU Implementing Regulation 402/2013 (CSM RA), which is aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability for the new rail systems.

“We support rail vehicle and subsystem manufacturers with all the testing, inspection, and certification services required for approval by the ERA or by national authorities such as the EBA,” says Alfred Beer, Business Unit Manager Rolling Stock at TÜV SÜD Rail GmbH. “Our accreditations, combined with TÜV SÜD’s inspection and testing expertise, enable processes to take place in a highly efficient manner. This speeds up the entire approval process and streamlines certification for multiple national rail networks.”

TÜV SÜD Rail Services
As a leading third-party provider of testing, certification, and training services for the rail industry, TÜV SÜD covers the full spectrum of products, from conventional rail systems to high-speed trains and light rail. With more than 550 experts worldwide, the Rail Services business unit supports manufacturers, operators, and authorities in every project phase and across the entire product lifecycle. In addition to proprietary testing tools and dedicated railway testing facilities, TÜV SÜD holds all essential international accreditations and approvals as an inspection body, testing body, and certification body, as well as Notified Body (NoBo), Designated Body (DeBo), and Independent Assessment Body (AsBo). For more information, visit tuvsud.com/rail.