Sweden's Fastest Trains Enter Testing Phase: Alstom SJ250 X250 EMU Trials Underway - News and Statistics

Jul 28, 2026

Sweden’s fastest passenger trains have entered the testing phase. The initial Alstom SJ250 inter-city electric multiple-unit, designed for 250 km/h, is now being evaluated at the VUZ Velim facility in the Czech Republic. This marks a key step toward securing operational certification for Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.

SJ awarded Alstom the Project Delta contract in April 2022, covering 25 Zefiro Express EMUs with an option for 15 additional units. The €650 million agreement is backed by €312 million in financing from the European Investment Bank. Designated Class X250 and marketed as the Avelia Stream Nordic, these trains will achieve a maximum commercial speed of 250 km/h in Sweden, surpassing the 200 km/h capability of older rolling stock.

Each six-car trainset will accommodate 363 passengers and include fold-out tables, footrests, cup holders, power outlets, and USB ports. A bistro area and dedicated bicycle storage are also featured. The fleet is engineered for reliable operation in temperatures from -40°C to +40°C, addressing the demanding Nordic environment. Batteries will allow movement during power supply failures.

Although deliveries were initially planned for 2026, passenger service has been postponed to December 2027. SJ cites supply chain disruptions as the cause. The trains will first serve the Stockholm–Göteborg, Stockholm–Malmö, and Stockholm–Sundsvall–Umeå corridors, supplementing and eventually replacing the oldest X2000 units.

Infrastructure limitations will initially restrict speeds on certain segments, but the gradual implementation of ERTMS and targeted upgrades will enable fuller use of the 250 km/h capability. The Stockholm–Malmö route includes sections already built or being upgraded for 250 km/h, while the Stockholm–Sundsvall–Umeå corridor is especially suitable because the Botniabanan was constructed for 250 km/h operation.

SJ anticipates that the X250 fleet will substantially boost capacity, with seat numbers rising by 63% between Stockholm and Gävle, 63% between Stockholm and Sundsvall, and 88% between Stockholm and Umeå. Daily Stockholm–Umeå services will increase from four to five. Over the longer term, certification across Sweden, Denmark, and Norway will support expanded international services, particularly to København and Oslo.

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