PBKA is a high-speed trainset, built by the French manufacturer Alstom (then known as GEC-Alsthom) for international services operated by Thalys, which later merged with Eurostar. The designation "PBKA" refers to the original planned routes linking Paris, Brussels, Cologne (Köln), and Amsterdam.
The PBKA belongs to the TGV family of trainsets and was designed to operate across multiple national railway networks. Each unit is equipped to run under four electrification systems: 25kV50HzAC (France), 3,000VDC (Belgium), 1,500VDC (the Netherlands and parts of France), and 15kV 16.7Hz AC (Germany).
The PBKA was originally intended to serve as the sole rolling stock for Thalys, but due to the cost and complexity of its quadri-current capability, seven simpler tri-current versions, the PBA, was also ordered. The PBA omits equipment for operation under Germany's 15kV AC system. The two types are interoperable and can operate in multiple when coupled together.
Each PBKA set is 200 metres (660ft) long and weighs about 383 tonnes (844,000lb). The trains comprise two power cars and eight passenger coaches—three first class, one bar, and four second class—offering 404 seats in total (120 in first class and 284 in second class).[1][2]
Maximum operating speeds and power output vary by voltage: up to 300 kilometres per hour (190mph) with 8,800 kilowatts (11,800hp) under 25kV AC, 200km/h (120mph) with 5,160kW (6,920hp) under 15kV AC, and 220km/h (140mph) with 3,680kW (4,930hp) under 1,500 or 3,000V DC.[2][3]
