VTG and the DLR Institute of Vehicle Concepts presented progress on the ALFA SGV research project at the International Rail Vehicle Conference in Dresden on 6 March 2026.
ALFA SGV is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research under the DATIpilot programme. According to the project partners, the approach targets a reduction in material use of up to 30% by avoiding over-dimensioning and applying modular, container-like design principles across the vehicle lifecycle, from requirements definition to maintenance.
The research concentrates on flexible wagon superstructures intended to improve resource efficiency and lifecycle performance in freight operations. VTG contributed its own technical paper at the Dresden conference.
AliSa night train project
At the same event, the DLR Institute of Vehicle Concepts also presented the AliSa research project, which examines a lightweight double-deck night train concept. The project proposes a permanently coupled three-coach unit designed for both night and daytime operation, combining modular construction with lightweight design.
