Train Seats 40% Lighter Than Traditional Models

Expliseat offers a unique blend of innovation, passenger comfort, and aesthetics, all while significantly reducing weight. By using advanced materials like composites and a patented bonding technology, the company’s TiSeat helps lower aircraft weight and CO² emissions. These innovations will also allow rail operators to increase passenger capacity without adding weight to carriages or compromising comfort or passenger experience.

Leveraging its aerospace expertise for the rail transport sector, the SME is developing a seat capable of reducing carriage weight by nearly 450 kg per axle. This equates to a weight saving of approximately 12 to 14 kg per double seat on a second-class TGV.

“Our new train seats use advanced materials, making them ultra-light: just 26 to 28 kg for a double seat, even with sophisticated features like mood lighting. The innovative design of the back shell forms large monobloc shapes, reducing the number of parts by up to 50%. This reduction is achieved through the use of composite materials, allowing us to use fewer components while maintaining strength and durability.” — Tanguy Choupin, Technical Director of Expliseat for Rail Seats.

Two R&D projects are underway with SNCF for intercity and high-speed trains.

Addressing Weight Challenges to Significantly Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Travel

Train operators worldwide are facing pressure to improve environmental performance while meeting growing demands for comfort and new features. Passengers want more amenities, but adding them increases weight, making it harder for the industry to stay within weight limits. Additionally, a shortage of trains is creating capacity issues, with demand outpacing supply. These challenges make it difficult for operators to offer efficient and sustainable rail services.

The technologies developed by Expliseat for aviation address the current challenges in the rail sector by reducing seat weight without compromising passenger comfort or onboard service.

Amaury Barberot, CEO of Expliseat: “Our technology has already proven its effectiveness in the aerospace sector, and we are excited to apply it to the rail industry with the same enthusiasm! Rail transport is becoming increasingly important for sustainable mobility, and Expliseat aims to lead in providing innovative seating solutions that make train travel more appealing and efficient.”