Thermo King has introduced its next-generation heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for intercity trains. Developed as part of the company’s platform-based product strategy, the new system features a modular, scalable and lightweight design that can be customised for different rail applications.
The HVAC unit combines climate control with technologies designed to improve onboard air quality and reduce energy use. It features advanced UV-light air purification and intelligent CO2-based fresh air regulation, which dynamically adjusts ventilation to avoid unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining passenger comfort.
The system also incorporates maintenance-free microchannel condensers to reduce overall weight and the unit’s carbon footprint. Its low-GWP-ready architecture enables a transition to refrigerants with lower global warming potential. Service-friendly maintenance access is designed to support long-term operational reliability and lower operating costs.
“Rail operators are looking for solutions that do more than manage temperature — they need systems that create a better onboard environment, improve fleet performance, and support sustainability ambitions,” said Mathieu Audureau, passenger HVAC transport leader, Thermo King. “Our next-generation HVAC platform answers those needs in one complete solution, combining intelligent design, serviceability, and advanced climate technologies.”
Thermo King has supplied climate control solutions to the rail market for more than 30 years, covering trams, trains and metro applications. Its units and components are tested at the company’s research and development facility in Prague, Czech Republic, and manufactured under certified production standards.
The new intercity train HVAC system will make its global debut at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin, Germany, taking place September 22–25.
