PBKA
| Industry | Rail transport |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | GEC-Alsthom |
| Products | High-speed trainsets |
| Parent | Alstom |
PBKA represents a high-velocity trainset produced by the French manufacturer GEC-Alsthom and deployed on international Eurostar routes. Initially designed for Thalys—which has since merged into Eurostar—these PBKA trains serve corridors linking Paris, Brussels, Köln (), and Amsterdam, as indicated by the acronym PBKA.
Belonging to Alstom's TGV series, these quadri-current trainsets are compatible with four distinct electrification networks: (France), (Belgium), (the Netherlands and sections of France), and (Germany). Given the technical complexity and expense of supporting all four systems, a more straightforward tri-current model derived from the TGV Réseau called PBA was also commissioned; both models are capable of multiple-unit operation when coupled together.
Each trainset measures 200 meters in length and weighs approximately , comprising two power cars and eight passenger coaches—specifically three first-class cars, one bar car, and four second-class cars—providing seating for 404 passengers (120 in first class and 284 in second class). Performance metrics such as maximum speed and power output differ according to the voltage supplied: reaching speeds up to with an output of 8,800 kW under 25 kV AC; up to with 5,160 kW under 15 kV AC; and up to with 3,680 kW under DC electrification.
A total of seventeen PBKA trainsets were constructed between 1995 and 1998. The funding was provided by various national railway companies: nine sets by the National Railway Company of Belgium, six by France's SNCF, two by Germany's Deutsche Bahn, and two by the Netherlands' Nederlandse Spoorwegen.