This removes the need for driving units at either end, which AVE Class 100 and 102 have, allowing a better use of space, better energy efficiency, better acceleration at lower speeds, and better ability to climb grades.

Electronically, the train is actually two identical half-trains of four coaches each, each with an independent power system, apart from the active pantograph (only a single pantograph is raised on AC-fed rail lines) and a high voltage line along the entire length of the 8-car train.

The AVE Class 103 entered commercial service on 22 June 2007,[3] between Madrid and the temporary end of the line to Barcelona near Tarragona.

Thus commercial top speed is limited to the maximum Spanish authorities approve for the line with ETCS Level 1 since 2011, 310 km/h (193 mph).

[5] From the opening of the Córdoba–Málaga high-speed rail line on 24 December 2007, the AVE Class 103 were also used from Madrid to Málaga.

From that day, the AVE Class 103 were used for the faster services between Madrid and Barcelona, achieving the shortest travel time of 2h30m on the non-stop runs.