| E8 series | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Set G1 undergoing testing in July 2023 | |
| In service | 2024–present |
| Manufacturer | |
| Designer | Ken Okuyama |
| Family name | Mini-shinkansen |
| Replaced | E3 series |
| Constructed | 2022-2026 |
| Entered service | 16 March 2024 |
| Number under construction | 98 vehicles (14 sets) |
| Number built | 7 vehicles (1 set) as of January 2023[update] |
| Formation | 7 cars per trainset |
| Fleet numbers | G1– |
| Capacity | 355 (26 Green + 329 standard) |
| Operators | JR East |
| Depots | Yamagata |
| Lines served | Tohoku Shinkansen, Yamagata Shinkansen |
| Specifications | |
| Doors | 1 per side |
| Maximum speed |
|
| Electric system(s) | 20/25 kV AC, 50 Hz overhead catenary |
| Current collector(s) | Pantograph |
| Safety system(s) | |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The E8 series (E8系) is a Japanese Shinkansen high-speed train type on order for Tsubasa services announced on 3 March 2020. It will progressively replace the E3 series from 2024 onwards, raising the top speed of the service from 275 to 300 kilometers per hour (171 to 186 mph). It is designed by Ken Okuyama, in cooperation with Kawasaki Heavy Industries.[1]
The train type entered service on 16 March 2024, the start date of the revised timetable for the year.[2] Though 17 sets were originally planned to be built, this was reduced to 15 sets due to reduced travel demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] These sets are to be built by Kawasaki Railcar Manufacturing and Hitachi.[4]
The first set, numbered G1, was delivered to Sendai Shinkansen Depot on 30 January 2023.[5]
- ^ "山形新幹線をより便利に快適にします" [Make the Yamagata Shinkansen more convenient and comfortable] (PDF). jreast.co.jp. 東日本旅客鉄道株式会社. 3 March 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 March 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
- ^ "山形新幹線 25年ぶりの新型車両「E8系」営業運転開始" ["E8 series", begins revenue service, the first new vehicle on the Yamagata Shinkansen in 25 years]. NHK. 16 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
- ^ "山形新幹線の新型車両削減" [Reduction in new Yamagata Shinkansen train sets]. Kyodo News Online (in Japanese). 18 May 2022. Archived from the original on 17 May 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
- ^ "New E8 bullet train". Japan Today. 30 January 2023. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.