HC85 series

HC85 series
D5 in September 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Nippon Sharyo
Type of locomotive	Diesel multiple unit
Constructed	2019, 2022 – 2023
Number built	68 cars (22 sets)
Dimensions	21,300 mm × 2,918 mm × 3,615 mm
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Prime mover	Cummins C-DMF14HZF prime mover
Traction system	Variable frequency
Service information
In service	1 July 2022 – Present
Formation	2 or 4 cars per set
Number in service	68 cars (22 sets)
Fleet numbers	D1 – D8, D101 – D110, D201 – D204
Preservation information
Preserved	N/A
Number scrapped	N/A

The HC85 series (Hybrid Car) is a Japanese limited express hybrid diesel multiple unit operated by the Central Japan Railway Company since July 2022.

History

First mention of the HC85 series sets occurred on 6 July 2017, when the train was then-unnamed; the trains were mentioned as being a replacement for the aging KiHa 85 series trains. No news came of the train for two years until October 2019, when the train was given the formal designation of HC85 series. The first train was built in November 2019 and was entered into trial service in December 2019.

The first set built, D1, acts as a near-production prototype; full-production sets will be produced from 2022 onward with the intent of them entering service in 2022, with D1 later being converted to full-production standards. The sets entered revenue service on 1 July 2022, making two daily round trips on the Hida service.

Design

The HC85 series sports a rather modern look with streamlining.

Specifications

The sets are built by Nippon Sharyo and feature a stainless steel construction. The trains are engineered to be able to take biofuel. Unlike the KiHa 85 series sets they replace the HC85 series sets cannot be broken up into individual cars.