KiHa E200 series

KiHa E200 series
Consist led by KiHa E200-2 in July 2019
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Tokyu Car Corporation
Type of locomotive	Diesel-electric multiple unit
Constructed	2007
Number built	3 cars
Dimensions	19,500 mm × 2,920 mm × 3,620 mm
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Prime mover	DMF15HZB-G prime mover
Auxiliary electrical systems	15.2 kWh lithium-ion battery bank
Traction system	Variable frequency (IGBT)
Service information
In service	31 July 2007 – Present
Branding	HB E200 Koumi Hybrid Train
Formation	Single car
Number in service	3 cars
Fleet numbers	KiHa E200-1 – KiHa E200-3
Preservation information
Preserved	N/A
Number scrapped	N/A

The KiHa E200 series is a suburban low-capacity hybrid diesel-electric multiple unit used by the East Japan Railway Company since July 2007.

History

The KiHa E200 series was the first hybrid train to be introduced into service in the world. The train was designed based on the test results from the NE Train experimental train. Three cars were subsequently manufactured by Tokyu Car Corporation in 2007 as prototype railcars and placed in Koumi Depot for use on the Koumi Line, where they entered service on 31 July 2007.

For about two years since their entrance into service, the cars collected data for evaluation by JR East; this data would then be used to develop hybrid diesel railcars that would be suitable for mass production. After the successful introduction of the KiHa E200 series on the line, JR East developed the HB-E300 and HB-E210 series hybrid railcars, which would enter service in 2010 and 2015 respectively as an evolution of the concept.

Due to their outstanding design features, the KiHa E200 series cars were a recipient of the 2008 Laurel Prize.

Design

The KiHa E200 series use a contemporary squared-off design similar to many other modern railcars, featuring dual top-mounted headlights and a large front windshield. The trains feature blue accents to evoke the Koumi plateaus and yellow accents to compliment the blue. The front features a design featuring fruit, with the branding "HB E200 Koumi" on it. The Hybrid Train branding is seen prominently on all sides of the cars.

Specifications

Construction is of stainless steel. The train's overall design is largely based on that of the KiHa E130 series railcars on the Suigun Line. Three color LED destination displays are present on the cabs and sides, while LCD destination displays are located in the interior; a second LCD screen is used to display the status of the hybrid system.

The trains are powered by Komatsu DMF15HZB-G prime movers which produce 443 hp (331 kW); each car is equipped with one of these prime movers plus a bank of 15.2 kWh lithium-ion batteries mounted on the roof. Being a hybrid train, the train also uses Hitachi IGBT inverters which produce a hissing sound. At standstill, stored energy from the batteries is used to power auxiliary equipment on the train, such as air conditioning and lights. On moving from standstill, energy stored from the same batteries drives the traction motors via the onboard inverter; at this stage, the engine does not function. The engine will only cut in when the train needs further acceleration or if it is scaling a gradient for added power.

The same basic concept was also applied for the later HB-E300 and HB-E210 series of trains.

See also

• Wikipedia.org