The is a single-car

hybrid Hybrid may refer to: Science * Hybrid (biology), an offspring resulting from cross-breeding ** Hybrid grape, grape varieties produced by cross-breeding two ''Vitis'' species ** Hybridity, the property of a hybrid plant which is a union of two diff ...

diesel multiple unit (DMU) train type operated by

East Japan Railway Company The is a major passenger railway company in Japan and the largest of the seven Japan Railways Group companies. The company name is officially abbreviated as JR-EAST or JR East in English, and as in Japanese. The company's headquarters are in ...

(JR East) on the Koumi Line in Japan. Three cars were delivered in April 2007, entering revenue service from 31 July 2007. The body design is based on the earlier

KiHa E130 series The is a class of diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains operated since January 2007 by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) in Japan. Variants * KiHa E130-0 series: Single-car and two-car units used on the Suigun Line since January 2007 * KiH ...

DMUs, but with two single doors per side instead of three pairs of doors. The cars incorporate hybrid diesel/ battery technology developed on the earlier " NE Train" experimental hybrid car, and were intended to operate for a period of two years on the Koumi Line to evaluate the viability for full-scale fleet operation. Two cars are normally used together on services on the line.

Hybrid operation cycle

On starting from standstill, energy stored in

lithium-ion batteries A lithium-ion or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses the reversible intercalation of Li+ ions into electronically conducting solids to store energy. Li-ion batteries are characterized by higher specific energy, energy ...

is used to drive the motors, with the engine cut out. The engine then cuts in for further acceleration and running on gradients. When running down gradients, the motor acts as a generator, recharging the batteries. The engine is also used for braking.

Interior

The passenger saloons are arranged with 1+2 abreast transverse seating and longitudinal bench seating at the car ends. Each car includes a wheelchair-compatible toilet.

References

External links

JR East KiHa E200 Information

(Japan Railfan Magazine) {{JR East EMU East Japan Railway Company Train-related introductions in 2007 Hybrid multiple units of Japan