The train is derived from the experimental 817 series BEMU train developed by JR Kyushu, and will incorporate modifications to cope with the colder climate of Akita Prefecture.[3]
The two-car EV-E801 series train operates as an electric multiple unit (EMU) under the 20 kV AC overhead wire of the Ou Main Line between Akita and Oiwake, a distance of 13.0 km (8.1 mi), and on battery power over the non-electrified Oga Line tracks between Oiwake and Oga, a distance of 26.6 km (16.5 mi), replacing existing KiHa 40diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains.[3] It can also be recharged via its pantograph at a 20 kV AC recharging facility specially built at Oga Station.[3]
The EV-E800 car is equipped with lithium-ion storage batteries with a total capacity of 360 kWh (at 1,598 V), and operates at a maximum speed of 110 km/h (70 mph) under overhead wires and at 85 km/h (55 mph) on battery power over non-electrified tracks.[3]
Formation
The two-car train is formed as shown below, with one driving motor ("Mc") and one driving trailer ("Tc") car.[4]
Designation
Mc
Tc'
Numbering
EV-E801-1
EV-E800-1
Weight (t)
38.1
37.5
Passenger capacity (seated/total)
40/129
40/127
The Mc car is fitted with one single-arm pantograph.[4]
Car EV-E801-1 in February 2017
Car EV-E801-1 (left) and EV-E800-1 (right) in February 2017
Car EV-E800-1 in February 2017
Interior
Internally, the train uses LED lighting throughout.[3] Seating accommodation consists of longitudinal bench seating. Both cars have a toilet.[4]
The interior of car EV-E801-1 in February 2017, looking toward the driving end
The interior of car EV-E801-1 in February 2017
The interior of car EV-E800-1 in February 2017
The wheelchair and pushchair space in car EV-E800-1 in February 2017
The toilet in car EV-E800-1 in February 2017
The driving cab of car EV-E801-1 in February 2017
History
Initial details of the new train were formally announced by JR East on 20 November 2015.[5] The train underwent evaluation and proving trials on the Oga Line ahead of the scheduled introduction on revenue-earning services in March 2017.[2][5]
On November 2, 2020, two new sets G2 and G3 were delivered from the Kudamatsu factory and arrived at Akita depot on November 4. The sets were transported coupled to each other and hauled by a locomotive as a standard freight train.[7]
On November 16, 2020, three new sets G4, G5, and G6 were delivered from Hitachi and arrived at Akita depot two days later. These sets were also transported as a freight train.[8]
^ ab２０１７年３月 ダイヤ改正について [March 2017 timetable revision] (PDF). News release (in Japanese). Japan: East Japan Railway Company. 16 December 2016. p. 4. Archived(PDF) from the original on 17 December 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
^ abcdeJR東日本、男鹿線に蓄電池電車「EV-E801系」導入へ [JR East to introduce new EV-E801 series battery train on Oga Line]. Response (in Japanese). Japan: IID, Inc. 20 November 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
^ abc"新たな「蓄電池電車」を男鹿線に導入します" [New battery train to be introduced on Oga Line] (PDF). Press release (in Japanese). Japan: East Japan Railway Company Akita Division. 20 November 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
^ abJR男鹿線に新型交流蓄電池電車「EV-E801系」を導入へ JR九州開発車両ベース [New EV-E801 series AC battery train to be introduced on JR Oga Line - based on train developed by JR Kyushu] (in Japanese). Japan: Tetsudo Shimbun. 20 November 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
^JR東日本EV-E801系が甲種輸送される [JR East EV-E801 series delivered]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 10 December 2016. Archived from the original on 10 December 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
^"アキG2・G3編成4両日立製作所出場" (in Japanese). Japan. 4 November 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
