The GV-E400 series trains are the first diesel-electric multiple units (not including hybrid train) to be operated by JR East, with diesel engines driving generators, which in turn power electric traction motors.[3] The trains have stainless steel bodies and a maximum speed of 100 km/h (62 mph).[3]
Internally, the sets use LED lighting throughout. Passenger accommodation consists of a mixture of longitudinal bench seating and transverse seating bays.[4] The Niigata-area sets use pink seat moquette,[4] and the Akita sets use blue seat moquette.[1]
The design of the GV-E400 series served as the basis for the H100 series units operated by JR Hokkaido.[5]
Komatsu DMF15HZD-G engine, which dedicates to generating electric power
Interior (Niigata-area set)
Interior (Akita-area set)
Driver's cab
Operations
GV-E400 operations in Niigata as of March 2020 shown in deep red
The GV-E400 series trains are scheduled to be used on the following lines.[2]
The trains are formed as single-car units classified GV-E400 and two-car units classified GV-E401 + GV-E402.[3]
History
Akita-area GV-E400 series single-car unit in February 2021
Details of the new trains were announced by JR East on 4 July 2017.[2] A total of 63 vehicles are scheduled to be built, entering service in the Niigata area from 2019, and in the Akita area from 2020.[2]
One single-car unit and one two-car unit were delivered from the Kawasaki Heavy Industries factory in Kobe in January 2018 for test-running and evaluation.[2][6]
The first train entered service on 19 August 2019.[7]
Fleet
The depots and deliveries dates for the fleet are as shown below.[8][original research?]
^ abJR東日本GV-E400系、五能線・津軽線などに投入する新型車両を公開 [JR East unveils GV-E400 series for Gono Line, Tsugaru Line, and more]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). 4 September 2020. Archived from the original on 1 August 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
^ abcde八戸線および新潟・秋田地区への車両新造計画 [New train manufacture plans for Hachinohe Line and Niigata/Akita regions]. Tetsudo Hobidas (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing Co., Ltd. 4 July 2017. Archived from the original on 4 July 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
^ abcJR東日本，電気式気動車GV-E400系を導入 [JR East to introduce GV-E400 series DEMU]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 4 July 2017. Archived from the original on 4 July 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
^ abJR東日本GV-E400系、新津駅で新型車両の展示会 - 8/19デビューへ [JR East unveils new GV-E400 series train at Niitsu Station, planning for 19 August debut]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). 28 July 2019. Archived from the original on 1 August 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
^JR北海道，新形一般気動車H100形「DECMO」を導入へ [JR Hokkaido to introduce new H100 series "DECMO" DMU]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 12 July 2017. Archived from the original on 12 July 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
^JR東日本GV−E400系が甲種輸送される [JR East GV-E400 series delivered]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 11 January 2018. Archived from the original on 11 January 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
^"GV-E400系が営業運転を開始" [GV-E400 series starts commercial operation]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 20 August 2019. Archived from the original on 29 August 2019. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
^"JR東日本GV-E400系気動車" (in Japanese). Japan. Archived from the original on 14 September 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
