In service 19 October 2016 - Built at Kudamatsu, Yamaguchi Constructed 2016– | Manufacturer Hitachi Family name Hitachi A-train Number under construction 12 vehicles (6 sets) | |
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The BEC819 series (BEC819系), branded "DENCHA" (Dual Energy Charge Train), is a two-car battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) train operated by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) on inter-running services over the Fukuhoku Yutaka Line and Chikuhō Main Line in Fukuoka Prefecture in northern Kyushu, Japan, since October 2016. One pre-series trainset was delivered for testing in April 2016, entering revenue service on 19 October 2016. This will be followed by six more two-car sets, entering service in spring 2017.
Contents
Design
Based on the earlier 817 series electric multiple unit (EMU) trains, styling of the trains was overseen by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka.
Operations
The BEC819 series trains are used on through services over the Fukuhoku Yutaka Line electrified at 20 kV AC and the non-electrified Chikuhō Main Line (known as the "Wakamatsu Line") between Orio and Wakamatsu.
Formations
The BEC819 series trains are formed as two-car sets, with one motored ("Mc") car and one non-powered trailer ("TC") car, as follows.
Interior
Internally, LED lighting is used throughout.
History
Initial details of the new train were formally announced by JR Kyushu on 29 January 2016. A pre-series two-car train was delivered from Hitachi's factory in Yamaguchi Prefecture in April 2016. This underwent testing before entering revenue-earning service on 19 October 2016.
Future plans
A further six two-car trainsets are scheduled to be introduced in spring 2017.