East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) expects to commence commercial operations of its hydrogen-powered fuel cell train in late March.
The Hybari test train, which was revealed on Feb. 18 at Kawasaki’s rail yard, runs on hydrogen-powered energy. Braking provides more power, allowing the train to operate without generating carbon dioxide.
JR East intends to phase out diesel locomotives in favor of the Hybari as part of its efforts to decarbonize railways.
The Hybari can go 140 kilometers on 40 kilograms of hydrogen, according to JR East officials.
JR East, Toyota Motor Corp., which manufactures the Mirai fuel cell vehicle, and Hitachi Ltd., which specializes in storage batteries, built the two-car train at a cost of 4 billion yen ($34.7 million).
Its façade was inspired by the water produced by hydrogen’s chemical interactions, while the interior features predominantly green and blue fittings that symbolize mountains, rivers, and other natural features.
According to JR East, the Hybari will be tested late at night after normal operations along the Nanbu and Tsurumi lines in Kanagawa Prefecture around once a week for fuel efficiency and safety.
According to the firm, 28 of its 69 railway lines contain sections that are not electrified and are therefore devoid of power wires. The Hybari is intended to take the place of diesel trains on specific routes.
Because non-electrified parts are frequently located in areas with declining patronage, JR East will face a struggle in recouping the costs of installing hydrogen stations.
