E8 Series Shinkansen / 新幹線E8系
The E8 Series (E8系) is a Shinkansen train type operated by JR East on Tsubasa services on Tōhoku Shinkansen and Yamagata Shinkansen.
A new design intended to reduce travel times between Tokyo and Yamagata Prefecture, the E8 series entered service on 16th March, 2024. This was the first new vehicle for the Yamagata Shinkansen since the E3 series about 25 years ago. The top speed on the Tōhoku Shinkansen portion was raised to 300km/h from 275km/h, which reduced the travel time between Tokyo and Yamagata by 4 minutes. Compared to the E3 Series, the front arrow shape section was increased to 9 meters from 3 meters, but it is shorter than the E6 series’ 12 meters. This allows the type to reduce the effect of micro pressure waves without excessively limiting capacity. The formation length was maintained at 7 cars, the same as the E3-1000 series, although the capacity was reduced by 50 passengers. The interior was designed by Ken Okuyama, who was a former designer for Ferrari and was involved in the E6 and E7 Shinkansen types. The motif of the cabin and seat decors are inspired by the natural landmarks of Yamagata, which are the Mogami River and Mt. Gassan. There are currently 4 sets in operation, with 15 sets (105 cars) planned to be produced in total, they will gradually replace the E3-1000 series currently operating Tsubasa.
Basic Information:
Max Speed: 300km/h
Acceleration: 0.56m/s/s
Motor Output: 300kW x 4 per car
In Service: 2024-
The following formations are included:
E8 Series (7 Car)
Configuration: 5M2T
Max Pax: 352
-can be coupled up to 2 sets
