East Japan Railway New Energy Train
JR East (East Japan Railway), the largest locomotive company
in Japan serving over 16 million commuters daily has demonstrated
the world's first hydrogen hybrid commuter train. JR East's
New Energy Train (NE Train) will replace current diesel and
electric trains that run to remote locations where there are
no overhead power cables.
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JR East New Energy Train |
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Set to rollout commercially in the second quarter of 2007,
the New Energy Train is powered by two 65kw polymer electrolyte
membrane (PEM) fuel cells and a high-tech battery pack. The
top speed for the JR East New Energy Train is 60 mph and its
range is approximately 60 miles before refueling.
The New Energy Train also uses regenerative braking, similar
to that used by the Toyota Prius and other hybrid cars in
order to restore energy and recharge the lithium-ion battery
pack. The New Energy Train also consumes 20-percent less fuel
than traditional diesel locomotives.
With this hydrail demonstration, East Japan Railway has taken
the lead on Tokyo's Railway Technical Research Institute (RTRI)
who has also been competing to complete Japan's first hydrogen
commuter train as well. The New Energy Train is noticeably
quieter than its diesel counterpart powerful enough utilizing
two 95kw electric drive motors.
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