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JR East HB-E300 Series / JR東日本HB-E300系

The HB-E300 Series (HB-E300系) is a hybrid DMU operated by JR East on special and tourist trains.

Following the commercial introduction of the KiHa E200 series, which was JR East's first hybrid train, the company investigated other ways to apply to the technology. The HB-E300 series was developed to run sightseeing 'resort' trains on the scenic rural lines of Northern Japan. The car body follows the KiHa E200 series, and is made out of lightweight stainless steel. A non-standard front made of ordinary steel is attached in order to emphasis the premium nature of the services offered. Like other hybrid trains, the HB-E300 series uses diesel engines to rotate the generator, which in turn powers the electric motors. Regenerative braking is installed to charge the batteries via the VVVF inverter device, and the type shares the same automated 'energy management control system found on other JR East hybrid DMUs. Vehicles of this series was produced in 2 and 4 car sets, with a total of 20 cars manufactured. Most vehicles have a standard interior with airline style seating similar to Limited Express vehicles, although it is typically decorated to a more luxurious feel. Some sets have special vehicles such as a dining car, event space car or premium seating alike to air travel business class. The type is used on several tourist train routes across JR East's jurisdiction, with presence in but not limited to Aomori, Fukushima, and Nagano prefectures.

Basic Information:

Max Speed: 100km/h
Acceleration: 0.64m/s/s
Motor Output: 95kW x 2 per car
In Service: 2010-

The following formations are included:

2 Car

Configuration: all cars powered
Max Pax: 78

4 Car

Configuration: all cars powered
Max Pax: 158
-can be coupled up to 4 sets