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N700S Series Shinkansen / 新幹線N700S系

The N700S Series (N700S系) is a Shinkansen train type operated by JR Central, JR West and JR Kyushu.

The 6th and latest generation of commercial vehicles for the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, the N700S series began operations in July 2020. Unlike the 700 and N700 series, JR West was not involved in the design phase, and the vehicle was developed by JR Central alone. The front vehicle has inherited the "Aero Double Wing" design of the N700 series, with the height of the edges raised to reduce noise and wind resistance in tunnels. The nose section was also lengthened by 1 meter for the same purpose. For the interior, regular seats have metal springs replaced with fabric springs to increase comfort. The green cars has a redesigned cabin from the N700 series, with warm colors and spacious seating. As with all previous Tōkaidō Shinkansen vehicles, the length of a formation is 16 cars. JR Central's J formation operates Nozomi between Tokyo and Hakata, there are a total of 42 sets as of current. JR West operates the H formation on Nozomi and Hikari, which is practically identical apart from the exterior logo, only 4 H sets have been produced to date. JR Kyushu's Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen, which opened in 2022, utilizes the modified 6-car variant of the N700S type. These are labelled the 8000 series and operates as Kamome with 5 sets manufactured. To date, a total of 680 cars are operational, with future additions expected. JR Central is likely to replace the older N700 series sets in the near future, while JR West has indicated the withdrawal of the 500 series and 700 series before 2030. It is likely that JR Kyushu will introduce the N700S type on the Kyushu Shinkansen at some stage, but no plans have been announced as of current. Internationally, Taiwan has ordered 12 sets to replace their 700T high speed trains, which is in turn based on the 700 series Shinkansen. In the US, The type has been selected as the rolling stock for the proposed Texas Central Railway, to which JR Central also serves as a technical adviser.

Basic Information

Max Speed: 360km/h (provisional*)
Acceleration: 0.72m/s/s
Motor Output: 305kW x 4 per car

The following formations are included:

N700S-8000 Y Formation (6 Car)

Configuration: all cars powered
Max Pax: 396
In Service: 2022-

N700S-0 J/H Formation (16 Car)

Configuration: 14M2T
Max Pax: 1323
In Service: 2020-

*Maximum operating speeds on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen is limited to 285km/h, and the San'yo Shinkansen 300km/h. The train itself in theory supports up to 360km/h operating speeds, but it has not be approved for commercial service as track conditions are the limiting factor.