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Kintetsu 8A Series / 近鉄8A系

The 8A Series (8A系) is a general type commuter train introduced by Kintetsu Railway in 2024.

The first type to enter service within Kintetsu's next generation of commuter trains, the 8A series is the company's newest general type vehicles after the production of the Series 21 generation ended in 2008. As of 2024, 459 cars within Kintetsu's regular fleet was over 50 years old, and replacement of these aging vehicles were necessary. 40 cars have been manufactured so far for use on the Kyoto-Nara line system, with more planned in FY2025 and beyond. Those intended for other areas of Kintetsu's network will be classified as separate types, sharing the same design motifs and much of the equipment. The exterior is a red and white color scheme, and the front car uses an octagonal design based on a new but familiar concept. Kintetsu had stated that a 45% reduction in energy consumption was achieved via more efficient VVVF control systems and an electromagnetic air brake system, although it is not unknown which type was used as comparison. A "L/C Car" design was chosen for this type, with the majority of seats able to be rotated to switch between long seat and cross seat modes, adapting to expected passenger demand. Within each car, two special seats were installed dedicated to passengers with strollers or large luggage, which can be parked next to the seat in a position not to cause inconvenience for other passengers. All existing 8A series vehicles are arranged in fixed 4 car formations, although sets of varying lengths will likely be introduced on other parts of the network. Despite the difference in motor and braking equipment, this type can be coupled together with existing Kintetsu types, and often operates as such on the company's busier lines.


Basic Information:

Max Speed: 120km/h
Acceleration: 0.83m/s/s
Motor Output: 240kW x 4 per car
Seating: convertible (L/C Car)
In Service: 2024-

The following formations are included:

8A Series (4 Car) Long Seat Mode

Configuration: 2M2T
Max Pax: 1000
-can be coupled up to 3 sets

8A Series (4 Car) Cross Seat Mode

Configuration: 2M2T
Max Pax: 842
-can be coupled up to 3 sets