JR Central HC 85 series
Data (as of 29 Nov 2025)
| Status: | Least Concern |
| Constructed in: | 2019-23 |
| Number built: | 68 |
| Registered: | 68 |
History
The HC 85 series is a type of diesel-electric multiple units for limited express services which replaced KiHa 85 series. According to JR Central, HC stands for "Hybrid Car", though it is in fact not different to ordinary diesel-electric trains. Each unit is formed of two or four coaches, and can be formed of up to 10 coaches in total.
Since the HC 85 series is essentially an electric train, the numbering and classification thereof are in accordance with those of electric multiple units, not diesel multiple units. For example, intermediate carriages are classified as "MoHa 84" instead of "KiHa".
The HC 85 series entered into Hida in 2022, and Nanki in the following year.
Current Operations & Future Prospects
The HC 85 series is used for Limited Express Hida (Nagoya - Toyama via Takayama Main Line) and Nanki (Nagoya - Kii-Katsuura). Due to an increase in demand, JR Central decided to introduce six more carriages in 2027.