JR East HB-E210 series

Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)

History

The HB-E210 series is a type of hybrid train for suburban rail network. After Senseki Line was devastated by the earthquake and tsunami in 2011, JR East decided to rebuild and modernise it. The company planned to make a new route that connects Senseki and Tohoku Main Lines, but they use different electricity (DC 1.5 kV on Senseki Line, while AC 20 kV 50 Hz on Tohoku Main Line). Since introducing dual-voltage trains is costly, JR East introduced hybrid trains instead.

The body design is based on E721 series with transverse seating, and each carriage has an engine connected to a generator, which supplies electricity to a battery and motors. Regenerative braking system provides energy to the battery when applied. Therefore, the HB-E210 series is essentially an electric-diesel train.

The HB-E210 series entered service in 2015, and JR East named the new route Senseki-Tohoku Line. It made the journey time of the fastest service between Sendai and Ishinomaki 49 minutes, 12 minutes shorter than before. A few services have been extended to Onagawa on Ishinomaki Line in 2016.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The HB-E210 series trains are mostly used on Sendai-Tohoku Line, and all services are formed of four coaches. There are a few services on Ishinomaki Line as mentioned above. Furthermore, they are also used on a few stopping services between Sendai and Kogota on Tohoku Main Line in the early morning and late at night.