JR East HB-E220 series

Data (as of 22 Feb 2026)

History

The HB-E220 series is a type of hybrid-diesel train. JR East developed this train to replace 30-year-old KiHa 100 and 110 series used on the Kamaishi Line in Iwate Prefecture and the Hachiko Line in Gunma and Saitama Prefectures. Type HB-E220 is double-ended, while types HB-E221 and HB-E222 are used together to be formed of two coaches. Types HB-E220 and HB-E221 have an accessible toilet.

The front end is based on that of GV-E400 series, but the HB-E220 series has three sets of doors per carriage. There are fewer and smaller windows than other diesel trains that JR East has used. All seats are longitudinal to ease congestion, but local residents are highly likely to be dissatisfied with far fewer seats than the KiHa 100 and 110 series.

The HB-E220 series entered into Hachiko Line service in December 2025, followed by Kamaishi Line units a month later.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The HB-E220 series trains are allocated to Morioka and Takasaki depots. Those in Morioka are used on the Kamaishi Line including services to and from Morioka. The others in Takasaki are used on the Hachiko Line between Takasaki and Komagawa.

The type HB-E220 is only allocated to Morioka, and all of those in Takasaki are formed of two coaches.