JR Kyushu DEC 819 series DENCHA

Data (as of 6 Jul 2024)

History

The BEC 819 series, hereinafter referred to as the 819 series, is a type of battery-electric multiple unit of JR Kyushu. In 2012, the company converted a unit of 817 series with batteries and carried out experiments, to develop the 819 series. JR East later introduced a similar type called EV-E801 series to Oga Line in Akita Prefecture.

Each unit consists of two coaches with longitudinal seating. The 819 series was first introduced to Chikuho Main Line (also known as Wakamatsu Line), and then gradually expanded. In 2019, the company introduced trainsets with larger batteries and enhanced Ethernet cables to Kashii Line. The 819 series replaced all KiHa 31 series and KiHa 40 series in Fukuoka Prefecture.

"BEC" presumably means "Battery Electric Car", while "DENCHA" stands for "DUAL ENERGY CHARGE TRAIN". "DENCHA" also resembles a Japanese word "densha", which means "(electric) train".

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 819 series is used on Chikuho Main and Kagoshima Main Lines (also known as Fukuhoku Yutaka and Wakamatsu Lines) as well as Kashii Line. Those on Kashii Line have been operated without a driver since 2023 though there is a staff in case of emergency.