The is a
hybrid
Hybrid may refer to:
Science
* Hybrid (biology), an offspring resulting from cross-breeding
** Hybrid grape, grape varieties produced by cross-breeding two ''Vitis'' species
** Hybridity, the property of a hybrid plant which is a union of two dif ...
diesel-electric multiple unit
A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a multiple-unit train powered by on-board diesel engines. A DMU requires no separate locomotive, as the engines are incorporated into one or more of the carriages. Diesel-powered single-unit railcars are also ...
(DMU) train type operated by
Kyushu Railway Company
The , also referred to as , is one of the seven constituent companies of Japan Railways Group (JR Group). It operates intercity rail services within Kyushu, Japan and the JR Kyushu Jet Ferry Beetle hydrofoil service across the Tsushima Strait ...
(JR Kyushu) in Japan since 14 March 2020. One two-car train was delivered in June 2018
for testing in preparation for full production and entry into revenue service.
Interior
The interior features
LED lighting
An LED lamp or LED light bulb is an electric light that produces light using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LED lamps are significantly more energy-efficient than equivalent incandescent lamps
and can be significantly more efficient than mos ...
and four-language passenger information displays. Seating consists of a mix of longitudinal seating and seating bays.
Technical specifications
The car bodies are made out of stainless steel.
The train is equipped with a
storage battery
A rechargeable battery, storage battery, or secondary cell (formally a type of energy accumulator), is a type of electrical battery which can be charged, discharged into a load, and recharged many times, as opposed to a disposable or prima ...
, which can be charged with the regenerated power from braking. JR Kyushu reports that the hybrid system consumes 20% less fuel than the
diesel-hydraulic
A diesel locomotive is a type of railway locomotive in which the prime mover is a diesel engine. Several types of diesel locomotives have been developed, differing mainly in the means by which mechanical power is conveyed to the driving wheels ...
KiHa 66 and 67 trains, which were envisaged to be replaced by the YC1 series.
History
The first set, a 2-car set, was delivered in June 2018,
and is based at Sasebo depot. The set was used in a test run on the
Nagasaki Main Line
The , or simply Nagasaki Line, is a railway line owned by the Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) connecting Tosu Station in Saga Prefecture to Nagasaki Station in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. There is a separate branch of this line from Kikitsu S ...
and
Sasebo Line
The is a railway line in Kyushu, Japan, operated by the Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu). It connects Kōhoku Station in Kōhoku, Saga Prefecture to Sasebo Station in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture. It is part of the route connecting Sasebo wit ...
in March 2019.
Revenue service began on 14 March 2020.
Throughout 2020, twenty-four YC1 series cars were delivered from
Kawasaki Heavy Industries
(or simply Kawasaki) is a Japanese Public company, public multinational corporation manufacturer of motorcycles, engines, Heavy equipment (construction), heavy equipment, aerospace and Military, defense equipment, rolling stock and ships, headq ...
' Hyogo plant.
Since 23 September 2022, a majority of Nagasaki Main Line local and rapid services have been operated using YC1 series trains.
References
External links
JR Kyushu press release issued on 26 January 2018
{{JR Kyushu rolling stock
Hybrid multiple units of Japan
Kyushu Railway Company
Train-related introductions in 2018
Kawasaki multiple units