Development of a Fuel Cell Hybrid Test Trains 

JR East is aiming to diversify its energy sources. Promoting the use of hydrogen is part of this effort. We have been proceeding with development of a fuel cell vehicle that uses hydrogen as an energy source. We will develop the FV-E991 series of fuel cell hybrid test train, of which demonstrations will be conducted on commercial routes.

JR East's FV-E991 series will be equipped with a hybrid system that uses a hydrogen fuel cell and a storage battery as its power sources and is the first railway vehicle to be able to use high-pressure hydrogen at 70MPa. This enables long-distance rail travel that was difficult to achieve with 35MPa fuel cell vehicles. The configuration of this test train allows for field tests aimed at future commercialization and has specifications that could be easily applied to commercial use.