On 1 July 2020, the Central Japan Railway Co. officially launched the N700S trains into revenue service on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. It was the first fully remodeled bullet train in 13 years, boasting cutting-edge new features which reduce air resistance and noise in comparison to current models.
The N700A was launched in 2013, and with the ‘A’ suffix standing stands for ‘Advanced’. The 6th-generation model of the N700 series, the suffix of the N700S stands for ‘Supreme’ to signify the progression in design, technology, and comfort
The front of the train is more streamlined and angular, and the interior also has new features to make journeys more comfortable for passengers. The reclining seats are specially-designed so the backrest and seat move in tandem and all seats have a power socket for mobile devices.
The company believes the lithium-ion battery self-propulsion system will be extremely useful during power outages or earthquakes. Trains that otherwise might be left stranded in bridges or tunnels will be able to operate catenary-free at low speed to the nearest station. Four of the N700S train’s 16 cars carry batteries on the underside of its carriages.
The N700 series is also operating on the Tokaido and Sanyo Lines with the Nozomi, Kodama, and Hikari trains. The last two are currently included with the Japan Rail Pass (you can also pay a supplement to ride the Nozomi line with your pass from October 2023).
The N700S is expected to gradually replace N700 series sets on these lines, as reflected in an expanded N700S timetable.
The N700 series’ previous maximum speed was 332km/h, reached in 2009 between Maibara and Kyoto during high-speed trials. Ten years later in 2019, the N700S broke this achieving a top speed of 363 km/h (226 mph).
The N700A was launched in 2013, and the ‘A’ suffix stands for ‘Advanced’. The suffix of the N700S stands for ‘supreme’ to signify the progression in design, technology, and comfort. It is the 6th-generation model of the N700 series and intended to be the best.
Other technological improvements include the utilization of a new type of active suspension will make journeys feel smoother. There are also be refinements to the ATC (Automatic Train Control) and the braking systems to allow for shorter braking distances in the event of emergencies. The traction system also uses silicon carbide components resulting in 7% less power usage than its ‘Advanced’ predecessor.
Plans in the pipeline include the upgrade of first-class cars to offer fewer, more spacious seats, each rotatable with a high backrest, lockable door, and extra legroom. The upgraded zone will also include Wi-Fi and dedicated luggage space.
Additionally, by 2026, N700S trains may feature single and double private cabins, designed to offer hotel-level comfort and maximum privacy.
Credit for images by Kyodo News photographers