You may remember that I wrote about Tobu’s 80000 series new EMU last June. At that time, I mentioned that I would “save the technical specifications of the 80000 series for a future post.”
Ten months have passed since then. Time really flies. Now, I finally have a chance to introduce those details, so let’s get started.
The 80000 series EMU is Tobu Railway’s commuter train for the Urban Park Line (Noda Line). It operates on a 1,500 V DC system with a 1,067 mm track gauge. The train entered service in March 2025 to replace the older 8000 and 10030 series. Each set consists of five 20-meter cars—two motor cars and three trailer cars. The car bodies are made of aluminum alloy, and a total of 25 sets are planned to be introduced.
Here are some of the technical features.
First, the train is equipped with 250 kW synchronous reluctance motors instead of the conventional induction motors. The traction system uses a full-SiC VFD (full silicon-carbide variable-frequency drive). These technologies help reduce maintenance and save energy.
Second, the train has an on-board battery system. The power generated from regenerative braking is not returned to the overhead lines but stored and used for on-board power supply. This helps prevent the loss of regenerated energy.
Third, two trainsets are equipped with monitoring equipment for facilities such as tracks and overhead lines.
Now, I would like to share a topic for old-school trainspotters as well. Please take a look at the top photo. I took this photo of the 80000 series when I joined an event held by the Japan Railfan Club at Nanakodai Railyard. This particular trainset is slightly different from the one I showed in my post last year.
Please look at the photo below. The middle car (Car 3, SaHa 83551) looks different from the cars on both sides. For example, the height of the roof and the shape of the lower body seem a bit unusual.
In fact, this car is a refurbished vehicle from the 60000 series EMU, not a newly built one. Why did Tobu choose to do this?
I’m running out of space here, so I will save the explanation for a future post. Please look forward to it!
