JR East to Operate Japan's First Hydrogen Hybrid Train in 2027

JR East will operate Japan's first hydrogen hybrid train by the end of fiscal year 2027. The train, named Hybari, is scheduled to serve the Tsurumi and Nambu Lines in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo.

Kyodo News in its report, quoted Wednesday, July 15, said the train was equipped with a fuel cell and storage battery. Electricity to drive the train is generated through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

The process does not produce carbon dioxide when electricity is produced inside the train. In one hydrogen charge, Hybari can travel about 70 kilometers.

The fuel cell is a device that converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. The technology is combined with a battery in Hybari.

JR East has been testing the performance and operational stability of the train since 2022. The company has not announced further details regarding its operation.

The Hybari fabrication and testing is part of JR East's efforts to expand the use of renewable energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.