315 series

The 315 series (315系) is a commuter electric multiple unit (EMU) train type introduced by Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) in the Nagoya and Shizuoka areas on 5 March 2022.

Background
JR Central has ordered 352 cars as a replacement for the 211, 213, and 311 series trains operating since the late 1980s. All trains have been manufactured by Nippon Sharyo, and are the first trains to have the N-QUALIS brand.

Fleet details
The fleet will ultimately consist of 42 four-car sets and 23 eight-car sets. For sets based at Jinryō depot, the eight-car sets are numbered from C1 onwards while the four-car 315-3000 series sets are numbered from C101 onwards. Four-car 315-3000 series sets based at Shizuoka depot are numbered from U1 onwards.

Operations
Eight-car sets are used on the Chūō Main Line between Nagoya and Nakatsugawa. Four-car sets based at Jinryō depot are used on the Kansai Main Line between Nagoya and Kameyama since 1 June 2023, as well as on the Tōkaidō Main and Taketoyo lines in the Nagoya area since 15 March 2024. Four-car sets will be used on the Shizuoka section of the Tōkaido Main Line from 1 June 2024.

Formations
Eight-car sets are formed as follows.

Interior
The design concept of the interior is "a comfortable moving space with a gentle and secure feeling."

Passenger accommodation consists of longitudinal seating throughout; each seat has a per-occupant width of 46 cm, a 1 cm increase over those of the 211 series. Wheelchair spaces are provided in every car. Also featured are LCD passenger information displays and security cameras. Priority seating areas use a different floor design and color scheme to distinguish them from general-use seating.

History
The fleet was first introduced into service on 5 March 2022, with eight-car sets C2 and C6 being the first to enter service.

Sets from C8 onwards are designated for fleet expansion. This set also has modified cowcatchers at the end cars compared to the previous existing 8-car sets (of which there are seven).

The the first two four-car sets (sets C101 and C102) began appearing in December 2022. As of 21 September 2023, all 23 eight-car sets have been delivered with the appearance of set C23. The thiteenth and fourteenth four-car sets (C113 and C114) were seen test-running as of 8 April 2024.

Four-car sets U1 and U2, which were bound for the Shizuoka area, were delivered in May 2024. These sets feature semi-automatic doors whereby passenger-operated door buttons are positioned next to the train doors.