EV-E301 series

The EV-E301 series (EV-E301系) is a two-car battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) train type operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) on the Karasuyama Line and Tohoku Main Line since 15 March 2014. The train goes by the nickname "Accum" (Akyumu).

Overview
Developed from the experimental "Smart Denchi-kun" battery railcar tested on the Karasuyama Line in 2012, the two-car EV-E301 series train operates as an electric multiple unit (EMU) under the 1,500 V DC overhead wire of the Tohoku Main Line between Utsunomiya and Hōshakuji, and on battery power over the 20.4 km non-electrified Karasuyama Line. It can also be recharged via its pantographs at a recharging facility specially built at Karasuyama Station.

The two-car trainsets are equipped with 190 kWh lithium-ion storage batteries, and the train has a maximum design speed of 100 km/h, although it normally runs at up to 65 km/h at service.

Formation
The two-car trains are formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Utsunomiya end.

The Mc car has two PS38 single-arm pantographs.

Interior
Internally, the train uses LED lighting throughout. Seating accommodation consists of longitudinal bench seating. The train is not equipped with a toilet.

Bogies
Each car is mounted on a TR255D non-powered trailer bogie at the outer end, and a DT79 motored bogie at the inner end.

History
The first set, V1, was delivered from the Japan Transport Engineering Company (J-TREC) factory in Yokohama on 21 January 2014. Test running commenced on 23 January, on the Utsunomiya Line, including running on battery power with the pantographs lowered. It entered revenue service on the Karasuyama Line from the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014.

In May 2015, the EV-E301 series was awarded the 2015 Laurel Prize, presented annually by the Japan Railfan Club. A presentation ceremony was held at Karasuyama Station on 26 September 2015.

A further three two-car EV-E301 series trainsets were delivered to Utsunomiya from the J-TREC factory in Yokohama in February 2017. These entered service from the start of the revised timetable on 4 March 2017, replacing the remaining diesel multiple-unit trains operating on the Karasuyama Line.