EV-E801 series

The EV-E801 series (EV-E801系) is a two-car battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) train type operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) on the Oga Line in Akita Prefecture in northern Japan since 4 March 2017.

Overview
The train is derived from the experimental 817 series BEMU train developed by JR Kyushu, and will incorporate modifications to cope with the colder climate of Akita Prefecture.

The two-car EV-E801 series train operates as an electric multiple unit (EMU) under the 20 kV AC overhead wire of the Ou Main Line between Akita and Oiwake, a distance of 13.0 km, and on battery power over the non-electrified Oga Line tracks between Oiwake and Oga, a distance of 26.6 km, replacing existing KiHa 40 diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains. It can also be recharged via its pantograph at a 20 kV AC recharging facility specially built at Oga Station.

The EV-E800 car is equipped with lithium-ion storage batteries with a total capacity of 360 kWh (at 1,598 V), and operates at a maximum speed of 110 km/h under overhead wires and at 85 km/h on battery power over non-electrified tracks.

Formation
The two-car train is formed as shown below, with one driving motor ("Mc") and one driving trailer ("Tc") car.

The Mc car is fitted with one single-arm pantograph.

Interior
Internally, the train uses LED lighting throughout. Seating accommodation consists of longitudinal bench seating. Both cars have a toilet.

History
Initial details of the new train were formally announced by JR East on 20 November 2015. The train underwent evaluation and proving trials on the Oga Line ahead of the scheduled introduction on revenue-earning services in March 2017.

The two-car trainset was delivered from the Hitachi factory in Kudamatsu, Yamaguchi to Akita Depot in December 2016.

On November 2, 2020, two new sets G2 and G3 were delivered from the Kudamatsu factory and arrived at Akita depot on November 4. The sets were transported coupled to each other and hauled by a locomotive as a standard freight train.

On November 16, 2020, three new sets G4, G5, and G6 were delivered from Hitachi and arrived at Akita depot two days later. These sets were also transported as a freight train.