Taiwan High-Speed Rail's first N700ST train was loaded and shipped

Rail Transit Expo News: The Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium (HTSC) recently announced that the first new high-speed train set ordered by Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) has been loaded and shipped, marking the official delivery phase of the new generation trains built on Japan's N700S Shinkansen platform.

The first delivered vehicle is a 12-car high-speed train, manufactured by Hitachi's Kasado plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, and has now departed for Taiwan. This train is part of the order awarded by the Hitachi-Toshiba consortium in May 2023.

According to the contract, the consortium will deliver 12 high-speed train sets to Taiwan High-Speed Rail Corporation, totaling 144 cars. This batch of trains is model N700ST, consisting of 12 cars, with a single train length of about 300 meters and a maximum commercial operating speed of 300 km/h.

The N700ST was developed from Japan's currently operating N700S Shinkansen trains and was adapted and improved to meet the conditions and operational needs of Taiwan High Speed Rail. In the future, this model will operate on the Taiwan North-South High-Speed Rail Line, serving the section from Taipei Nangang to Kaohsiung Zuoying.

In terms of technical configuration, the N700ST trains adopt multiple new technologies to improve operational efficiency and emergency response capabilities. Among them, the train traction system combines silicon carbide (SiC) power devices with a fanless cooling system, helping to reduce equipment size and weight and lower train operating energy consumption.

The trains will also be equipped with Toshiba's SCiB™ lithium-ion battery system. In the event of external power outages, the battery system can support the train moving at low speed to a safe location while maintaining the operation of basic onboard facilities such as lighting and restrooms.

In terms of passenger facilities, the new train's exterior features a white front end with orange accents, echoing the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation's brand vision while retaining some design elements from the existing 700T train. The standard cabin will feature reclining seats with interlocking cushions, while the business class will be equipped with more enveloping seats.

Additionally, trains will be equipped with active suspension systems to reduce vibrations during high-speed operation and improve ride comfort. Other amenities include power outlets at every seat, full-color LCD passenger information displays, additional luggage storage space, and upgraded nursing rooms. Compared to the existing fleet, the new trains will also add wheelchair parking space, further improving barrier-free travel conditions.

According to the project plan, 12 N700ST high-speed trainsets will be commercially operational by the end of 2028. After the new trains are put into operation, Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation will increase train frequency to enhance the transport capacity of the North-South High-Speed Rail trunk line. It is expected that during peak passenger flow, Taiwan's high-speed rail will increase its overall passenger capacity by about 25%.

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