Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central or JR Tokai) has just unveiled the new shinkansen model N700S. The train runs on the Tokaido Shinkansen line connecting Tokyo and Osaka - the world's oldest high-speed railway line.
The new train incorporates advanced technology, including a lithium-ion battery system that stores electricity under the floor. This system allows the train to continue running at slow speed in the event of a power outage due to a disaster or emergency.
The N700S shinkansen features a nose with angular sides, providing better aerodynamic efficiency than the current N700 models. The train can reach speeds of up to 360 km/h.
The interior design also has some upgrades: the seats can automatically lower when reclining, and the armrests of the seats are equipped with power outlets.
Along with the introduction of an upgraded ticketing system that allows for pre-purchase of large luggage in mid-May 2020, the N700S also features a large, lockable luggage compartment at the connection between two carriages. The toilet can also be flushed in the event of a power outage.
In addition to 150 surveillance cameras like current train models, the N700S will have 60 more cameras inside the train.
The overhead luggage compartment light will turn on as the train approaches the station.
The train will have 16 cars, including car 11 for wheelchair users. However, it will have only four types of cars instead of eight like previous shinkansen designs. This will make it easier to sell the train in overseas markets, where 8-car or 12-car models are used, instead of the 16-car models used in Japan.
The N700S, with the "S" standing for "supreme", is expected to enter service in July 2020, ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
