JR Central is conducting running tests on the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line in preparation for the opening of the Chuo Shinkansen. Since 2013, tests have been conducted with the L0 series vehicles, and since 2020, with the improved L0 series test vehicles. Now, as the production of a new L0 series improved test vehicle (one intermediate car: M10) has progressed and its deployment is scheduled, the company has announced its details.
Features of the New Vehicle
① Reduction of Environmental Impact
- Application of riblet film to the vehicle body surface and optimization of the bogie shape to reduce air resistance by approximately 1% (based on a 16-car train), leading to lower power consumption.
- Riblet film: A film with fine groove structures that mimic shark skin. Since August 2024, it has been tested on existing vehicles on the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line. This will be the first application on a newly manufactured vehicle.
② Dedicated Design for High-Temperature Superconducting Magnets
- The vehicle adopts a dedicated design optimized for high-temperature superconducting magnets.
- Optimization of the vehicle’s equipment layout to reduce costs.
③ Vehicle Design
- Exterior: A futuristic design featuring an unpainted silver body with a gold stripe representing the flow of high-speed light.
- Interior: A white-based passenger cabin, furnished with calm-colored seating, creating a simple yet sophisticated design.
Number of Vehicles to be Produced
- Intermediate car: 1 vehicle
- The running test will be conducted in combination with existing L0 series improved test vehicles and L0 series vehicles.
Design & Manufacturing Companies
- Design: Hitachi, Ltd., Nippon Sharyo
- Manufacturing: Hitachi, Ltd.
Schedule
- Summer 2025: Test runs scheduled to begin
