Smart BEST
The Smart BEST train in service in "Hello Kitty" livery, September 2014
ManufacturerKinki Sharyo
Built atOsaka
Constructed2012
Number built2 vehicles (1 set)
Formation2 cars per trainset
Capacity259 per set
Specifications
Car length20,000 mm (65 ft 7 in)
Width2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Floor height1,120 mm (3 ft 8 in)
Doors3 pairs per side
Maximum speed100 km/h (62 mph)
Acceleration2.3 km/(h⋅s) (1.4 mph/s)
Deceleration3.1 km/(h⋅s) (1.9 mph/s)
Electric system(s)Battery
BogiesKD318 (motored), KD318A (trailer)
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The Smart BEST is an experimental Japanese two-car self-charging battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) train developed and manufactured by Kinki Sharyo in 2012 to demonstrate the feasibility of battery train technology for use on non-electrified rural lines.[1] The name is an acronym for "Battery Engine Synergy Train".[1] The train has been tested on JR West and JR Shikoku lines since late 2012.[1][2]

Overview

The Smart BEST train operates using GS Yuasa LIM30H-8A lithium-ion storage battery modules[3] recharged in operation by a small-capacity "e-Brid Plus" diesel engine.[4] The train normally operates at a maximum speed of 70 km/h (43 mph), but is capable of 100 km/h (62 mph) over short distances.[4]

Formation

The two-car train is formed as shown below, with one motored (M) car and one non-powered trailer (T) car.[4]

Designation McTc
Numbering DGBC2A-1DGBC2B-1
Passenger capacity (total/seated) 129/52130/51

Interior

Seating accommodation is arranged as 2+2 abreast transverse seating with seat backs that flip over to face the direction of travel.[4]

History

The Smart BEST train being moved back to Kinki Sharyo in December 2012

The "Smart BEST" train was unveiled to the media in October 2012 at the Kinki Sharyo factory in Osaka,[4] before being moved to Yonago, Tottori for test running on the Sanin Main Line, Sakai Line, and Hakubi Line.[5][6] It was returned to Kinki Sharyo in December 2012.[7] In December 2013, the train was moved to Takamatsu, Kagawa, and started test running on a number of lines in Shikoku, including the Kōtoku Line, Naruto Line, and Tokushima Line.[2]

From September until December 2014, the train was used in revenue service on promotional "Hello Kitty" services in the Wakayama area.[8]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "近畿車輛バッテリー電車"Smart BEST"を開発" [Kinki Sharyo develops "Smart BEST" battery train]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 41, no. 344. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. December 2012. pp. 70–71.
  2. 1 2 "「Smart BEST」が高徳線で試運転" ["Smart BEST" test run on Kotoku Line]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 6 December 2013. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
  3. ↑ "GSユアサのLiイオン2次電池、近畿車輛のバッテリ電車「Smart BEST」に採用" [GS Yuasa Li-ion batteries to be used in Kinki Sharyo "Smart BEST" battery train]. Tech On (in Japanese). Japan: Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. 21 December 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "近畿車輛が開発した非電化路線用バッテリ電車「Smart BEST」" ["Smart BEST" battery EMU developed by Kinki Sharyo for non-electrified lines]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 53, no. 621. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. January 2013. pp. 62–63.
  5. ↑ ""Smart BEST" 甲種輸送" ["Smart BEST" moved]. RM News (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. 24 October 2012. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  6. ↑ 近畿車輛株式会社が開発した自己充電型バッテリー車両の走行試験について [Test running of battery train developed by Kinki Sharyo]. Press release (in Japanese). Japan: West Japan Railway Company. 30 October 2012. Archived from the original on 6 June 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
  7. ↑ ""Smart BEST" 甲種輸送で返却される" ["Smart BEST" returned]. RM News (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. 13 December 2012. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  8. ↑ 快速“ハローキティ和歌山号”運転開始 [Rapid "Hello Kitty Wakayama" service starts]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 16 September 2014. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
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