Seibu 8000 series
The Seibu 8000 series is a commuter electric multiple unit train type operated by the private railway operator Seibu Railway in Japan since end of May 2025.
History
Background
On 26 September 2023, Seibu Railway announced that, to replace ageing railcars with DC traction equipment, it would be inheriting approximately 100 variable-frequency-controlled railcars from Tokyu Railways and Odakyu Electric Railway between 2024 and 2029. These cars are according referred to by Seibu as "sustainable trains". Seibu estimated that operating the reused railcars would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 5,700tonnes per year.Inheritance by Seibu Railway
One Odakyu 8000 series 6-car set was transferred to Seibu in May 2024. On 26 September of that year, Seibu announced the ex-Odakyu fleet would receive the designation "8000 series", inheriting the type's original designation.Seibu originally intended for the 8000 series to enter service at the end of fiscal 2024; however, their introduction was deferred to 31 May 2025.
The 8000 series received the 2025 Good Design Award.
Operations
The 8000 series is used on Kokubunji Line services. A total of seven sets are planned for introduction to replace the 2000 series sets used on the Kokubunji Line.Formation
Sets are formed as shown below:- Cars 2 and 4 have a pantograph.
- Cars 1 and 6 have a wheelchair space.