YC1 series

The YC1 series is a hybrid diesel-electric multiple unit train type operated by Kyushu Railway Company in Japan since 14 March 2020. One two-car train was delivered in June 2018 for testing in preparation for full production and entry into revenue service.

Interior

The interior features LED lighting and four-language passenger information displays. Seating consists of a mix of longitudinal seating and seating bays.

Technical specifications

The car bodies are made out of stainless steel. The train is equipped with a storage battery, which can be charged with the regenerated power from braking. JR Kyushu reports that the hybrid system consumes 20% less fuel than the diesel-hydraulic KiHa 66 and 67 trains, which were envisaged to be replaced by the YC1 series.

History

The first set, a 2-car set, was delivered in June 2018, and is based at Sasebo depot. The set was used in a test run on the Nagasaki Main Line and Sasebo Line in March 2019. Revenue service began on 14 March 2020. Throughout 2020, twenty-four YC1 series cars were delivered from Kawasaki Heavy Industries' Hyogo plant.
Since 23 September 2022, a majority of Nagasaki Main Line local and rapid services have been operated using YC1 series trains.