E259 series
Japanese train type
title: "E259 series" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["electric-multiple-units-of-japan", "east-japan-railway-company", "train-related-introductions-in-2009", "kinki-sharyo-multiple-units", "1500-v-dc-multiple-units-of-japan", "tokyu-car-multiple-units", "raised-cab-multiple-units"] description: "Japanese train type" topic_path: "geography/japan" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E259_series" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::summary Japanese train type ::
::data[format=table title="Infobox train"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | E259 series |
| image | Series-E259 NE018.jpg |
| caption | A pair of E259 series sets on a Narita Express service in June 2021 |
| service | October 2009–present |
| manufacturer | Kinki Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corporation |
| family | N'EX |
| replaced | 253 series (Narita Express), 255 series (Shiosai) |
| yearconstruction | 2009–2010 |
| numberbuilt | 132 vehicles (22 sets) |
| numberservice | 132 vehicles (22 sets) |
| formation | 6 cars per trainset |
| fleetnumbers | Ne001–Ne022 |
| capacity | 290 (262 standard + 28 Green) |
| operator | JR East |
| depots | Kamakura |
| carbody | Aluminium alloy |
| carlength | 21 m (end cars) |
| 20 m (intermediate cars) | |
| width | 2946 mm |
| height | 3655 mm |
| doors | 2 per side |
| maxspeed | 130 km/h |
| acceleration | 0.56 m/s2 |
| deceleration | 1.4 m/s2 |
| traction | Hitachi SC90A 2-level IGBT–VVVF |
| traction motors | 4 × 140 kW MT75B 3-phase AC induction motor |
| electricsystem | overhead lines |
| collectionmethod | PS33D single-arm pantographs |
| uicclass | 2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′ |
| bogies | DT77 (motored), TR262 (trailer) |
| safety | ATS-P, ATS-SN |
| gauge | |
| notes | |
| :: |
| name = E259 series | image = Series-E259 NE018.jpg | caption = A pair of E259 series sets on a Narita Express service in June 2021 | service = October 2009–present | manufacturer = Kinki Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corporation | factory = | family = N'EX | replaced = 253 series (Narita Express), 255 series (Shiosai) | yearconstruction = 2009–2010 | yearservice = | refurbishment = | yearscrapped = | numberconstruction = | numberbuilt = 132 vehicles (22 sets) | numberservice = 132 vehicles (22 sets) | numberpreserved = | numberscrapped = | formation = 6 cars per trainset | fleetnumbers = Ne001–Ne022 | capacity = 290 (262 standard + 28 Green) | operator = JR East | depots = Kamakura | lines = | carbody = Aluminium alloy | carlength = 21 m (end cars) 20 m (intermediate cars) | width = 2946 mm | height = 3655 mm | doors = 2 per side | maxspeed = 130 km/h | weight = | acceleration = 0.56 m/s2 | deceleration = 1.4 m/s2 | traction = Hitachi SC90A 2-level IGBT–VVVF | traction motors = 4 × 140 kW MT75B 3-phase AC induction motor | poweroutput = | transmission = | aux = | powersupply = | hvac = | electricsystem = overhead lines | collectionmethod = PS33D single-arm pantographs | uicclass = 2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′ | bogies = DT77 (motored), TR262 (trailer) | brakes = | safety = ATS-P, ATS-SN | coupling = | multipleworking = | gauge = | notes =
The E259 series is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) in Japan since October 2009 on Narita Express limited express services to and from Narita International Airport.
Design
The design of the trains was overseen by industrial designer Kenji Ekuan. Retracting gangway connections on the end cars allow two sets to be coupled together to form 12-car formations. Electrical and safety equipment is duplicated, as on the E233 series commuter trains, to improve safety and reliability. Active suspension on end cars and yaw dampers between all cars provide improved ride comfort. The MoHa E259-500 car is equipped with two single-arm pantographs, but one is reserved for emergency use.
Unlike the previous 253 series trains, the E259 series trains are not equipped with Automatic Train Control (ATC).
Operations
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/JR_East_E259_Series_"Marine_Express_Odoriko".jpg" caption="An E259 series set on a ''Marine Express Odoriko'' service in December 2012"] ::
The E259 series trains are used almost exclusively on Narita Express limited express services linking Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture with and other stations in the Greater Tokyo area. E259 series trains were also used occasionally on seasonal Marine Express Odoriko services between Tokyo and . One set, Ne002, was assigned to these services, and carried a logo sticker on the front and sides.
Formation
The fleet consists of 22 six-car sets, consisting of four motored (M) cars and two trailer (T) cars, as shown below, with car 1 at the Tokyo end.
::data[format=table]
| Car No. | 1/7 | 2/8 | 3/9 | 4/10 | 5/11 | 6/12 | Designation | Numbering | Weight (t) | Seating capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tc' | M' | M | M' | M | Tsc | |||||
| KuHa E258 | MoHa E258 | MoHa E259 | MoHa E258-500 | MoHa E259-500 | KuRo E259 | |||||
| 38.4 | 38.0 | 36.5 | 38.0 | 37.0 | 38.9 | |||||
| 40 | 56 | 54 | 28 | |||||||
| :: |
The "Tsc" cars are green (first class) cars. Cars 3 and 5 are equipped with PS33D single-arm pantographs (two on car 5, one on car 3).
Bogies
The DT77 (motored) and TR262 (trailer) bolsterless bogies are developed from the DT71 and TR255 bogies used on the E233 series EMUs. The end bogies of the Tc driving cars are designated TR262, and the inner bogies of the Tc driving cars are designated TR262A. All the bogies use tread brakes, and the trailer bogies additionally use disc brakes. Wheel diameter is 860 mm, and the distance between wheel centers is 2100 mm.
File:JR-EastE259-DT77.jpg|DT77 motor bogie File:Truck TR262A TscE259.jpg|T262A trailer bogie
Interior accommodation
The passenger compartment floor construction has been improved for reduced interior noise, and the height difference between the coach and the platform has been reduced by 50 mm compared with the earlier 253 series trains for ease of access. Luggage storage areas feature lockable straps for security, and security cameras are installed in vestibule and luggage areas. Luggage space is also provided beneath the seats. Electric power outlets are provided at each seat.
Four ceiling-mounted passenger information display units are provided in each car. These feature two 17-inch screens on each side, displaying information in four languages (Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese).
Ordinary class
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/E259_interior_20091017.JPG" caption="Ordinary-class car interior"] ::
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/E259_standard_seating_20110211.jpg" caption="Ordinary-class seats"] ::
Ordinary-class cars have 2+2 abreast seating with forward-facing rotating/reclining seats. Seat pitch is 1030 mm, compared to 980 mm on earlier trains.
Green class
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b9/E259_Narita_Express_Green_car_interior_20091024.JPG" caption="Green-class car interior"] ::
Green (first class) cars have leather-covered forward-facing rotating/reclining seats also arranged in 2+2 configuration. Seat pitch is 1160 mm.
History
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/47/E259_NE002_Jimmuji_20090423.JPG" caption="Sets Ne002 and Ne001 next to [[Jimmuji Station]], Zushi, on delivery from Tokyu Car Corporation, April 2009"] ::
The first two sets, Ne001 and Ne002, were delivered to Kamakura Depot from Tokyu Car Corporation's Yokohama factory on 23 April 2009, with test running on the Sōbu Main Line commencing the same day.
Nine E259 series sets entered revenue service on Narita Express services from 1 October 2009, with 10 out of 26 return workings daily operated by E259s. By June 2010, they had completely replaced the 253 series EMUs formerly used on Narita Express services.
In March 2023, JR East announced that it would introduce a new design to existing E259 series sets. The updated livery will retain the black and red color pallet but will feature silver accents at the front as well as the phrase "SERIES E259" being plastered along the exterior. As of 17 March 2024, repainting for the entire E259 series fleet was completed with the last set, Ne022, having received the new livery.
File:JR東日本E259系.jpg|An E259 series set in updated livery in June 2023
In December 2023, JR East announced that some E259 series sets will be used on most Shiosai limited express services from the start of the revised timetable on 16 March 2024, replacing the older 255 series EMUs used on these services.
Build details
The manufacturers and delivery dates for the fleet are as shown below.
::data[format=table]
| Set No. | Manufacturer | Date delivered |
|---|---|---|
| Ne001 | Tokyu Car | 23 April 2009 |
| Ne002 | ||
| Ne003 | 26 May 2009 | |
| Ne004 | ||
| Ne005 | 2 July 2009 | |
| Ne006 | ||
| Ne007 | 19 August 2009 | |
| Ne008 | ||
| Ne009 | 17 September 2009 | |
| Ne010 | ||
| Ne011 | 22 October 2009 | |
| Ne012 | ||
| Ne013 | 18 March 2010 | |
| Ne014 | ||
| Ne015 | Kinki Sharyo | 17 March 2010 |
| Ne016 | Tokyu Car | 30 March 2010 |
| Ne017 | Kinki Sharyo | 7 April 2010 |
| Ne018 | 21 April 2010 | |
| Ne019 | 14 May 2010 | |
| Ne020 | Tokyu Car | 18 May 2010 |
| Ne021 | ||
| Ne022 | Kinki Sharyo | 9 June 2010 |
| :: |
References
References
- (July 2009). "JR東日本「成田エクスプレス」用E259系". The Railway Pictorial.
- (August 2009). "JR東日本E259系特急型直流電車：主要諸元表". Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō.
- "The Works of GK Design Group". GK Design Group Inc..
- (July 2009). ""成田エクスプレス"用新形車両 E259系". Koyusha Co., Ltd..
- (August 2009). "N'EX 253系からE259系". Koyusha Co., Ltd..
- (14 February 2014). "E259系Ne002編成が横須賀線で試運転". Koyusha Co., Ltd..
- Kawabata, Akihito. (September 2009). "E259系". Koyusha Co., Ltd..
- (24 July 2009). "DT77 TR262 ／ JR東日本E259系". Neko Publishing.
- (24 April 2009). "【JR東】N'EX用新車・E259系落成".
- (September 2009). "E259系「成田エクスプレス号」10月から10往復程度が運用開始". Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō.
- (July 2009). "JR東日本 E259系特急型直流電車". Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō.
- (24 March 2023). "JR東日本，E259系のデザインをリニューアル".
- (20 March 2024). "【これにて塗装変更完了】E259系クラNe022編成が塗装変更を終え大宮総合車両センター構内に出現". Neko Publishing.
- (15 December 2023). "2023【ダイヤ改正日】 2024年3月16日（土） – JR東日本". JR East.
- (December 2010). "JR東日本 車両運用プロジェクト首都圏". Koyusha Co., Ltd..
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