Smart BEST
Japanese experimental self-charging battery electric multiple unit train
title: "Smart BEST" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["train-related-introductions-in-2012", "experimental-vehicles", "electric-multiple-units-of-japan", "science-and-technology-in-japan", "battery-electric-multiple-units", "kinki-sharyo-multiple-units"] description: "Japanese experimental self-charging battery electric multiple unit train" topic_path: "geography/japan" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_BEST" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::summary Japanese experimental self-charging battery electric multiple unit train ::
::data[format=table title="Infobox train"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | Smart BEST |
| image | Smart Best Hello Kitty Wakayama-go01.JPG |
| imagesize | 300px |
| caption | The Smart BEST train in service in "Hello Kitty" livery, September 2014 |
| manufacturer | Kinki Sharyo |
| factory | Osaka |
| yearconstruction | 2012 |
| numberbuilt | 2 vehicles (1 set) |
| formation | 2 cars per trainset |
| capacity | 259 per set |
| carlength | 20,000 mm |
| width | 2,950 mm |
| floorheight | 1,120 mm |
| doors | 3 pairs per side |
| maxspeed | 100 km/h |
| acceleration | 2.3 km/h/s |
| deceleration | 3.1 km/h/s |
| electricsystem | Battery |
| bogies | KD318 (motored), KD318A (trailer) |
| gauge | |
| :: |
| name = Smart BEST | image = Smart Best Hello Kitty Wakayama-go01.JPG | imagealt = | imagesize = 300px | caption = The Smart BEST train in service in "Hello Kitty" livery, September 2014 | service = | manufacturer = Kinki Sharyo | factory = Osaka | family = | replaced = | yearconstruction = 2012 | yearservice = | refurbishment = | yearscrapped = | numberconstruction = | numberbuilt = 2 vehicles (1 set) | numberservice = | numberpreserved = | numberscrapped = | formation = 2 cars per trainset | fleetnumbers = | capacity = 259 per set | operator = | depots = | lines = | carbody = | trainlength = | carlength = 20,000 mm | width = 2,950 mm | height = | floorheight = 1,120 mm | doors = 3 pairs per side | maxspeed = 100 km/h | weight = | acceleration = 2.3 km/h/s | deceleration = 3.1 km/h/s | traction = | poweroutput = | transmission = | aux = | powersupply = | hvac = | electricsystem = Battery | collectionmethod = | bogies = KD318 (motored), KD318A (trailer) | brakes = | safety = | coupling = | multipleworking = | gauge =
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. The name is an acronym for "Battery Engine Synergy Train". The train has been tested on JR West and JR Shikoku lines since late 2012.
Overview
The Smart BEST train operates using GS Yuasa LIM30H-8A lithium-ion storage battery modules recharged in operation by a small-capacity "e-Brid Plus" diesel engine. The train normally operates at a maximum speed of 70 km/h, but is capable of 100 km/h over short distances.
Formation
The two-car train is formed as shown below, with one motored (M) car and one non-powered trailer (T) car.
::data[format=table]
| Designation | Numbering | Passenger capacity (total/seated) |
|---|---|---|
| Mc | Tc | |
| DGBC2A-1 | DGBC2B-1 | |
| 129/52 | 130/51 | |
| :: |
Interior
Seating accommodation is arranged as 2+2 abreast transverse seating with seat backs that flip over to face the direction of travel.
History
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/de/JNR_DE-10_at_Tokuan_(2).jpg" caption="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, before being moved to Yonago, Tottori for test running on the Sanin Main Line, Sakai Line, and Hakubi Line. It was returned to Kinki Sharyo in December 2012. 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.
From September until December 2014, the train was used in revenue service on promotional "Hello Kitty" services in the Wakayama area.
References
References
- (December 2012). "近畿車輛バッテリー電車"Smart BEST"を開発". Kōtsū Shimbun.
- (21 December 2012). "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". Nikkei Business Publications, Inc..
- (January 2013). "近畿車輛が開発した非電化路線用バッテリ電車「Smart BEST」". Koyusha Co., Ltd..
- (24 October 2012). ""Smart BEST" 甲種輸送". Neko Publishing.
- link. (30 October 2012). Press release. West Japan Railway Company
- (13 December 2012). ""Smart BEST" 甲種輸送で返却される". Neko Publishing.
- (6 December 2013). "「Smart BEST」が高徳線で試運転". Koyusha Co., Ltd..
- link. (16 September 2014). Japan Railfan Magazine Online. Koyusha Co., Ltd.
::callout[type=info title="Wikipedia Source"] This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page. ::