News Release

- Railcars based on Shinkansen Technology -

Tokyo and Kawasaki, Japan, July 30, 2026, Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium (“HTSC”), a consortium consisting of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, “Hitachi”), Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba”) and others today announced that it has completed manufacturing the first batch of N700ST, the new high-speed railcars for Taiwan (“the rolling stock”) and has shipped them from Hitachi’s Kasado Works to Taiwan. The shipment consists of 1 trainset (12 cars), part of the 12 trainsets (144 cars) ordered in May 2023 by Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (“THSRC”) from the HTSC.

The rolling stock is based on the N700S, the latest Shinkansen model operated by Central Japan Railway Company, and has been designed to meet the operating environment and needs of THSRC. Each trainset is approximately 300 meters long and will operate commercially at a maximum speed of 300 km/h. The shape of the lead cars reduces resistance generated when entering tunnels, while the traction system, which combines silicon carbide (SiC) devices with a blower-less cooling system, has enabled the equipment to be made smaller and lighter and has reduced power consumption. In addition, the trains are equipped with a self-propelled battery system using Toshiba’s lithium-ion batteries “SCiB™” as a backup power source in the event of a power outage. The system can either move the trains at low speed to a safe location or keep onboard facilities such as lighting and restrooms operational.

The exterior features a predominantly white front-end design, combined with orange, THSRC’s corporate color symbolizing a bright future, and the black line used on the currently operating 700T. This design preserves continuity with the 700T while expressing the innovation and sense of speed of a new-generation high-speed train.

The interior partially retains the colors used in the 700T trainsets in the Standard Car seats, while the Business Car features a gray color scheme, creating a more subdued and refined atmosphere. Passenger comfort and convenience have been further enhanced through the adoption of reclining seats with a seat cushion that lowers as the seat reclines in the Standard Car, wraparound seats in the Business Car, a full-active suspension system that significantly reduces vibration, and power outlets at every seat. Passenger information is provided via full-color LCD displays with a two-tier display, improving the readability of train information and next-stop announcements. In addition, storage capacity has been improved through the installation of luggage storage areas throughout the train. Furthermore, nursing rooms have been equipped with a washbasin, coat hook, and baby seat, while additional wheelchair spaces have been provided compared with the current trainsets, further enhancing accessibility.

12 trains (144 cars) of the rolling stock are scheduled to enter commercial operation by the end of 2028, connecting Nangang Station in Taipei City in the north with Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung City in the south, serving Taiwan’s key north-south transportation corridor. During peak periods, they are expected to increase transport capacity by approximately 25% compared with current levels by increasing the number of trains.

Building on the technologies and experience gained through this project, both companies will continue to contribute to the advancement of social infrastructure and the sustainable operation of urban transport systems worldwide.

Hitachi and Toshiba win order to build high speed trains for Taiwan at 124 billion Japanese Yen
https://www.global.toshiba/content/dam/toshiba/ww/news/infrastructure/2023/05/pdf/20230518_en.pdf (PDF)(292KB)

About Hitachi, Ltd.
Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi aims to be a global leader in continuously transforming social infrastructure through digital, contributing to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance.
Hitachi operates worldwide across four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – as well as a Strategic SIB Business Unit focused on new growth areas. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi creates value by combining data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges.
Revenues for FY2025 (ended March 31, 2026) totaled 10,586.7 billion yen, with 606 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 290,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.

About Toshiba
For over 150 years, Toshiba Group has contributed to the betterment of society through its business activities. Today, guided by the corporate philosophy of “Committed to People, Committed to the Future.,” the Group supports the advance toward a sustainable future through its wide range of businesses in Energy, Digital Infrastructure, and Devices & Technology.
In fiscal year 2025, Toshiba Group recorded sales of 3.7 trillion yen and had 94,000 employees worldwide.
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