Japan: According to the Japanese passenger operator, the rolling stock is being designed together with the manufacturer Nippon Sharyo.
Other Japanese companies are delivering components for the train. These include Toshiba, which is supplying the control system, and Toyota, which is supplying the hydrogen fuel cells.
In 2023 and 2024, JR Central plans to conduct bench tests of two types of propulsion systems, namely with hydrogen fuel cells and a hydrogen internal combustion engine. These will charge the on-board batteries that power the bogie-mounted electric motors moving the wheels. The bogies and car bodies will be tested on a testing bench simulating real operating conditions, including travelling in mountains.
Earlier, Japan saw a prototype of a two-car hydrogen electric Hybari train (pictured). It is developed by Hitachi Rail and Toyota and has a range of 140 km.
