A system comparison
The 70% figure compares train generations, not the SiC semiconductor alone; the manufacturer describes compact, efficient main-circuit equipment.
Regional railways
821 · Kagoshima Main Line · 鹿児島本線
The first 821s entered service between Kokura and Arao in March 2019. Their silicon-carbide traction equipment is a distinction you cannot see from the platform.
JR九州
Technical details
| Control821 · 2024-03 | SiC main circuit |
|---|
M = motor car; T = trailer. Each row applies to the stated version and source date.
Technical sources
- 第8回グリーンボンド レポーティング · JR九州 · 2024-03-31 · 821系車両新製
Inside the engineering
821-series introduction-era equipment and operator comparison.
| Main-circuit supplier | Mitsubishi supplied the main transformer, converter and traction motors. 1 |
|---|---|
| Energy benchmark | JR Kyushu reported about 70% less electricity than the 415 series. |
| Reliability priorities | The operator identifies both the main converter (CI) and auxiliary supply (SIV). |
Technical sources and page references
- 九州旅客鉄道株式会社様 SiC適用鉄道車両用主回路システム
三菱電機 · 導入の経緯・ソリューション - JR九州環境報告2018：九州を走る省エネ型車両
JR九州 · 2018 · 821系
Seating
- 821-0
- Side-facing benches 460 mm
The published width per passenger is 460 mm on the 0 subseries. Upright rails divide the longer runs of bench seating.
Year introduced · 2019
Sources and updates
Checked 2026-11-07