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JR East E257 Series / JR東日本E257系

The E257 Series (E257系) is an EMU of JR East operating a range of Limited Express services.

Entering service in 2001, the E257 series is a mass produced vehicle for the purpose of replacing classic JNR express trains in the Kantō region. It was intended to serve on a variety of routes and has the highest number of cars produced out of all JR Limited Express types at 249 vehicles. The car body uses an aluminium alloy structure based on the E653 series, and some variants intended for cold regions feature snow resistance equipment. The 0 series was manufactured for Azusa and other Chūō Line services, it was composed of 9-car sets and 2 car additional formations. The E353 series had succeeded this type by 2020, and most vehicles were converted into the 2000 and 5000 series. From 2004 a 5-car variant with a walk-through type cab was produced, intended for service between Tokyo and the Bōsō Peninsula. Some sets were modified over the years since to become the 2500 series and 5500 series, which operate separately on other routes. As of current, the 0 series no longer exist, with all 9-car sets converted and 2-car sets scrapped. The 500, 2000, 2500, and 5500 series sets operate a large number of different service patterns, mainly commuter Limited Express trains around the Kantō region. The 3 5000 series sets are used for special trains during weekend and holiday periods. In total, 239 cars are currently operational.

Basic Information

Max Speed: 140km/h
Acceleration: 0.56m/s/s
Motor Output: 145kW x 4 per car

The following formations are included:

0 Series (9 Car) Basic Formation

Configuration: 5M4T
Max Pax: 558
In Service: 2001-2020

0 Series (2 Car) Additional Formation

Configuration: 1M1T
Max Pax: 120
In Service: 2001-2020
-operates attached to the basic formation as a 11 car train.

500 Series (5 Car)

Configuration: 3M2T
Max Pax: 306
In Service: 2004-
-can be coupled up to 2 sets

2000 Series (9 Car)

Configuration: 5M4T
Max Pax: 546
In Service: 2020-

2500/5500 Series (5 Car)

Configuration: 3M2T
Max Pax: 298
In Service: 2021-
-can be coupled up to 2 sets