Japan recently unveiled a new design for its famous bullet train which can safely run during an earthquake and has a better speed than its older sibling.
The N700S was launched on July 1 on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, linking Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka.
The S in N700S stands for “Supreme”, which was placed there to justify the progression in design, technology, and comfort.
The new train is currently the fastest train that countries can buy on the train market.
The N700S has the capability of running at 332 kilometers per hour. However, its top speed is capped at 285 kilometers per hour to prioritize the safety of the passengers of the train.
Not only that, but the train is also capable of safely running during an earthquake.
According to the Japan Rail Pass, the first new bullet train model that will be added to the Tokaido Shinkansen line is going to be the first one in Central Japan Railway in the last 13 years.
The original launch was set to coincide along with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which has been postponed to next year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The new N700S train has the same look with the other N700 trains, however, it has a more streamlined and angular front, sleeker headlight design, and a golden logo.
But that’s not the best thing about the train.
The train has a new active suspension system that allows it to absorb movements during the journey.
Also, it has an upgraded automatic control and a stronger braking system that ensures a quick halt in case of an emergency.
The landmark development is the lithium-ion battery self-propulsion system, which is capable of powering the new N700S train even if there is a power outage. This allows the train to transport the passengers safe in case of a heavy earthquake.
The best thing about this is that the new upgrades in the train require less space, which allowed them to bring a more flexible car configuration.
The new upgrades help the train work towards lower energy consumption and faster production times, which are aimed to attract countries all over the world.
During an interview with Masayuki Ueno, the deputy head of JR Central’s bullet train business department, he told NHK:
By making the mechanisms under the floor of the N700S lighter and more compact, we created a new standard. This new standard will also help when it comes to expanding our business overseas.
Japan’s technology approach towards earthquake comes after experiencing massive earthquakes each year.
Japan is situated in a volcanic zone on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which triggers most of its earthquakes. According to experts, most of the earthquakes that occur in Japan happen because of a destructive plate boundary, which happens when continental and oceanic plates collide and the heavier, more dense oceanic plate “sinks” underneath the continental one.