Promotion of Energy Saving for the Shinkansen Rolling Stock

The Tokaido Shinkansen rolling stock has evolved significantly from the initial Series 0 to the latest Series N700 in terms of increasing speed reducing travel time, enhancing riding comfort, providing superior passenger services and promoting energy saving. This paper outlines efforts made by JR Central to improve rolling stock performance including reduction in weight and running resistance, also introduces several technological developments of the traction systems for promotion of energy saving through practically applying power electronics