The first of Taiwan’s new generation of high-speed trains has left Japan, marking the latest chapter in a rail partnership inspired by the world’s original bullet train.
Built by the Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium, the first 12-car trainset has been shipped from Hitachi’s Kasado Works to Taiwan ahead of testing and eventual passenger service. It’s the first delivery from an order for 12 complete trainsets, totalling 144 carriages, commissioned by Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation in 2023 as part of a contract valued at approximately ¥124 billion.
The new rolling stock is based on Japan’s N700S Shinkansen, the latest evolution of the country’s famous bullet train. Since the Shinkansen first entered service between Tokyo and Osaka in 1964, it has become synonymous with speed, precision and reliability. What began as a symbol of post-war Japanese innovation has evolved into one of the world’s most influential rail technologies, exported to markets where fast, comfortable and dependable rail travel has become increasingly important.
Taiwan was one of the earliest adopters of Japanese high-speed rail technology. Since 2007, its north-south high-speed line has linked Taipei and Kaohsiung using trains derived from the Shinkansen, dramatically reducing journey times across the island. The latest N700ST fleet represents the next stage in that relationship, bringing improvements in efficiency, passenger comfort and resilience.
Since the Shinkansen first entered service between Tokyo and Osaka in 1964, it has become synonymous with speed, precision and reliability…
A new era of high-speed travel
Each train stretches almost 300 metres in length and is designed to operate at speeds of up to 300km/h. Its sleek nose has been carefully shaped to reduce aerodynamic resistance when entering tunnels, a hallmark of modern Shinkansen engineering that also helps reduce noise at high speed.
Efficiency has also been a priority. A new traction system combines silicon carbide power devices with a blower-less cooling system, allowing equipment to become smaller, lighter and more energy efficient than previous generations.
One of the more intriguing additions lies beneath the floor. The trains are equipped with Toshiba’s SCiB lithium-ion battery technology, allowing them to continue moving at low speed in the event of a power failure. The battery system can propel the train to a safe location while also maintaining essential onboard services, including lighting and washrooms, should external power be lost.
Inside flagship N700ST bullet train train
Passengers are likely to notice just as many improvements inside the train.
The exterior retains the familiar white livery of Taiwan High Speed Rail, accented by orange, the company’s signature colour, alongside a black graphic line that links the new fleet visually with the existing 700T trains. Inside, Standard Class seating retains familiar colour tones, while Business Class adopts a more restrained grey palette designed to create a calmer, more refined environment.
Comfort has been enhanced throughout. Standard Class seats now feature reclining mechanisms that lower the seat cushion as the backrest tilts, helping passengers maintain a more natural seating position during longer journeys. Business Class gains wraparound seating, while a full active suspension system works continuously to reduce vibration and improve ride quality.
Practicality has received equal attention. Every seat benefits from its own power outlet, luggage storage has been expanded throughout the train, and passenger information is displayed on new full-colour LCD screens using a two-tier layout that improves readability. Accessibility has also been strengthened with additional wheelchair spaces and upgraded nursing rooms equipped with washbasins, baby seats and coat hooks.
The complete fleet is expected to enter commercial service by the end of 2028, operating between Nangang Station in Taipei and Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung.
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The first of Taiwan’s new generation of high-speed trains has left Japan, marking the latest chapter in a rail partnership inspired by the world’s original bullet train.
Built by the Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium, the first 12-car trainset has been shipped from Hitachi’s Kasado Works to Taiwan ahead of testing and eventual passenger service. It’s the first delivery from an order for 12 complete trainsets, totalling 144 carriages, commissioned by Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation in 2023 as part of a contract valued at approximately ¥124 billion.
The new rolling stock is based on Japan’s N700S Shinkansen, the latest evolution of the country’s famous bullet train. Since the Shinkansen first entered service between Tokyo and Osaka in 1964, it has become synonymous with speed, precision and reliability. What began as a symbol of post-war Japanese innovation has evolved into one of the world’s most influential rail technologies, exported to markets where fast, comfortable and dependable rail travel has become increasingly important.
Taiwan was one of the earliest adopters of Japanese high-speed rail technology. Since 2007, its north-south high-speed line has linked Taipei and Kaohsiung using trains derived from the Shinkansen, dramatically reducing journey times across the island. The latest N700ST fleet represents the next stage in that relationship, bringing improvements in efficiency, passenger comfort and resilience.
A new era of high-speed travel
Each train stretches almost 300 metres in length and is designed to operate at speeds of up to 300km/h. Its sleek nose has been carefully shaped to reduce aerodynamic resistance when entering tunnels, a hallmark of modern Shinkansen engineering that also helps reduce noise at high speed.
Efficiency has also been a priority. A new traction system combines silicon carbide power devices with a blower-less cooling system, allowing equipment to become smaller, lighter and more energy efficient than previous generations.
One of the more intriguing additions lies beneath the floor. The trains are equipped with Toshiba’s SCiB lithium-ion battery technology, allowing them to continue moving at low speed in the event of a power failure. The battery system can propel the train to a safe location while also maintaining essential onboard services, including lighting and washrooms, should external power be lost.
Inside flagship N700ST bullet train train
Passengers are likely to notice just as many improvements inside the train.
The exterior retains the familiar white livery of Taiwan High Speed Rail, accented by orange, the company’s signature colour, alongside a black graphic line that links the new fleet visually with the existing 700T trains. Inside, Standard Class seating retains familiar colour tones, while Business Class adopts a more restrained grey palette designed to create a calmer, more refined environment.
Comfort has been enhanced throughout. Standard Class seats now feature reclining mechanisms that lower the seat cushion as the backrest tilts, helping passengers maintain a more natural seating position during longer journeys. Business Class gains wraparound seating, while a full active suspension system works continuously to reduce vibration and improve ride quality.
Practicality has received equal attention. Every seat benefits from its own power outlet, luggage storage has been expanded throughout the train, and passenger information is displayed on new full-colour LCD screens using a two-tier layout that improves readability. Accessibility has also been strengthened with additional wheelchair spaces and upgraded nursing rooms equipped with washbasins, baby seats and coat hooks.
The complete fleet is expected to enter commercial service by the end of 2028, operating between Nangang Station in Taipei and Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung.
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