E131 series

The E131 series is a suburban low-to-mid-capacity electric multiple unit used by the East Japan Railway Company since March 2021.
==History==
The E131 series was first announced on 5 May 2020, along with its intended introduction into the Sotobō and Uchibō Lines. The trains were designed to allow for flexibility in train assignments, allowing these trains to complement the 209-2000/2100 and 211 series trains on the line and allow longer trains to be used in more crowded situations. The trains were also designed to have a track equipment monitoring device for efficient maintenance in a shorter train consist, as well as providing a more comfortable and modern train for commuters.
A total of 12 trains were ordered for a total of 24 cars; J-TREC's Niitsu Works was tasked to construct the trains. The first trains were constructed in July 2020 and subsequently delivered and tested. The trains entered service on the Uchibō and Sotobō Lines on 13 March 2021; the final set, R12, was delivered just two days later. As of June 2021, all 12 sets are in service, all based at Makuhari Depot. The introduction of these sets is notable as these are the first new trains to be introduced on the Bosō Peninsula since the introduction of the 113 series trains in 1970 there; all other trains that run on that line were transferred from other regions.
Further trains are being built for the Nikkō, Sagami, Utsunomiya, Yokohama and Lines, designated the E131-500, E131-600 series and E131-1000 series sets; the first E131-500 series set set, G01, entered service on the Sagami Line on 18 November 2021, while the first E131-600 series set entered service on 16 March 2022, used on the Nikkō, Utsunomiya and Yokohama Lines. The E131-1000 series sets, intended for use on the Tsurumi Line, entered service on 24 December 2023. Set T8, intended for use on the Tsurumi Line, features track monitoring equipment.
==Design==
The E131 series use a contemporary squared-off design similar to many other modern J-TREC locomotives, featuring dual top-mounted headlights and a large front windshield. The trains feature a polka dot design with yellow and blue accents; the blue accents represent the rippling waves of the Pacific Ocean off the Bōsō Peninsula while the yellow accents represent the rapeseed flowers which are a common sight around the area. The sides and interior of the trains feature the same yellow and blue accents which are also intended to evoke the sea and flowers.
The trains to be used for the Nikko, Sagami, Utsunomiya, Yokohama and Tsurumi Lines feature differently colored accents.
==Specifications==
Construction of on stainless steel based on J-TREC's sustina concept. The train is notably wider than most, with part of the passenger areas construction based on that of the E235 series. The cab is based on that of the E129 series design. Full color LED destination displays are present on the cabs and sides. The cabs have also been strengthened to the same level as that of the E721 series, and is further strengthened with a roll cage. Boarding and alighting confirmation cameras among other equipment was also added for Wanman operation.
The trains use full silicon carbide-based MOSFETs produced by Hitachi; these produce a hissing sound.
==See also==
*Wikipedia.org
Category:Electric trainsets
Category:JR Group trains
Category:J-TREC locomotives