# JR Freight Class EH500

> Japanese electric locomotive type

**Wikidata**: [Q6108879](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6108879)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JR_Freight_Class_EH500)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jr-freight-class-eh500

## Summary
The JR Freight Class EH500 is a Japanese electric locomotive type manufactured by Toshiba between 1997 and 2013, with production commencing in March 1998 and a total of 82 units built. This locomotive features a Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′ wheel arrangement and is compatible with multiple electrical systems including 1500 V DC and both 20 kV AC systems at 50 Hz and 60 Hz frequencies.

## Key Facts
- The JR Freight Class EH500 is a Japanese electric locomotive class manufactured by Toshiba between 1997 and 2013
- Production of the EH500 began in March 1998, with a total of 82 units manufactured
- The locomotive has a Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′ wheel arrangement, meaning it has two bogies each with four powered axles
- The EH500 operates on a 1067 mm track gauge, which is standard for Japanese narrow-gauge railways
- This locomotive is compatible with multiple electrification systems: 1500 V DC via overhead contact line, 20 kV AC at 50 Hz, and 20 kV AC at 60 Hz
- It is operated by Japan Freight Railway Company (JR Freight)
- The manufacturer Toshiba is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation established in 1875

## FAQs
### Q: What is the JR Freight Class EH500?
A: The JR Freight Class EH500 is a Japanese electric locomotive type manufactured by Toshiba between 1997 and 2013. It features a Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′ wheel arrangement and is designed to operate on multiple electrical systems including 1500 V DC and 20 kV AC at both 50 Hz and 60 Hz frequencies.

### Q: How many EH500 locomotives were produced?
A: A total of 82 EH500 locomotives were manufactured by Toshiba between 1997 and 2013, with production commencing in March 1998.

### Q: Which company operates the JR Freight Class EH500?
A: The Japan Freight Railway Company (JR Freight) operates the EH500 locomotive class on Japanese railways.

### Q: What electrical systems can the EH500 locomotive use?
A: The JR Freight Class EH500 is compatible with three different electrical systems: 1500 V DC railway electrification via overhead contact line, 20 kV, 50 Hz AC railway electrification, and 20 kV, 60 Hz AC railway electrification.

### Q: When did the EH500 locomotive enter service?
A: The EH500 locomotive class entered service in March 1998, after manufacturing began in 1997.

## Why It Matters
The JR Freight Class EH500 represents a significant advancement in Japanese electric locomotive technology, being designed to operate across multiple electrification systems that exist across Japan's railway network. Its ability to function on different power systems (1500 V DC and 20 kV AC at both 50 Hz and 60 Hz) makes it particularly valuable for freight operations across regions with varying electrical infrastructure. As a locomotive with dual system compatibility, the EH500 reduces operational constraints and increases efficiency for Japan Freight Railway Company, allowing for more flexible routing and reduced need for locomotive transfers. The substantial production of 82 units between 1997 and 2013 demonstrates the class's importance in Japan's freight rail network, providing reliable power for moving goods across the country's unique narrow-gauge (1067 mm) railway system.

## Notable For
- Dual electrical system compatibility allowing operation on both 1500 V DC and 20 kV AC systems at 50 Hz and 60 Hz frequencies
- Eight-axle design (Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′) providing superior power for hauling heavy freight loads
- Substantial production run of 82 units between 1997 and 2013, indicating its importance in Japan's freight rail network
- Manufacturing by Toshiba, a Japanese multinational conglomerate with expertise in electronics and electrical systems

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The JR Freight Class EH500 is an electric locomotive with a Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′ wheel arrangement, meaning it has two bogies with four powered axles each, providing a total of eight driven axles. This configuration gives the locomotive significant power for hauling heavy freight loads across Japan's railway network.

The locomotive is designed to operate on multiple electrical systems, making it uniquely versatile:
- 1500 V DC railway electrification via overhead contact line
- 20 kV, 50 Hz AC railway electrification
- 20 kV, 60 Hz AC railway electrification

### Manufacturing and Production
Manufactured by Toshiba between 1997 and 2013, the JR Freight Class EH500 represents the company's expertise in railway equipment production. The manufacturing period spanned 16 years, with production commencing in 1997 and the final units being delivered in 2013.

In total, 82 units of the EH500 class were produced for Japan's freight railway operations. This substantial production run indicates the locomotive's importance and reliability in Japan's freight transportation system.

### Operational Details
The EH500 locomotive operates on the standard Japanese narrow-gauge track of 1067 mm, which is the standard gauge for most of Japan's railway network. It is operated specifically by Japan Freight Railway Company (JR Freight), which is responsible for freight operations across Japan.

The locomotive entered service in March 1998, following the completion of initial manufacturing and testing. Its introduction to service marked a significant advancement in Japan's freight locomotive technology, particularly with its dual-system electrical compatibility.

### Classification and Documentation
The JR Freight Class EH500 is classified as a locomotive class and a subclass of electric locomotives in railway classification systems. It is recognized with several identifiers across different platforms:
- Freebase ID: /m/02z2dv6
- Pixiv Encyclopedia ID: EH500
- Multiple language Wikipedia pages available in English, French, Indonesian, Japanese, Chinese, and Wikimedia Commons

This international documentation reflects the locomotive's significance in railway technology and its recognition in global railway enthusiast communities.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013