THSR's New N700ST Trains Are Here! 'Power Outlets at Every Seat, Bidet Toilets' – Interior Video and Earliest Ride Date Revealed

Taiwan High Speed Rail's 12 next-generation high-speed trains, the N700ST, procured from Japan, have seen their first set officially roll off the production line on July 30, with arrival in Taiwan scheduled for August 15. The new trains significantly enhance the passenger experience, offering power outlets at every seat, bidet toilets, expanded nursing rooms, and a full active suspension system that improves ride stability by 30%. The trains are scheduled to enter commercial service in the third quarter of 2027, with peak-hour departure capacity expected to increase by approximately 25%.

When can you ride the new train? Capacity to increase by 25% As part of its 'HSR 2.0' initiative, Taiwan High Speed Rail has purchased 12 new-generation high-speed trains, the 'N700ST,' from Japan. The first set officially rolled off the production line on July 30 and is scheduled to be shipped to Taiwan on August 15. Upon arrival, static and dynamic testing will commence. Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation Chairman Shi Zhe stated that the new trains are expected to officially enter commercial operation in the third quarter of 2027.

With the gradual deployment of all 12 train sets, peak-hour departure capacity on the HSR line is projected to increase by approximately 25%. The exterior design inherits the color scheme of the first-generation 700T, featuring a bright white body with orange and black accent lines, maintaining a consistent visual identity across the HSR fleet. The front end adopts a newly developed 'Supreme Twin-Wing' aerodynamic nose, extending in length from the previous 8 meters to 10.7 meters. Its flat, streamlined design reduces wind noise and aerodynamic resistance when entering tunnels. Headlight surface area has been enlarged and upgraded to LED bulbs, further enhancing energy efficiency.

What upgrades enhance the riding experience? Four comfort highlights revealed Addressing passenger concerns about interior amenities, the next-generation N700ST train features multiple thoughtful improvements. While the previous 700T trains only had power outlets in cars 4, 12, and the business class car, the new train provides an outlet at every seat armrest across all cars. Seats feature a sunken, enveloping design, with larger tray tables and backrest-mounted slow-retracting coat hooks. In business class, reading lights have been relocated to the side of the seat headrests with expanded illumination area. Tray tables are now extendable, and additional side-mounted foldable mini tray tables have been added.

Luggage storage space has also significantly improved. The overhead racks above seats, previously limited to horizontally placing carry-ons under 20 inches, have been upgraded to accommodate luggage up to 26 inches. Large luggage storage areas within the cars feature single and double-tier configurations, capable of holding 114 pieces of 28-inch luggage—substantially more than the 61 pieces after previous retrofits.

Accessibility features have been enhanced. Wheelchair spaces increase from 4 to 7 seats. Accessible restrooms now include stoma cleaning facilities, changing platforms, and bidet toilets. Independent handwashing sinks have also been added in the aisles. Nursing room space has increased by half, allowing entire baby strollers to be rolled in, with added handwashing sinks and baby seats inside.

How are safety and ride stability improved? In terms of vehicle performance, the N700ST maintains a maximum operating speed of 300 km/h, but acceleration has improved from the previous 2.0 km/h/s to 2.542 km/h/s. Thanks to the streamlined front design and lightweight construction using the latest material technologies, overall energy consumption is reduced by approximately 20% compared to the current 700T trains.

For safety, the new train is equipped with a self-propelled backup battery, allowing it to slowly move to a safe location in case of power loss. Emergency braking distance has also been shortened by about 20%, improving response capability during sudden events like earthquakes. For ride comfort, the 'inter-car fully enclosed' design reduces in-cabin wind noise by approximately 10%, while the upgraded 'full active suspension system' enhances ride stability by about 30%.

What updates are planned for stations and the existing fleet? In addition to introducing new trains, upgrades are also underway for the existing 700T trains and station facilities. THSRC stated that seat covers on the 700T trains are currently being renewed, with completion expected by the end of this year. Starting in the third quarter of this year, large luggage areas in select cars will be gradually retrofitted into double-tier configurations.

For station facilities, platform door installations have begun across all stations, with Hsinchu Station leading the way. Full installation across all stations is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2028. Starting this year, restrooms, service counters, nursing rooms, and waiting seats at all stations will be gradually updated. The overall station renovation plan is expected to be fully completed by mid-2028.