A 20000 Series on the Ikebukuro Line (Courtesy of Uraken.net)

A 20000 Series awaiting departure at Nerima Station (Courtesy of Uraken.net)

Seibu 20000 Series

Operated on the Shinjuku and Ikebukuro Lines

In Service: 2000 - Present
Top Speed: 
105km/h (Service)
120km/h (Design)
Acceleration: 3.0km/h/s
Deceleration:
3.5km/h/s (Regular)
4.5km/h/s (Emergency)
Length:
20270mm (End cars)
20000mm (Middle cars)
Width: 2800mm
Consist/Formation: 
4 motorized cars + 4 trailer cars (8 cars)
5 motorized cars + 5 trailer cars (10 cars)
Electric System: 1500v DC through overhead wires
Number built: 144 cars

The 20000 Series is a four-door commuter-type electric multiple unit developed by Seibu to replace the early-type 101 Series trains.

Based on Hitachi's "A-Train" modular construction concept, the 20000 Series was designed to be a simple and cost efficient replacement for its older trains. In fact, Seibu even states that the design concept was "Simple and Clean."

Like all designs based on the A-Train concept, the 20000 Series uses a double-skinned aluminum alloy body to help increase structural integrity. End cars do not have emergency escape hatches as it was never designed to operate in subway tunnels.

The 20000 Series follows the example of most modern Japanese EMU designs and uses variable frequency drive with IGBT elements.