A Keio 8000 Series on the Keio Line (Courtesy of Uraken.net)

An 8000 Series train bound for Hachioji (Courtesy of Taichi Ichikawa)

Keio 8000 Series

Operated on the Keio Line, Sagamihara Line, Keibajo Line, Takao Line and the Keio New Line

In Service: 1992 - Present
Top Speed:
110km/h (Service)
120km/h (Design
Acceleration: 2.5km/h/s
Deceleration:
4.0km/h/s (Regular)
4.5km/h/s (Emergency)
Length: 20000mm
Width: 2845mm
Consist/Formation:
2 motorized cars + 2 trailer cars (4 cars)
4 motorized cars + 2 trailer cars (6 cars )
4 motorized cars + 4 trailer cars (8 cars)
6 motorized cars + 4 trailer cars (10 cars)
Electric System: 1500v DC through overhead wires
Gauge: 1372mm (Scotch)
Number built: 245 cars

The 8000 Series is a four-door commuter-type electric multiple unit designed by Keio to operate on its train lines and to supplement the existing fleet of trains.

In 1989, the Keio Corporation started its "Refreshing Keio" campaign which involved rebuilding parts of the Keio Line to help increase the overall speed of the line. The 8000 Series was built as part of this campaign to match the needs of the new and improved Keio Line.

The 8000 Series was the first Keio train to be designed from scratch since the 6000 Series and introduced many new features such as variable frequency drive with GTO thyristor elements. Keio also introduced its cherry red/indigo blue stripes on the 8000 Series which would later become standard on Keio trains. 

It was designed to be used only on the Keio Lines and was therefore not limited by the Toei Subway's regulations. the 8000 Series keeps the stainless steel construction of the 7000 Series, but adopted an entirely new end car design.