The pre-production prototype, EH200-901, was delivered to Takasaki depot in 2001, and entered revenue service in October 2002 following extensive testing.
Prototype EH200-901 at Hachiōji station in September 2003
Following evaluation of the prototype version, the first full-production locomotive, EH200-1, was delivered to Takasaki in March 2003.[2] A number of minor improvements were incorporated, with the main external differences from the prototype being as follows.[2]
Elimination of centre pillar in the cab windscreens
The EH200 classification for this locomotive type is explained below. As with previous locomotive designs, the prototype is numbered EH200-901, with subsequent production locomotives numbered from EH200-1 onward.
^Jr機関車カタログ: Jr7社の現有30形式を詳しく解說 JR機関車カタログ [JR Locomotive Catalogue]. Japan: Ikaros Publications Ltd. 20 June 2013. pp. 48–50. ISBN9784863207271.
^ abcJēāru zensharyō handobukku: Rail Magazine 2009 JR全車輌ハンドブック2009 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 2009]. Japan: Neko Publishing. 2009. p. 42. ISBN978-4-7770-0836-0.
^ ELダイヤ情報21 [Electric Loco Timetable Information 21]. Tokyo, Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. October 2012. pp. 36–37. ISBN978-4330320120.
^Kisumi, Kenzo (April 2017). 世代交代が進むJR貨物の機関車 [Advances in handover between generations for JR Freight locomotives]. Tetsudo Club (in Japanese). Vol. 2. Japan: Cosmic Publishing. p. 98. ISBN978-4-7747-8338-3.