The E3 series was developed for the “Mini Shinkansen” on the Komachi Line between Tokyo and Akita. This formerly cape gauge line was converted to standard gauge and the trains therefore had to comply with a smaller loading gauge. Four of the six cars are powered on all axles. The main variant known as “R-Sets” was replaced by the E6 and phased out as early as 2013. The variants 1000 and 2000 each consist of seven cars and are used on other routes. Active suspension is installed in the 2000 variant. Two trains were converted to excursion trains and designated as variant 700. 