Replacement for aging kiha 40 used on most rural lines. Will be based on the JR East GV-E400 but winterized for Hokkaido conditions. A pair of test prototypes will be introduced by February 2018, with a one year trial period thereon.
JR Hokkaido press release:
http://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/press/2017/170712-2.pdf