In June 2016, JR Central announced plans to build a new prototype "N700S" 16-car trainset for evaluating new technology and features on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines from March 2018.
Developed from the earlier N700 series design, the new train will incorporate a number of new features.
Refinements to the ATC and braking systems will enable shorter braking distances in emergencies such as earthquakes.
Optimized underfloor equipment layout will allow the same standard design to be used to produce 12-car and 8-car trainsets in the future in addition to the Tokaido Shinkansen 16-car trainsets.
The optimization is intended to make the train more flexible for possible export.
The optimization further allows Toshiba SCiB LTO batteries to be installed so that the train can operate at low speed in the event of a disruption to overhead power.
Green cars will use active suspension to further improve ride quality, and ordinary-class cars will have AC power outlets for each seat.

A 16-car prototype set (J0), assembled at the Nippon Sharyo Toyokawa plant, was unveiled at Hamamatsu depot on 10 March 2018.
Beginning from 20 March, this set has been used for testing and evaluation.
The first full-production J set (J1) was delivered to JR Central in April 2020, with trains entering revenue service on 1 July 2020.
Currently, there are just four full-production sets operating on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines since 1 July 2020.

High-speed trials at the design speed of 360 km/h were conducted during 2019 on the Tokaido Shinkansen, reaching 362 km/h.
This is 28 km/h faster than the fastest speed ever achieved by the N700A, and may indicate plans to raise the maximum operating speed on the line.
In June 2016, JR Central announced plans to build a new prototype "N700S" 16-car trainset for evaluating new technology and features on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines from March 2018. Developed from the earlier N700 series design, the new train will incorporate a number of new features. Refinements to the ATC and braking systems will enable shorter braking distances in emergencies such as earthquakes. Optimized underfloor equipment layout will allow the same standard design to be used to produce 12-car and 8-car trainsets in the future in addition to the Tokaido Shinkansen 16-car trainsets. The optimization is intended to make the train more flexible for possible export. The optimization further allows Toshiba SCiB LTO batteries to be installed so that the train can operate at low speed in the event of a disruption to overhead power. Green cars will use active suspension to further improve ride quality, and ordinary-class cars will have AC power outlets for each seat.
A 16-car prototype set (J0), assembled at the Nippon Sharyo Toyokawa plant, was unveiled at Hamamatsu depot on 10 March 2018. Beginning from 20 March, this set has been used for testing and evaluation. The first full-production J set (J1) was delivered to JR Central in April 2020, with trains entering revenue service on 1 July 2020. Currently, there are just four full-production sets operating on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines since 1 July 2020.
High-speed trials at the design speed of 360 km/h were conducted during 2019 on the Tokaido Shinkansen, reaching 362 km/h. This is 28 km/h faster than the fastest speed ever achieved by the N700A, and may indicate plans to raise the maximum operating speed on the line.
N700 Series Shinkansen