The EF200 is a new generation locomotive that succeeds the EF66. This is the first Japanese electric locomotive that uses a VVVF inverter control to drive a three-phase AC induction motor. New features such as bolsterless bogies, single arm pantographs and electric command automatic air brakes were also adopted.
Since 1992, mass production models have appeared and 21 prototypes, one prototype and 20 mass production models, have been manufactured.