They were some of the first electric trains using the newly developed 25 kV 50 Hz AC power system.

[1] The trains are equipped with conventional transformers and camshaft-controlled step switches, with a power output of 1,100 kW (1,475 hp) and a maximum speed of 90 km/h (56 mph).

[1] A total of 28 TCDD E8000s were built by French manufacturers Alstom, Jeumont and De Dietrich Ferroviaire, with deliveries beginning in 1955.

[1] They were used on the newly electrified European commuter train service in Istanbul.

On 1 September 2010 the arrival of new trains was cut in 2011 after waiting for 6 months.