The trains were ordered during the electrification of the KCR British section, now known as MTR East Rail line, in 1978. Sets E1-E45 and E46-E61 were delivered to KCRC in 2 batches in 1982–1983, when electrification was completed first between Hung Hom and Sha Tin in May 1982, and from then to Tai Po Market station before Lo Wu on August 16th 1983. KCRC also reordered further train sets in 1986 (sets E62-E86) and 1990 (sets E87-E118). These trains may suffer from temporary loss of electricity while passing at University Station in the early days of full electrification because neutral sections (or dead zones) may led to the lack of internal batteries.