JR Freight developed the EF210 type electric locomotive in order to replace aging EF65 series electric locomotives in 1996. The performance of EF210 mirrored the EF66, with a lower power draw than the EF200 type electric locomotive in order to reduce manufacturing cost and coordinate with the ground facilities. Because of this, EF210 adopted a new inverter system in which each cabinet controls 2 axles, lowering the number of inverters per locomotive and costs.

However, in 1999 JR Freight developed the EF210-100 type electric locomotive which reverted to the system in which each inverted is tied to a single axle.

The legend of Momotaro:

An interesting addition to the EF210 is the placement of Momotaro logos on the sides of the locomotive. Momotaro, or the "Peach Boy", is a famous character from Japanese folklore, who was descended from the skies in a giant peach to be raised by a poor farmer and his wife, and eventually went on to have numerous adventures whilst slaying Ogres and bringing prosperity to the land. Momotarô is often associated with longevity and prosperity, and is largely affiliated with the Okayama region of Japan. His use on the side of the locomotives may be that of a kind of "good luck charm", or perhaps simply a nod to the rich cultural background of Japan.