京阪800系は1997年、京津線の1,500 V昇圧と京都市営地下鉄東西線への直通開始に合わせて登場しました。4両すべてが電動車で、地下鉄、最大61‰の勾配、浜大津付近の併用軌道に対応します。約16.5 mの3扉車で、先頭車と中間車では座席配置も異なります。
Keihan Series 800 was introduced in 1997 for the Keishin Line's increase to 1,500 V and through running onto Kyoto's Tozai Subway Line. All four cars are powered to handle tunnels, gradients of up to 61‰ and street track near Hamaotsu. The approximately 16.5 m three-door cars have different seating layouts in driving and intermediate cars.