Today, on 13 May 2025, the first battery electric train began operating on the Zagreb – Bjelovar – Zagreb route. Present for the inaugural ride were the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of the Republic of Croatia, Oleg Butković, the President of the Management Board of HŽ Putnički prijevoz, Željko Ukić, and the President of the Management Board of KONČAR – Elektroindustrija, Gordan Kolak along with their teams. The train was welcomed at the Bjelovar station by Bjelovar-Bilogora County Prefect Marko Marušić and the Mayor of Bjelovar, Dario Hrebak.
The battery electric train was produced as part of the project Application of green technologies in railway passenger transport, funded by the National recovery and resilience plan 2021–2026 (NRRP). The project also includes the production of a battery train and the installation of six charging stations at stations in Split, Osijek, Varaždin, Bjelovar, Virovitica, and Pula. The total value of the project is €17.1 million, of which €13.3 million is financed through the NRRP. The battery trains and charging stations were manufactured by KONČAR – Električna vozila.
On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Butković stated:
- Today is a historic day for the Croatian railways, but also for the Croatian economy, as we are witnessing the inaugural ride of the new battery electric train. The contract was signed two and a half years ago, and this marks the ongoing and real modernisation of the railway system.
Mentioning the major investment cycle in the procurement of new trains launched several years ago, Minister Butković emphasised that HŽ Putnički prijevoz now operates 63 new low-floor trains, more than half of which have been acquired in the past 3 to 4 years.
With the procurement of battery-powered trains, it becomes possible to organise passenger rail transport on non-electrified lines in an environmentally friendly way using modern trains powered by electricity. By applying green technologies in rail transport, energy efficiency of the transport system is increased, while noise and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.
- This train marks a turning point in the renewal of the rolling stock on non-electrified lines, as it enables eco-friendly transport. During the ride from Zagreb to Bjelovar, the train uses both power systems: it runs on the electrified line for 44 km to Gradec station using electricity from the overhead line, and then switches to battery power for the 30 km from Gradec to Bjelovar. A new project is also planned, under which we will procure an additional 13 trains with hybrid and alternative drives, said Željko Ukić, President of the Management Board of HŽ Putnički prijevoz.
- The battery electric multiple unit represents a significant technological and ecological advancement for the Croatian industry. We are introducing new elements with substantial electric energy storage capacity, allowing for predictable consumption and high levels of optimisation during operation. We are also developing a comprehensive system that will enable optimisation of the fleet and charging stations. KONČAR is undoubtedly one of the best partners for such complex projects, possessing the knowledge and experience in all elements of energy and railway infrastructure, as well as rolling stock, said Gordan Kolak, President of the Management Board of KONČAR – Elektroindustrija.
This project continues the modernisation of the HŽ Putnički prijevoz rolling stock, aiming to improve local and regional connectivity and mobility, ensuring a more efficient and competitive passenger rail system, which will also contribute to the sustainability of the transport sector in the Republic of Croatia.
The battery electric train is a low-floor unit equipped with ramps for wheelchair access, space for bicycles, and toilets adapted for wheelchair users. The entire passenger area is under video surveillance. Monitors for video content are installed in the passenger area. In addition to visual and audio station announcements, passengers have access to free WiFi internet. The train has 157 seated and 158 standing places.
It is designed for an average daily range of up to 480 km and average daily operation of up to 18 hours. In service, the battery electric train can be functionally coupled with the new generation low-floor trains, enabling increased capacity.
The Battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) will be used for passenger transport on both non-electrified and electrified railway networks in Croatia. On non-electrified lines, it will operate on battery power (maximum speed: 120 km/h), and on electrified lines it will use electricity from the overhead line (maximum speed: 160 km/h). Batteries can be charged either from the overhead line or at designated charging stations.
