Croatia has put its first battery-electric train into commercial operation, marking a major milestone in the country’s sustainable transport strategy. HŽ Passenger Transport (HŽPP)has launched this green train on the Zagreb-Bjelovar-Zagreb route as part of an ambitious modernisation plan. The operator plans to purchase 13 more hybrid and alternatively powered trains to further expand its modernised fleet.
This historic inauguration was attended by local and national dignitaries, including Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Butković, HŽPP CEO Željko Ukić and the train’s manufacturer Koncar President of the company, Gordan Kolak, praised this important launch. In Bjelovar, regional leaders gave speeches emphasizing the regional importance of the project.
Deputy Prime Minister Butković described the event as a historic moment for both the Croatian economy and the railway sector. Ordered two years ago, the battery-electric unit stands out as a concrete result of the country’s long-term planning and investments in clean mobility.
Part of Investing in Green Technology
The new train is an important part of a wider initiative titled “Use of Green Technologies in Rail Passenger Transport”. Funded through Croatia’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021-2026, the project includes the installation of six new charging stations in key cities such as Split, Pula, Osijek, Varaždin, Bjelovar and Virovitica.
The total investment amount of the project reached 17,1 million euros, of which 13,3 million euros were provided by the European Union recovery funds. Based in Croatia Koncar – Electric Vehicles The company has successfully showcased local innovation in the country's railway technology by developing both the train itself and its supporting infrastructure.
Strong Commitment to Railway Electrification
One of the most important features of this battery-electric train is that it can operate on electricity even on lines without electricity, thus significantly reducing emissions and noise pollution. After making its first journey on the route between Gradec and Bjelovar using the energy from the overhead line, the train continued its journey by switching to battery mode in sections where there was no electricity.
The new generation train has a daily range of up to 480 kilometres and can operate continuously for 18 hours on a single charge. This feature offers flexible operation on both electrified lines and battery-only routes. In cases of high passenger demand, the train can be easily combined with other modern low-floor units to increase capacity.
Prioritizing Passenger Comfort and Accessibility
Designed with the principle of inclusiveness in mind, the new train is equipped with a range of modern features to ensure that all passengers can travel comfortably and safely. Step-free access, accessible toilets specially designed for disabled passengers and special areas for bicycles support the user-friendly structure of the train. Passengers can also benefit from modern facilities such as free Wi-Fi connection, advanced video surveillance system, real-time station information and audio-visual announcement systems.
Offering seating capacity for 157 people and standing space for 158 people, this new unit maximizes passenger comfort while also contributing significantly to Croatia’s climate goals. This modern and comfortable service, combined with the use of green technologies, represents a significant increase in the quality of Croatian rail transport.
