Today, 29 September 2025, the first battery-powered train in Croatia was officially launched, marking a significant step toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly rail transport. The inaugural journey was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković, President of the Management Board of HŽ Putnički prijevoz Željko Ukić, and President of the Management Board of KONČAR – Elektroindustrija Gordan Kolak with his team.

The battery-powered train was developed as part of the project Application of Green Technologies in Rail Passenger Transport, financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021–2026 (NRRP). In May, the project also saw the launch of an electro-battery train operating regularly on the Zagreb – Bjelovar – Zagreb route. The project further includes the construction of six charging stations at the Bjelovar, Virovitica, Osijek, Varaždin, Pula, and Split Predgrađe stations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Oleg Butković highlighted:

-              I am pleased that today we witness the journey of the first battery-powered train manufactured in Croatia, marking another major milestone for our domestic industry. The train was produced by KONČAR, and the project is funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, continuing a significant investment cycle in the modernization of rail infrastructure and rolling stock. HŽ Putnički prijevoz now has 68 new trains, 40 of which were delivered over the past four years, and procurement of an additional 21 trains, including battery-powered and electro-battery units, is underway. The new battery-powered train, with a range of about 200 kilometers, will operate on non-electrified lines and will start service in Split and the surrounding area in December. The project is valued at over €17 million and is part of a broader investment in the rail system. Major corridor projects are funded by EU funds, while the renovation of local and regional lines is financed through an EIB loan. Among the largest investments is the Dugo Selo – Novska project worth over €600 million, and by the end of the year, the Zagreb – Hungarian border line will be completed, providing a fully modernized section.

The President of the Management Board of HŽ Putnički prijevoz, Željko Ukić, spoke about further rolling stock investments:

-              We are extremely pleased to launch the first battery-powered train, which marks a turning point toward a sustainable future, as these modern and green trains will gradually replace old diesel units. To make rail transport more competitive and sustainable, we continue procuring trains for non-electrified lines. By the end of this year, two new diesel trains will enter service, and in 2026, six new comfortable hybrid trains will operate on the Zagreb – Split route. Additionally, in late June, we signed contracts for the procurement of 13 more new trains, including electro-diesel, electro-battery, and battery-powered units. All these projects will, by the end of 2028, improve service on non-electrified lines and provide passengers with greener, quieter, and more energy-efficient mobility. 

The battery-powered trains and charging stations were manufactured by KONČAR – Električna vozila.

-              The first regular-service journey of a battery-powered train represents an important milestone for domestic industry and sustainable mobility. This project reflects the knowledge, innovation, and dedication of our experts, directly contributing to the green transition and modernization of rail transport. The vehicles we develop reduce harmful emissions while raising standards of comfort, safety, and travel quality. In cooperation with HŽ Putnički prijevoz, we continue actively contributing to sustainable public transport. We believe this train will serve as a strong reference for further positioning KONČAR in the European urban mobility market, confirming our role as a reliable partner in the development of advanced and sustainable transport solutions, said Gordan Kolak, President of the Management Board of KONČAR.

The total value of the project is €17.1 million, of which €13.3 million is financed through the NRRP. 

Following today’s inaugural journey, the battery-powered train will operate on the Virovitica – Bjelovar – Virovitica route and will also be used to test the charging stations currently nearing completion. After the Split Predgrađe charging station becomes operational, expected by mid-December, the battery-powered train will begin service on the Split – Kaštel Stari – Split route.

Through this project, HŽ Putnički prijevoz continues to modernize its rolling stock to improve local and regional mobility, ensuring a more efficient, competitive, and sustainable rail passenger transport system in Croatia.

Technical features of the battery-powered train 

The battery-powered train is a two-part low-floor composition equipped with ramps for wheelchair access, a designated space for bicycles, and toilets adapted for wheelchair users, while the entire passenger area and exterior are under video surveillance. Monitors for video content are installed in the passenger area. In addition to visual and audio announcements at stations and stops, passengers have free internet access (WiFi). The train offers 113 seats and 114 standing places. Multiple battery-powered trains can be coupled functionally with new-generation low-floor trains, providing increased capacity.   

The battery-powered train will operate on non-electrified rail lines in Croatia (maximum speed 120 km/h). The train will be powered by batteries that are charged exclusively at charging stations. Charging at the stations takes a maximum of 30 minutes.