Today, December 15, 2025, a new battery train was introduced into regular traffic on the route Split – Kaštel Stari – Split. The battery train was produced as part of the project Application of Green Technologies in Passenger Rail Transport funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021 – 2026. (NPOO). It has been in traffic since September 2025, occasionally on the route Virovitica – Bjelovar – Virovitica, and was used for testing charging stations. The charging station built in the Split Predgrađe station enabled the battery train to start running regularly in Split suburban traffic.
On this occasion, State Secretary of the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Žarko Tušek pointed out:
- Today in Split, we are introducing the first battery train into regular service, which, with the support of the line ministry and the Government of the Republic of Croatia, was developed by the company KONČAR. It is an entirely battery-powered train: the first of its kind in Croatia, the first of its kind in Europe. So far, we have acquired 70 new trains. In addition to 19 further contracted trains and the financing from the Modernisation Fund and the Social Fund for Climate Policy, we are preparing the procurement of nearly 40 additional trains, part of which will be battery and electric battery trains like this one. Regarding the Zagreb – Split railway, this railway entered the TEN-T network in 2024, thus enabling its European financing. In 2026, we will announce a tender for documentation for the modernisation of the railway. In addition, the installation of signalling devices will shorten the travel time between Split and Zagreb.
With the introduction of this train, HŽPP also introduced 14 new lines on the route Split – Kaštel Stari and vice versa, and as of today, citizens can use 32 suburban trains. Increasing the number of daily departures further encourages the use of rail passenger transport and seeks to relieve congested roads in the wider Split area. In addition, from now on passengers can use two new stops – Sveti Kajo and Solin Širina.
- I will focus on the benefits of this train for the citizens of Split-Dalmatia County. First of all, this is an extremely pleasant and comfortable train, noiseless, battery powered. Another advantage is that as of today, we have 14 additional departures on the route Split – Kaštel Stari. Starting today, we will have a total of 32 daily trains from Split to Kaštel Stari and vice versa. The third benefit is that two railway stations are being opened today—one in Solin, one in Sveti Kajo, so that our citizens can enjoy these benefits as much as possible, at least in this section from Kaštel Stari and Primorski Dolac to the city of Split, thus relieving road traffic. —said the Prefect of Split-Dalmatia County, Blaženko Boban.
Continuous procurement of new trains ensures better service, as well as an increase in the frequency of train lines in order to improve mobility. In addition, thanks to projects regarding free transport for children, students, full-time university students, pensioners and those over 65 years of age, the number of passengers is constantly growing. In Split-Dalmatia County, we will transport about 480,000 passengers this year, which is 6% more than last year. Given the new lines we are introducing in suburban traffic in the wider Split area, we believe that the growth in the number of passengers will continue. I would like to point out that we have also contracted the production of 19 new trains, and this includes six new diesel-electric trains that will connect Split and Zagreb starting next year, as well as additional new battery trains, some of which will also run in this area. - stated the President of the Management Board of HŽ Putnički prijevoz, Željko Ukić.
As part of this project, an electric battery train was also produced, which has been in operation since May on the route Zagreb – Bjelovar – Zagreb, as well as six charging stations in the stations Bjelovar, Virovitica, Osijek, Varaždin, Pula and Split Predgrađe. The total value of the project is EUR 17.1 million, of which EUR 13.3 million is financed from the NPOO. Battery trains and charging stations were manufactured by the company KONČAR – Električna vozila. Today, HŽPP has 70 low-floor trains in its fleet.
- By introducing our first battery train into regular traffic, we symbolically conclude a major development project and technological breakthrough of KONČAR, while simultaneously raising the quality of passenger transport on Croatian railways with vehicles that have no harmful impact on the environment. This success is the result of strong cooperation between the domestic industry, HŽPP and all relevant stakeholders, which confirms that working together towards a clearly set goal brings concrete progress towards innovative and sustainable solutions. We are particularly pleased that Dalmatia, a region with great traffic potential and the need for modern transport solutions, will have the opportunity to use this technology. The new train is equipped with a modern battery system that allows driving on non-electrified lines with high energy efficiency and greater comfort for passengers. - said President of the Management Board of KONČAR – Električna vozila Josip Ninić.
Battery trains enable the organization of rail passenger transport on non-electrified lines in an environmentally friendly manner. They raise the level of energy efficiency of the transport system and contribute to the reduction of noise and greenhouse gas emissions.
Technical characteristics of the battery train
The battery-powered train is a two-part, low-floor unit equipped with ramps for wheelchair access, bicycle storage, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and the entire passenger area is under video surveillance. Video displays are installed in the passenger area. In addition to visual and audio announcements of station and stops, passengers on the train are provided with free internet access (WiFi). The battery train has 113 seats. In traffic, a functional connection of battery trains with low-floor trains of the new generation is possible, which ensures greater capacity. The battery train can reach a maximum speed of up to 120 km/h. It uses batteries that are charged solely at charging points. Charging takes up to a maximum of 30 minutes.