First battery train enters service in Croatia

(Photo: HŽ Passenger Transport)

Croatia’s first battery-powered train has officially entered service today, marking an important step towards greener and more sustainable railway transport, HŽ Passenger Transport said.

The inaugural journey took place on Monday, 29 September 2025, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković, HŽ Passenger Transport CEO Željko Ukić and KONČAR CEO Gordan Kolak among the first passengers.

The train was developed by KONČAR – Electric Vehicles as part of the project Application of Green Technologies in Railway Passenger Transport, financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021–2026.

The project also includes the construction of six charging stations in Bjelovar, Virovitica, Osijek, Varaždin, Pula and Split Predgrađe.

“A big step for Croatian industry”

Minister Butković highlighted the importance of the milestone, noting that HŽ Passenger Transport now has 68 modern trains in operation, with 40 delivered in the last four years. Another 21 new trains, including additional battery and hybrid models, are on the way.

(Photo: HŽ Passenger Transport)

“This battery train, with a range of around 200 kilometres, will run on non-electrified tracks and from December will begin operations in Split and the surrounding area,” Butković said.

The project is worth over €17 million, with €13.3 million provided through the NPOO. It is part of a wider modernisation of the railway system, which also includes major infrastructure projects such as the €600 million Dugo Selo – Novska corridor and the soon-to-be-completed Zagreb – Hungarian border line.

Replacing diesel with greener solutions

HŽ Passenger Transport CEO Željko Ukić stressed that the introduction of the battery train marks a turning point in sustainable travel.

“These modern, green trains will gradually replace old diesel trains on non-electrified lines. By the end of the year, two new diesel multiple units will also join the fleet, while in 2026 six new hybrid trains will run on the Zagreb – Split route,” Ukić said.

(Photo: HŽ Passenger Transport)

Contracts have also been signed for the purchase of 13 more trains of various types, with the goal of significantly improving local and regional mobility by 2028.

KONČAR leading the green transition

KONČAR CEO Gordan Kolak emphasised that the project is a product of Croatian innovation and expertise.

“The first battery-powered train in regular passenger service is a major step forward for domestic industry and sustainable mobility. It shows our commitment to green transition while providing passengers with greater comfort, safety and travel quality,” Kolak said, adding that KONČAR sees the train as an important reference for strengthening its position on the European urban mobility market.

(Photo: HŽ Passenger Transport)

Technical features

The new two-car, low-floor train is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring wheelchair ramps, adapted toilets, bicycle space, and free onboard WiFi. It can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h and offers 113 seats and 114 standing spaces.

The batteries can be fully charged in just 30 minutes at the new charging stations, enabling efficient operation on Croatia’s non-electrified rail network.

For now, the train will operate on the Virovitica – Bjelovar – Virovitica route and will also be used for testing charging infrastructure. Once the Split Predgrađe station is completed in December, it will begin service on the Split – Kaštel Stari line.

(Photo: HŽ Passenger Transport)

With this milestone, Croatia has taken a firm step towards modernising its railways, reducing emissions, and offering passengers a quieter, cleaner, and more efficient journey.