Croatia to get 13 new hybrid and battery trains in €117.9 million investment deal

Croatia’s first electro-Battery train (Photo: HŽPP)

Croatia is taking another major step towards modernising its rail network with the signing of contracts for the purchase of 13 new trains.

The €117.9 million project, financed through a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), includes the production of five electro-diesel, four electro-battery and four battery-powered trains, along with two new charging stations to be installed at Lupoglav and Velika railway stations.

The contracts were signed on 30 June 2025 by Željko Ukić, President of the Management Board of HŽ Passenger Transport, and Josip Ninić, President of the Management Board of KONČAR – Electric Vehicles.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković, and KONČAR’s CEO Gordan Kolak.

Minister Butković stated that Croatia is currently undergoing the largest investment cycle in its railway sector in recent history. Investments in the railway system are set to exceed €6 billion by 2035, focusing on both main European corridors and regional lines to ensure balanced development and better access to public transport for all citizens.

“In the past four years, we have invested €194 million in new trains. Over the next three and a half years, the fleet will be expanded by another 24 new trains, worth almost €200 million, including the ones we are announcing today. Although challenges are a normal part of large infrastructure projects, the public perception of the railway system is changing for the better. Not long ago, people doubted we would ever have battery-powered trains – now they are running on our tracks,” Butković said.

The new trains are expected to significantly improve service quality and regional connectivity, especially in areas without electrified rail lines.

“Today we operate new electric trains on electrified tracks across the country. However, over 60 per cent of Croatia’s rail network remains non-electrified. That is why these contracts are crucial. The electro-diesel and electro-battery trains are hybrids that can run on both electrified and non-electrified lines, while battery trains are designed exclusively for routes without an electric grid. These new trains will replace ones that are nearly 45 years old in many parts of the country,” said HŽ Passenger Transport CEO Željko Ukić.

KONČAR CEO Gordan Kolak emphasised that these contracts continue a long-standing partnership with HŽ Passenger Transport aimed at creating a modern and sustainable public transport system in Croatia.

(Photo: HŽ Passenger Transport)

“KONČAR continues to invest in new technologies and production capacities in the rail sector to strengthen domestic industry and deliver competitive products for European and global markets. This project is part of a broader investment wave that will transform public transport in Croatia, making it faster, quieter, greener and more accessible. I thank HŽ Passenger Transport for their trust, and our employees and partners whose dedication makes projects like this possible,” Kolak added.

About the Trains

Electro-diesel trains will operate on routes including Zagreb to Koprivnica, Osijek, Čakovec, Kotoriba, Zadar, Rijeka and Pula (via Slovenia). They feature dual engines: electric for electrified tracks and diesel for non-electrified lines. These trains will have a top speed of 160 km/h and 150 seats, with onboard catering available.

Electro-battery trains will serve both electrified and non-electrified routes. On non-electrified lines, they will run on battery power (up to 120 km/h), and on electrified lines they will use electricity from the overhead network (up to 160 km/h). Batteries can be charged through the network or at charging stations. Capacity will be 150 seats.

Battery-only trains will operate on non-electrified tracks and be charged solely at charging stations. They will reach speeds of up to 120 km/h and have 100 seats.

All 13 trains will be low-floor models for easier boarding and disembarking. They will feature ramps for wheelchair users, space for bicycles, power sockets, a modern passenger information system, video displays, free WiFi and video surveillance. The trains will be designed to link together for increased capacity when needed.

The new fleet is set to be delivered in 2027 and 2028 and marks another step in the ongoing modernisation of Croatia’s passenger rail services. The investment will boost efficiency and competitiveness while supporting a more sustainable transport system nationwide.