Electric Battery Train Produced in Croatia Completed Its First Journey

The first electric battery train produced in Croatia, manufactured by Končar with European and state budget funds, successfully completed its first journey from Zagreb to Bjelovar, arriving exactly according to the scheduled timetable.

“This is a historic day for Croatian railways and the economy. For the first time, we have seen the new electric battery train produced by Končar with European funds,” stated the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Transport Oleg Butković upon arrival.

The train was built as part of the project “Application of Green Technologies in Railway Passenger Transport” with a total value of 17.1 million euros. Of this, 13.3 million euros was secured from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NPOO), and the remainder from the state budget.

– Currently, we are investing nearly 1.5 billion euros in the modernization and reconstruction of railway infrastructure throughout Croatia, with the help of European funds and loans from the European Investment Bank – added Butković. He emphasized that there are currently 63 new low-floor trains operating on Croatian tracks, and six more are expected by the end of the year. He also announced that after this electric battery train, another fully battery-operated train will be put into operation in a few months.

The new electric battery train can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h on battery power on non-electrified tracks, while it can travel up to 160 km/h on electrified tracks. It has a capacity for a total of 315 passengers, of which 157 are seated, and a driving range of over 100 km on battery power. The train is equipped with all modern amenities including free WiFi, ramps for access for persons with disabilities, space for bicycles, and a video surveillance system.

– The train significantly reduces CO₂ emissions and is therefore a response to our green transition goals – emphasized the CEO of Končar, Gordan Kolak.

After today’s commissioning, the train will be used for testing charging stations in Virovitica, Osijek, and Varaždin. Upon completion of all planned tests, it will begin regular operations on the Zagreb – Bjelovar route. Alongside Minister Butković, the promotional ride was attended by the Minister of Environment and Green Transition Marija Vučković, the CEO of HŽ Passenger Transport Željko Ukić, and the CEO of Končar Gordan Kolak. In Bjelovar, they were welcomed by the Bjelovar-Bilogora County Prefect Marko Marušić and the Mayor of Bjelovar Dario Hrebak.