In the presence of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, the project financing agreement was signed by Oleg Butković, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, Marija Vučković, Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, Luka Balen, Director of the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, and Željko Ukić, President of the Management Board of HŽ Passenger Transport.

The train procurement and charging station construction agreement was signed by Željko Ukić, President of the Management Board of HŽ Passenger Transport, and Josip Ninić, President of the Management Board of KONČAR – Electric Vehicles.

Prime Minister Plenković highlighted the importance of the project, stating: “This is a significant contribution to the overall decarbonisation of the transport sector, which is one of our key strategic objectives and a shared goal of the European Union. Reducing the carbon footprint is imperative, and this project is one of the ways to achieve that. It is also an excellent example of how Modernisation Fund resources can be effectively utilised. These funds are generated through the emissions trading system and are invested in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and strengthen the competitiveness of the Croatian economy. The investment of EUR 53.6 million in six new battery electric multiple units and the construction of a charging station in Kotoriba clearly demonstrates how these resources are being channelled into the development of Croatian industry.” 

This project will significantly enhance passenger rail transport in northern Croatia, where the new trains will operate. The vehicles are scheduled to enter service during 2028 and early 2029. Following the construction of six charging stations for battery electric multiple units, this project also includes the development of the first hybrid charging station at Kotoriba railway station, combining a photovoltaic power plant with an energy storage system.

Željko Ukić, President of the Management Board of HŽ Passenger Transport, said: “The greatest advantage of battery electric multiple units lies in their ability to operate on both electrified and non-electrified railway lines. This will enable passengers to travel without transfers, while benefiting from a higher level of comfort and service quality. The new trains will be fully accessible to persons with disabilities, cyclists and all passengers who expect a modern travel experience, including free internet access, device charging points and onboard passenger information systems. This project marks another important step towards a modern, reliable, accessible and environmentally sustainable railway.”

Gordan Kolak, President of the Management Board of KONČAR, commented: “With this contract, we further reinforce our position as one of Europe’s leading rolling stock manufacturers in the field of green and advanced technologies. The battery electric multiple units we develop, design and manufacture in Croatia are the result of the expertise, experience and innovation potential of Croatian engineers and represent a new technological milestone for the KONČAR Group. Beyond the delivery of new trains, this contract also includes the implementation of a comprehensive energy solution, further demonstrating our capability to develop and deliver complex projects that simultaneously contribute to the modernisation of railway systems, improved energy efficiency and the green transition of transport.”

On non-electrified railway lines, the battery electric multiple units will operate using onboard batteries, reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h, while on electrified lines they will draw power from the overhead contact network and achieve speeds of up to 160 km/h. The batteries will be recharged either through the contact network or at dedicated charging stations. Each train will offer 150 seats, while multiple units may be coupled in operation to provide additional passenger capacity.

The procurement of six battery electric multiple units marks a further step in the modernisation of the HŽ Passenger Transport fleet and the continued development of sustainable rail mobility in the Republic of Croatia. By introducing green technologies and replacing older diesel-powered trains with new battery electric multiple units, the project will significantly reduce emissions, noise, fuel consumption and operating costs. The new trains will also improve local and regional connectivity and support greater mobility across the network.

Photo source: HŽPP