Developed and manufactured by KONČAR – Electric Vehicles, the train is part of the project “Application of Green Technologies in Railway Passenger Transport,” co-financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021–2026 (NRRP). The total project value amounts to €17.1 million, with €13.3 million funded through the NRRP.

The inaugural ride was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković, President of the Management Board of HŽ Passenger Transport Željko Ukić, President of the Management Board of KONČAR Gordan Kolak, and President of the Management Board of KONČAR – Electric Vehicles Josip Ninić, accompanied by their teams.

Following today’s launch, the battery train will operate on the Virovitica – Bjelovar – Virovitica route and will also be used to test charging stations currently nearing completion. Once the charging station at Split Predgrađe station becomes operational, expected by mid-December, the train will begin service on the Split – Kaštel Stari – Split route.

“The first ride of the battery electric train in regular passenger transport marks a major step forward for domestic industry and sustainable mobility. This project is a testament to the expertise, innovation, and dedication of our teams, contributing directly to the green transition and modernization of railway transport. The vehicles we develop reduce harmful emissions while raising standards of comfort, safety, and travel quality. In partnership with HŽ Passenger Transport, we continue to actively support the development of sustainable public transport. We believe this train will serve as a strong reference for KONČAR’s further positioning in the urban mobility segment across the European market, reinforcing our role as a reliable partner in developing advanced and sustainable transport solutions,” emphasized Gordan Kolak, President of the Management Board of KONČAR.

These state-of-the-art trains are designed for operation on non-electrified railway lines and are powered by next-generation high-capacity batteries, charged exclusively via stable energy connections. Thanks to 1 MW charging stations, also developed by KONČAR, the charging time is particularly impressive, taking only 27 minutes.

The battery train is approximately 42 meters long, reaches a maximum speed of 120 km/h, and accommodates 113 seated and 114 standing passengers. While the optimal range per charge is around 100 kilometers, tests have shown it can travel over 200 kilometers. It can also be functionally coupled with new-generation low-floor trains, further increasing capacity.

Passengers can enjoy a quieter, more comfortable, and environmentally friendly ride, with free Wi-Fi, a ramp for wheelchair users, space for bicycles, and modern video surveillance.

This project undoubtedly marks the beginning of a new era in Croatian railway transport – an era where greener, quieter, and faster trains become a reality.