Croatia is taking a notable stride toward a greener future with the introduction of its first battery-electric multiple unit (BEMU), a groundbreaking development in the country’s public transportation landscape. Officially launched on May 13, 2025, this pioneering train operates along the Zagreb–Bjelovar route, a line partially electrified only up to Gradec, beyond which conventional trains depend on diesel power due to lack of electrification. Manufactured domestically by Končar, a prominent Croatian electrical equipment firm, this battery-powered train not only advances environmental goals but also addresses the longstanding challenge posed by Croatia’s predominantly non-electrified rail network, where about 61% of lines lack overhead electrical infrastructure. This breakthrough highlights Croatia’s commitment to sustainable mobility and reflects a broader European ambition to reduce carbon emissions through innovative transport solutions.
Croatia’s railway system has historically struggled with fragmented and outdated infrastructure. The heavy reliance on diesel locomotives across vast non-electrified stretches has brought about environmental concerns, including air and noise pollution, as well as higher operational costs tied to fuel consumption and maintenance. The arrival of the BEMU signals a clever adaptation to this landscape. Unlike traditional electric trains requiring continuous overhead power lines, battery-electric units can seamlessly switch between battery power and electrified sections, allowing efficient operation on routes where full electrification is not feasible or economically viable. This flexibility unlocks new possibilities for cleaner regional train travel, reducing the sector’s carbon footprint without the costly need for extensive infrastructure upgrades.
The development and deployment of the BEMU were enabled through a €17.1 million project titled “Application of Green Technologies in Railway Passenger Transport,” subsidized by the European Union’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021–2026. This investment not only facilitated the creation of the train but also kickstarted a larger strategy aiming to weave green technology into Croatia’s railways. Rolling out the first battery-electric train along the Zagreb–Bjelovar corridor was a strategic choice, leveraging the route’s partial electrification to showcase the smooth transition between traditional electric power and battery-driven propulsion. The positive reception from government officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, underlines strong political support for continued modernization.
The BEMU brings a range of benefits beyond environmental improvements. Its design blends functionality with passenger comfort, a crucial factor in enticing more commuters to favor rail over other modes of travel. The unit comprises three low-floor cars with a total length of about 56.2 meters, accommodating 157 seated passengers plus standing room for an additional 158, ensuring ample capacity during busy hours. Accessibility has been thoughtfully considered, featuring ramps for wheelchair users and dedicated spaces for bicycles, thus promoting multimodal travel options and social inclusivity. The presence of three pairs of double doors expedites boarding and disembarking, minimizing delays—a feature particularly important for maintaining punctual schedules on regional routes.
Modern amenities extend to an up-to-date audio-visual information system keeping passengers informed, alongside video surveillance enhancing onboard security. Recognizing the digital age’s demands, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the train, responding to travelers’ need to stay connected. This combination of convenience and comfort serves to elevate the travel experience, positioning the battery-electric train as a progressive alternative not just in environmental terms but also as a modern, user-friendly service option.
Beyond the immediate operational and passenger benefits, the BEMU initiation reflects a broader vision of transforming Croatia’s public transport ecosystem and stimulating economic growth. Croatia’s main rail operator, HŽ Passenger Transport (HŽPP), has already placed orders for several more battery-electric trains, coupled with plans to install charging infrastructure in key urban centers such as Split, Osijek, Varaždin, and Pula. This fleet expansion aligns with ongoing efforts to remedy the network’s reliability weaknesses and to bring rail services up to speed with other public transport options in terms of quality and frequency.
The domestic manufacturing of these battery electric trains significantly bolsters Croatia’s industrial base, nurturing local expertise in railway engineering and technology development. This boost extends beyond jobs and innovation; it helps position Croatia in the increasingly competitive European market for sustainable transport solutions. Environmentally, replacing diesel locomotives with battery-powered units substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lessens noise pollution—a double win that resonates with the European Union’s broader climate framework aimed at achieving net zero emissions.
In addition to environmental and economic impacts, these advances could have positive spillover effects for Croatian tourism, a sector vital to the national economy. Enhanced rail connectivity between metropolitan hubs like Zagreb and regional destinations such as Bjelovar offers tourists a cleaner, more reliable way to explore the country’s diverse regions, potentially increasing visitor numbers and promoting sustainable travel habits.
Looking ahead, successes with battery-electric trains may inspire Croatia to further innovate within its rail system, exploring hybrid models or selectively expanding electrification through smart, energy-efficient technologies. Compared with full electrification projects—which are capital-intensive and often slow—the relatively lower cost and increased flexibility of battery technology allow for more rapid green transitions, particularly on less-frequented regional lines. This facilitates better overall network connectivity, making public transport more accessible and environmentally responsible across the country.
Croatia’s debut of its first battery-electric multiple unit represents a significant milestone in the evolution of its railway system. Combining a cutting-edge battery-powered propulsion system developed by Končar with financial support from the EU recovery plan, this train addresses the major challenge of a predominantly non-electrified rail network while setting new benchmarks for passenger comfort, accessibility, and operational efficiency. The initiative catalyzes a wider effort toward sustainable public transport modernization, underpinned by strong governmental backing and bolstered by domestic manufacturing growth.
By replacing diesel trains with eco-friendly alternatives, Croatia is making tangible progress in reducing transportation-related emissions and noise pollution, aligning closely with EU climate targets. Meanwhile, embracing green technology in railways enhances service quality and reliability, thereby encouraging a modal shift away from road traffic that contributes to congestion and pollution. The success of this battery-electric unit on the Zagreb–Bjelovar route not only demonstrates the practicality of such innovations but also lays a foundation for broader fleet upgrades and infrastructure investments poised to reshape Croatia’s public transport landscape for the better.
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