Passenger Transport of croatian HŽ (HŽ Putnički prijevoz)has introduced the first battery-electric multiple unit (BEMU) for passenger operations on the Zagreb–Bjelovar–Zagreb route. The train, manufactured by Končar, entered service on 13 May 2025 and is part of the project Application of Green Technologies in Railway Passenger Transport, which is financed under Croatia’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021–2026 (NRRP).
The project, with a total value of EUR 17.1 million, is supported by EUR 13.3 million from NRRP funds. It also includes six charging stations installed at Split, Osijek, Varaždin, Bjelovar, Virovitica, and Pula. The battery-electric train and charging infrastructure were supplied by KONČAR – Electric Vehicles.
The train is equipped to operate both on electrified and non-electrified routes. It uses a 25 kV, 50 Hz AC system for traction and battery charging. On non-electrified sections, it runs on battery power with a maximum speed of 120 km/h, while on electrified lines it can reach up to 160 km/h.
The train has a total passenger capacity of 315, with 157 seats and space for 158 standing passengers. It is designed for daily operations up to 480 km and for continuous service of up to 18 hours. Features include a low-floor design, wheelchair access, space for bicycles, video surveillance, visual and audio passenger information, and onboard WiFi.
During service between Zagreb and Bjelovar, the BEMU runs under catenary power for 44 km to Gradec station and then switches to battery operation for the remaining 30 km to Bjelovar. The current battery-electric unit can also be operated coupled with other units, with next-generation low-floor trains to increase capacity.
The BEMU is intended for operations on both electrified and non-electrified railway lines across Croatia, with battery charging available from the overhead contact system or dedicated charging stations.
