Croatia’s Green Rail Revolution: First BEMU Arrives

Croatia, May 15, 2025

The European railway sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the imperative for decarbonisation and the adoption of sustainable transport solutions. Croatia has recently marked a significant milestone in this journey with the introduction of its inaugural Battery Electric Multiple Unit (BEMU). This development, integral to a comprehensive national strategy to infuse ‘green’ technologies into public transportation, underscores a resolute commitment to modernising its railway infrastructure and diminishing its ecological impact. The deployment of this BEMU on the Zagreb – Bjelovar – Zagreb corridor is a flagship component of the “Application of Green Technologies in Railway Passenger Transport” project. Bolstered by substantial European Union (EU) funding, this initiative is set to redefine operations on non-electrified railway sections, heralding a more sustainable, efficient, and passenger-focused rail network. The successful commissioning of this advanced rolling stock highlights Croatia’s proactive stance in leveraging innovative solutions for a greener public mobility future.

A New Era for Non-Electrified Lines

The official launch of Croatia’s first BEMU on the Zagreb – Bjelovar – Zagreb route represents a watershed moment for the nation’s public transport system. This pioneering train is specifically engineered to enhance sustainable rail services, particularly on lines currently without overhead catenary systems, thereby bridging a critical gap in the network with electric traction. Its introduction is a key element of the ongoing modernisation of HŽ Putnički prijevoz (HZPP or HZ Passenger Transport)’s rolling stock, which has seen the Croatian government expand its fleet to 63 low-floor trains, with over half introduced in the last three to four years. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Oleg Butković hailed the event, stating, “The rollout of the battery electric multiple unit marks a new chapter in the shift toward green and smart mobility. Signed over two years ago, this project reflects the momentum of our national railway modernisation – real, measurable progress that’s already reshaping the system.” This BEMU allows for the extension of electric train operations beyond the existing electrified network, reducing reliance on diesel traction and its associated emissions.

Project Framework and Financial Underpinnings

The development and deployment of the BEMU fall under the ambit of the “Application of Green Technologies in Railway Passenger Transport” project. This strategic initiative receives significant backing from EU funding, channelled through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021–2026. The project’s scope is comprehensive, encompassing not only the newly operational BEMU but also the production of an additional battery-powered unit and the establishment of six dedicated charging stations. These charging stations are strategically planned for key railway hubs in Split, Osijek, Varazdin, Bjelovar, Virovitica, and Pula, ensuring broad operational coverage and flexibility for the new BEMU fleet. The total investment for this ambitious project is valued at €17.1 million (approximately $19.1 million), with a substantial €13.3 million (approximately $14.8 million) sourced directly from EU funds. Končar– Electric Vehicles has been entrusted with the critical tasks of producing the battery-electric trainsets and installing the requisite charging infrastructure, showcasing domestic industrial capability in advanced rail technology.

Advanced Rolling Stock: Design and Performance

The newly introduced BEMU is a state-of-the-art train designed with a keen focus on accessibility, passenger comfort, and operational efficiency. It features low-floor access with boarding ramps, fully accessible toilets, and dedicated areas for bicycles, catering to diverse passenger needs. The train can accommodate a total of 157 seated and 158 standing passengers. For enhanced safety and security, the passenger cabin is equipped with continuous video surveillance. Passengers benefit from modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, clear visual and audio announcement systems, and multimedia displays for journey information and entertainment.

In terms of performance, the BEMU boasts an impressive operational range of up to 480km per day and can operate for up to 18 hours daily. Its design allows for compatibility with existing new-generation low-floor trains, enabling coupled operation to increase capacity during peak demand periods. A key feature is its dual-mode operational capability: the train can achieve speeds of up to 160km/h on electrified routes drawing power from the catenary, and up to 120km/h when operating in battery mode on non-electrified sections. The sophisticated Energy Storage System (ESS), i.e., its battery system, allows for flexible charging options, either dynamically via the pantograph from the overhead contact line on electrified sections or from stationary charging points at designated stations.

Strategic Partnerships and Decarbonisation Goals

The introduction of the BEMU is more than just a technological upgrade; it represents a significant step towards Croatia’s decarbonisation objectives and highlights effective strategic partnerships. Gordan Kolak, CEO of Končar, emphasized the broader implications: “The introduction of the battery electric multiple unit marks a pivotal advancement for Croatian industry, both technologically and environmentally. It combines high-capacity energy storage with predictable energy usage profiles, laying the foundation for intelligent optimisation of fleet operations and charging infrastructure.” This project aligns with Croatia’s larger commitment to modernising its public railway transportation, supported by a substantial €9 billion ($10 billion) investment plan. In 2023, further financial impetus was provided when Eurofima, the Switzerland-based rolling stock leasing company, allocated €31 million ($34.7 million) in financing to HZPP to support various rail projects. This BEMU initiative directly contributes to enhancing local and regional mobility by making rail travel more attractive, accessible, and environmentally sound, particularly in areas previously reliant on older, less efficient diesel units.

Conclusion

Croatia’s deployment of its first Battery Electric Multiple Unit signifies a transformative step in its pursuit of a sustainable, modern, and efficient public transport network. The successful inauguration of this BEMU on the Zagreb – Bjelovar – Zagreb line is a direct and commendable outcome of the meticulously planned “Application of Green Technologies in Railway Passenger Transport” project. This venture is significantly bolstered by European Union funding via the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, illustrating a potent synergy between national ambition and international support for green innovation. The project’s vision extends beyond this initial unit, with concrete plans for a second BEMU and the critical development of six charging stations across pivotal railway nodes, which will ensure the widespread operational efficacy and scalability of this technology.

The BEMU itself stands as a paragon of contemporary railway engineering, meticulously designed to optimize operational efficiency while prioritizing passenger comfort and accessibility. Its impressive daily operational endurance of up to 18 hours and a range of 480km, coupled with its versatile dual-mode functionality—achieving speeds of 160km/h on electrified lines and 120km/h on battery power—underscore its adaptability to Croatia’s diverse rail network. Features such as universal accessibility, generous passenger capacity, and modern onboard amenities like Wi-Fi further enhance the travel experience, making rail a more attractive option. This pioneering initiative, spearheaded by HŽ Putnički prijevoz with Končar – Electric Vehicles delivering the cutting-edge rolling stock and essential charging infrastructure, forms an integral part of Croatia’s ambitious €9 billion investment strategy aimed at comprehensively upgrading its public railway system. The introduction of the BEMU not only revitalizes the rolling stock fleet but also plays a crucial role in delivering eco-friendly rail services, especially on non-electrified routes. This ultimately improves regional connectivity and aligns Croatia firmly with overarching European decarbonisation targets, heralding a greener, smarter, and more accessible future for its railway sector.

Company Summaries:

• HŽ Putnički prijevoz (HZPP): HZPP is the national railway passenger transport operator in Croatia. It is responsible for providing comprehensive passenger rail services across the country’s network. The company is actively engaged in modernising its rolling stock fleet and associated infrastructure to enhance service quality, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability in line with national and EU objectives.
• Končar – Electric Vehicles: A prominent Croatian engineering and manufacturing company, Končar – Electric Vehicles specializes in the design, development, and production of electric rail vehicles (trains, trams), as well as related components and charging infrastructure. It is a key player in advancing Croatia’s technological capabilities in the field of green transportation and sustainable mobility solutions.