CROATIAN passenger operator HŽ Putnički Prijevoz (HŽPP) has received its first battery-electric train from domestic manufacturer Končar.
This train can operate at up to 160km/h on electrified tracks and 120km/h in battery mode. The batteries can be charged from the overhead catenary or at charging stations. The train will have an average daily range of 480km and will operate for up to 18 hours per day.
It will operate on the Zagreb - Bjelovar - line and has 157 seats and standing room for another 158 passengers, along with accessibility features such as ramps, bicycle storage, Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment.
The total cost of the project, which includes one battery train and six charging stations, is €17.1m, of which €13.3m is funded by Croatia’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Končar is also set to produce five more battery-electric trains for use on routes such as Varaždin - Ludbreg - Koprivnica - Zagreb. The trains will utilise overhead electrification where available switching to battery operation on non-electrified sections.
Electro-diesel order
Separately, HŽPP has awarded a contract exceeding €100m to Končar for 10 electro-diesel trains, a first for the region.
The trains will improve journeys on routes such as Zagreb - Križevci - Varaždin/Čakovec/Osijek, by eliminating the need for passengers to change trains or for locomotive changes at points like Koprivnica.
With a maximum speed of 160km/h, the 150-seat trains are designed for long-distance travel, and will offer enhanced comfort and catering.
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