Croatia signs EUR 53.6 million deal for six battery trains and solar charging station

Croatia has signed a EUR 53.6 million deal to buy six battery-powered trains from domestic manufacturer Koncar and build its first hybrid charging station at Kotoriba. The trains will run on both electrified and non-electrified lines, switching to battery power where there are no overhead cables, and can carry around 150 passengers at up to 120 km/h. The charging station will be solar powered with battery storage, allowing the trains to recharge using renewable energy. The project is part of a wider EUR 1.5 billion rail overhaul in Croatia. The government also plans to finance 30 additional battery trains and charging stations in Knin, Perkovic, and Benkovac. HZ Passenger Transport currently operates 70 low-floor trains, with 25 more on order expected by early 2029. The shift away from diesel aims to cut emissions, noise, and fuel consumption while helping meet EU climate targets.