With a longstanding tradition of excellence and continuous investment in innovation, digital transformation, and people, Croatia’s industrial flagship, KONČAR, maintains its position as a regional leader in high-tech industries. Over recent years, KONČAR has made significant strides in urban mobility, spearheading the development of advanced technologies that emphasize sustainability, safety, reliability, and comfort.
Based in Zagreb, the company plays a pivotal role in driving sustainable, environmentally friendly public transport solutions, while also contributing to Croatia’s economic progress through its cutting-edge products. A testament to this commitment was on full display at the recent InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin, where KONČAR introduced two of its latest breakthroughs in the rail segment.
Moreover, one of the exhibited models was the Battery Multiple Unit, a fully battery-powered train that KONČAR developed and manufactured as one of the first in Europe. Furthermore, it was the only such rail vehicle showcased at this year’s InnoTrans. As the largest and most significant fair in the transport industry, InnoTrans brings together true global giants, vastly larger than KONČAR and hailing from countries far bigger than Croatia, this demonstrates that, while small compared to its global competitors, KONČAR punches far above its weight class in terms of knowledge, technological abilities, and innovation.
KONČAR’s Battery Multiple Unit and Measurement train – Born in Croatia, built for global impact
At InnoTrans 2024, KONČAR revealed two notable additions to its portfolio: the Battery Multiple Unit (BMU) and a state-of-the-art Measurement train. These vehicles exemplify KONČAR’s commitment to providing innovative solutions to the challenges of modern transport. Particularly attractive Battery Multiple Unit, which was exhibited alongside its tailor-designed charging station KonCharge 1000, commanded great attention from numerous visitors from across the world. Designed for passenger service on non-electrified lines, this special rail vehicle operates solely on energy stored in onboard batteries, recharged through stable power connections. Such cutting-edge, eco-friendly technology offers quieter and more efficient operation, coupled with greater flexibility across a variety of routes. The BMU can accommodate 102 seated passengers, with a total capacity of 216 passengers, and features NMC battery packs mounted on the roof, offering 736 kWh of energy and meeting latest European safety standards.
”KONČAR’s presence at this year’s InnoTrans, undoubtedly the most important global fair in the transport industry, is of special significance as it provided another opportunity to confirm that, both as a Group and as a representative of the domestic industry, we are in no way falling behind larger competitors. Thanks to continuous development and specialized knowledge in highly specific technological niches, we have numerous competitive advantages that secure us a well-deserved place among Europe’s most relevant high-tech manufacturers. The two models we have exhibited, representing our latest technological achievements, confirm that, at the national level, we are successfully meeting the demands of the green transition from both an industrial and infrastructural perspective, and that we possess all the capabilities for a stronger presence in the European market, providing solutions for higher quality and long-term sustainable urban mobility”, said mr. sc Gordan Kolak, CEO of KONČAR.
KONČAR also introduced a Measurement train, which caught visitors’ eye with its distinctive yellow body color, modern design and unique functional features, making it one of the biggest hits on the outside expo area. It is a self-propelled vehicle designed to monitor and record track conditions with unparalleled precision. Based on KONČAR’s proven electric and diesel-electric train platforms, this diesel-powered vehicle can reach speeds of 140 km/h and operates effectively on both electrified and non-electrified tracks. The presentation of these two advanced vehicles marks a significant moment for Croatian high-tech manufacturing, as KONČAR continues to showcase its capabilities on the global stage.
“Presenting our products and technological solutions once again at InnoTrans is an excellent opportunity for the global audience to get a closer look at the key advantages of our products, technological solutions, and, most importantly, the principles of excellence that guide us in every development and production process. This year’s participation at InnoTrans is a historic event for KONČAR, as it marks the first time we have showcased not one, but two of our trains at this central global event in the transport industry. These trains represent the result of years of dedicated work, independent development, and our constant pursuit of enhancing our technological capabilities. We firmly believe that we continue to succeed in this, and we are proud to demonstrate it on the world’s largest stage” said Josip Ninić, President of the Management Board, KONČAR – Electric Vehicles.
Meeting modern challenges with forward-thinking solutions
The popular phrase “Modern problems require modern solutions” takes on a new meaning within the offices and manufacturing facilities of the KONČAR Group, particularly at KONČAR – Electric Vehicles, where expert teams are addressing the challenges of urban mobility in the context of the green transition. Two flagship projects demonstrate KONČAR’s proactive approach: the Battery Multiple Units (BMU) and the Battery Electric Multiple Units (BEMU), both developed for Passenger Transport of Croatian Railways (HŽPP). While the BMU operates solely on battery power, the BEMU features dual functionality, using both batteries and an overhead (AC) 25 kV, 50 Hz electric traction system for both propulsion and battery charging. Capable of reaching 120 km/h in battery mode and up to 160 km/h under electric power, the BEMU represents a significant leap toward sustainable rail solutions. These innovative trains directly address the electrification challenges, bolstering KONČAR’s position as a leader in sustainable transport solutions for both the domestic and international markets.
“In recent years, KONČAR – Electric Vehicles’ production facilities have been operating at full capacity, largely thanks to Passenger Transport of Croatian Railways (HŽPP), which placed its trust in KONČAR for its key capital projects. In just over the last decade, we have delivered 60 modern trains to HŽPP, and under recent contracts, we are committed to delivering seven diesel electric-powered trains, one battery train, one hybrid train, and six bi-modal diesel electric trains. These demanding products challenge our skilled employees across all profiles, further enhancing our knowledge and experience while also providing immense satisfaction when we get a chance to reaffirm that our products and solutions can stand alongside those of global manufacturers, like here at InnoTrans 2024. I am confident that such moments are one of the key reasons why all of us approach this work with such passion and dedication”, added the President of the Management Board of KONČAR – Electric Vehicles, Josip Ninić.
Shaping the future of urban mobility
At KONČAR’s manufacturing facilities, the company is working diligently on delivering low-floor trams for Zagreb and Osijek, both Croatian cities with tram systems. By September 2027, a total of 40 modern, fully equipped trams will be operational in Zagreb, while Osijek will receive the last of its 10 new low-floor trams by September 2025. In both cities, passengers will travel on the latest generation of KONČAR low-floor trams, featuring significant technological advancements. These modern, 100% low-floor trams are fully accessible, with no slopes or steps in the passenger area, ensuring ease of use for people with mobility challenges and parents with strollers. They are equipped with energy storage systems that enable operation even during power outages, enhancing energy efficiency
and reducing electricity consumption. Additionally, they feature new video surveillance systems, station announcement technology, and passenger amenities such as USB charging ports. Through its continuous efforts in the development of electric, hybrid, and battery-powered vehicles, as well as their supporting infrastructure, KONČAR is solidifying its role as a forward-thinking partner in the green transition, both within Croatia and on the international stage.
“With extensive experience in executing numerous complex projects and an impressive track record of delivered products and solutions, particularly in the energy sector, KONČAR is a serious potential partner within the European Union, ready to meet the most demanding market requirements with our custom-made products and solutions. Throughout our history, we have repeatedly justified our reputation for the safety, reliability, and comfort of our trains and trams. We continue to build the future of urban mobility on this legacy, contributing to a domestic industry that is more competitive, technologically advanced, and fully aligned with European green energy transition goals. These are Croatia’s most complex high-tech products, and they make a significant contribution to positioning Croatian industry on the European map,” concluded KONČAR’s CEO, Gordan Kolak.
