BATTERY POWERED TRAINS FOR CROATIAN RAILWAYS

Abstract

KONČAR -Electric Vehicles have designed and produced two prototypes of battery powered trains, Battery Electric Multiple Unit (BEMU) and Battery Multiple Unit (BMU). Alongside these trains, six stationary battery chargers are delivered and installed in six cities in Croatia: Bjelovar, Virovitica, Osijek, Varaždin, Split and Pula. The paper describes the overall system concept, including traction architecture, battery integration, control strategies, and charging infrastructure. Special attention is given to battery management functions, energy flow control between catenary, traction system, and onboard batteries, as well as the implementation of fast DC charging stations. In addition, the paper presents real operational data obtained from passenger service. Measured specific energy consumption ranges from approximately 2.4 to 3.7 kWh/km, depending on ambient temperature and route characteristics. Based on the defined state-of-charge operating window, the achievable range is estimated at 100–150 km for BEMU and 140–200 km for BMU under beginning-of-life conditions. The results confirm the technical feasibility and energy efficiency of battery-electric trains for regional transport applications, demonstrating their suitability as a replacement for diesel multiple units on partially or fully non-electrified railway networks.