Austrian market leader TSA supplies electric motors for KONČARs battery trains in Croatia

Paving the Way for Sustainable Mobility: Traktionssysteme Austria (TSA) Powers KONČAR’s Battery Trains in Croatia
TSA, the global leader in the development and production of traction drives for rolling stock and commercial road vehicles based in Lower Austria, is making a significant contribution to sustainable mobility in Europe. In 2021, TSA signed a contract with KONČAR – Electric Vehicles Inc. to supply two electric motors for track inspection vehicles in Croatia. By 2023, this partnership had expanded to include ten electric motors for prototype multi-car Battery Multiple Units (BMUs) and Battery Electric Multiple Units (BEMUs). These prototype trains have already been completed and are currently undergoing test runs. In 2024, TSA secured another supply contract with KONČAR for 24 additional electric motors for EDMU vehicles.

The BMUs and BEMUs represent two forward-thinking rail concepts designed for passenger transport on non-electrified or partially electrified routes. These trains are equipped with TSA asynchronous motors type
TME 59A-22-4, self-ventilated traction motors with a nominal power output of 300 kW. The motors have been specifically adapted to meet the requirements of KONČAR’s bogies, seamlessly integrating into the Croatian rail vehicle manufacturer’s existing platforms.

A key highlight of the KONČAR project is the hybrid functionality of the B(E)MU platform. Thanks to an additional battery storage system, these trains can bridge gaps on non-electrified tracks. As a result, KONČAR’s battery trains will primarily operate on non-electrified routes in Croatia, such as the line between Split and Perković. They play a crucial role in improving passenger transport while significantly reducing environmental impact.

‘With KONČAR’s battery trains powered by TSA traction motors, we are making a decisive contribution to environmentally friendly mobility in Europe. The combination of innovative technology, flexibility, and sustainability sets new benchmarks in rail transport. We are proud to be part of this success story and to actively shape the future of mobility,’ said Robert Tencl, CEO of Traktionssysteme Austria.

Next-Generation Trains for Non-Electrified Rail Networks
BMUs are specifically designed for passenger transport on non-electrified railway lines. Their onboard traction batteries are charged exclusively through stable energy connections, offering an environmentally friendly alternative for routes without overhead power lines. KONČAR’s BMUs can accommodate up to 216 passengers and reach a maximum speed of 120 km/h.

In contrast, BEMUs utilize the national railway infrastructure’s 25 kV / 50 Hz overhead line system both for propulsion and battery charging. This dual-power capability enables flexible operation on fully and partially electrified routes. BEMUs achieve a top speed of 120 km/h in battery mode and 160 km/h when drawing power from the overhead line. With a capacity for up to 304 passengers and cutting-edge technological features, BEMUs set new standards for sustainable mobility in Croatia.

Both train types are characterized by their quiet, energy-efficient traction systems. Thanks to innovative technologies, they help lower operational costs while minimizing environmental impact.

A Successful Collaboration
The partnership between TSA and KONČAR began in 2021 with the delivery of traction motors for track inspection vehicles. Since then, the collaboration has continued to grow. In 2022, TSA supplied two prototype motors for BMUs and BEMUs, followed by ten additional motors in 2023. To support the series production of BEMUs, TSA delivered another 24 motors in 2024.

By providing high-performance, energy-efficient traction motors, TSA is playing a crucial role in advancing sustainable rail transport in Croatia. The partnership with KONČAR underscores TSA’s commitment to shaping the future of mobility through technological excellence and innovation.