Croatian capital Zagreb to launch tender for 70 electric buses

Public transport company ZET, responsible for operating Zagreb’s bus network, has launched a preliminary consultation for the purchase of 70 electric buses, as reported on the web media Balkan Green Energy News.

This procurement follows the introduction of the first electric bus (a Iveco Bus Crossway Le City Elec – see opening picture) into Zagreb’s public transport fleet earlier this month, a milestone in the city’s broader strategy. As announced by Mayor Tomislav Tomašević, Zagreb aims to eventually convert its entire ZET bus fleet to electric and hydrogen power.

Tender coming in Zagreb

The investment, valued at EUR 50 million, will cover three types of vehicles. ZET plans to acquire 33 12-meter electric buses, each equipped with a 380 kWh battery, at a projected cost of EUR 23.6 million. Another EUR 23.2 million is allocated for 29 articulated electric buses, each requiring a minimum battery capacity of 510 kWh. The remaining EUR 3.2 million will fund the purchase of eight midi electric buses, with a minimum battery size of 100 kWh.

Performance requirements are ambitious: rigid and articulated buses must offer at least 300 kilometers of range per charge, while midi buses must be capable of 200 kilometers. Tender evaluation will prioritize the lowest price, followed by battery capacity and warranty conditions for both vehicles and batteries.

National support measures are also in place. Earlier this year, Croatia’s government allocated EUR 50 million to support public transport operators in setting up charging infrastructure for electric buses. The Ministry of Economy launched a public call targeting 18 eligible operators, including ZET.