Rimac is shifting from electric supercars to robotaxis

Rimac’s Verne: A Supercar Company’s Leap into the World of Robotaxis

Rimac Automobili, the Croatian company renowned for its electric hypercars like the Nevera, is making a bold move into the future of transportation with its new robotaxi service, Verne. Named after the visionary French author Jules Verne, known for his imaginative tales of exploration and travel, Verne aims to revolutionize urban mobility in a way that is both technologically advanced and environmentally conscious.

A Strategic Shift:

While Rimac’s history is deeply intertwined with crafting high-performance, high-priced electric vehicles, launching a robotaxi service might seem like an unexpected turn. However, the company has been quietly developing autonomous technology since 2017, laying the groundwork for this ambitious venture. This strategic shift is fueled, in part, by a significant investment from the European Union, providing €200 million as a part of Croatia’s €6.3 billion recovery plan. This ambitious initiative has drawn some criticism, with some accusing Mate Rimac, the company’s founder, of being a "Balkan Elizabeth Holmes" for the perceived lack of transparency surrounding the funding and its real-world applications.

Rimac has also secured funding from Hyundai and Kia, further solidifying its commitment to the autonomous vehicle market. Despite the criticisms, Rimac is determined to prove its critics wrong and demonstrate the viability of Verne as a viable, innovative, and accessible transportation solution.

Verne’s Ambitious Vision:

Verne’s robotaxis are designed to be completely driverless, classified as Level 4 autonomous vehicles. This means they lack traditional car controls such as steering wheels and pedals, relying entirely on advanced technology to navigate the roadways safely and efficiently. The streamlined exterior design, devoid of conventional features like windshield wipers and side mirrors, reduces drag and enhances aerodynamics.

Instead of relying on retrofitted minivans or generic shuttle designs, Verne boasts a unique and sleek design. The robotaxi resembles a two-door hatchback with a spacious interior, offering a level of luxury not typically associated with robotaxis. Two sliding doors, designed for convenient entry and exit, add a distinctive touch.

Focused on Efficiency and Sustainability:

Verne’s decision to focus on a two-seater model might seem unconventional, especially in the context of maximizing revenue through passenger capacity. However, the company leverages data suggesting that “9 out of 10 rides are used by 1 or 2 people.” By prioritizing smaller vehicles, a more spacious and luxurious experience is created while minimizing environmental impact and maximizing efficiency. This approach aligns well with Rimac’s focus on sustainable mobility solutions.

The power source for Verne’s vehicles is 100% electric, aligning with the company’s broader commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Charging and maintenance will be facilitated through centrally located "Motherships," ensuring ongoing operations and fleet management.

A Technological Partnership with Mobileye:

Verne’s technological foundation rests on a partnership with Mobileye, a subsidiary of Intel renowned for its expertise in autonomous driving technology. Verne utilizes Mobileye Drive, a self-driving system that leverages Mobileye’s EyeQ system-on-a-chip for advanced processing power.

Moreover, Verne leverages Mobileye’s Road Experience Management (REM) program, which crowdsources real-time data from Mobileye-equipped vehicles to construct a constantly evolving, 3D global map. This ensures accuracy and adaptability, vital for reliable autonomous navigation.

Interior Design: Futuristic Comfort:

Step inside a Verne robotaxi, and you’ll be greeted by a futuristic interior designed to enhance your ride. A massive 43-inch display dominates the dashboard, allowing riders to access media, cabin controls, climate settings, and a sophisticated navigation system, similar to those used by companies like Tesla and Waymo.

Audiophiles will appreciate the immersive experience provided by the Dolby Atmos sound system, seamlessly integrated with the spacious interior. With 17 strategically placed speakers, Verne offers a concert-like audio experience, further enhancing the travel experience.

Accessible Ride-hailing for All:

Mate Rimac emphasizes that Verne’s commitment to accessibility goes beyond technological innovation. The company aims to provide "affordable rides for all," making autonomous transportation a realistic option for a wide range of individuals.

A Global Expansion Strategy:

After its initial launch in Zagreb in 2026, Verne has ambitious plans to expand its services globally, starting with the UK and Germany, followed by the Middle East. While other companies are exploring autonomous vehicle test deployments in Europe, Verne aims to stand out by offering a fully commercial service, challenging established market leaders like Waymo (USA) and Baidu (China).

Verne’s expansion strategy relies on strategic partnerships with cities worldwide. The company has already secured agreements with 11 cities across the EU, UK, and the Middle East, and is actively engaging in negotiations with over 30 cities globally.

Verne’s Vision: A Future of Seamless Mobility:

"Verne should help remove the need for a second or third car in the household that takes up parking spaces, is used rarely, and is a significant expense," the company states. This vision speaks to a future where autonomous, efficient, and sustainable transportation redefines urban mobility, reducing vehicle ownership, congestion, and emissions.

Rimac’s foray into the robotaxi market is bold and ambitious, but it’s supported by a proven track record of innovation, a strong strategic partnership with Mobileye, and an impressive ambition to reshape transportation landscapes worldwide. Whether Verne lives up to its visionary aspirations remains to be seen, but its very existence signals a growing momentum toward a future where driverless vehicles become the norm.

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