Gary Zhou 
- 🚗 Verne is Rimac’s new fully autonomous EV robotaxi, debuting in Zagreb, Croatia by 2026.
- 🌟 Rimac is known for ultra-luxurious, high-performance electric vehicles.
- 🔧 Verne will use the Mobileye Drive platform, designed specifically for autonomous driving.
- 📱 Passengers can personalize their ride experience via the Verne app, adjusting settings like temperature and lighting.
- 🏭 Each city with Verne services will have a “Mothership” facility for maintenance and charging of the vehicles.
- 👤 Mudri and Pejković are key leaders in the Verne project, focusing on safety and comfort in the vehicle design.
- 🏞️ The robotaxi will feature a unique two-seat design with spacious interiors.
- 🎥 Entertainment options include an ultrawide screen and a 17-speaker audio system.
- 🚀 The exterior will have integrated cameras, radars, and lidars, with no traditional mirrors or windshield wipers.
- 🌍 Verne aims to deliver an affordable and highly personalized mobility service worldwide.
In the relentless pursuit of innovation within the electric vehicle space, Rimac has emerged as a beacon of high-performance and luxury. They have now set their sights on the autonomous vehicle market with their newest project, Verne. Slated to debut in 2026 in Zagreb, Croatia, Verne promises to revolutionize the concept of robotaxis. This in-depth exploration will shed light on how Rimac plans to bring this ambitious vision to life.
Rimac, renowned for their ultra-luxurious, high-performance electric vehicles, is venturing into the autonomous driving arena with Verne, their fully autonomous robotaxi. Named in homage to Jules Verne, the visionary author who forewarned the future, this robotaxi is engineered to reshape urban mobility around the globe. Scheduled for a 2026 launch in Zagreb, Croatia, Verne is much more than just a node in the network of autonomous vehicles. It represents a paradigm shift in how we perceive and interact with public transportation.
Rimac’s Vision: The Autonomous Future
Rimac’s foray into autonomous vehicles is not surprising, considering their pedigree of breaking automotive boundaries. With Verne, they are not only competing but also redefining the very essence of autonomous transportation. Here are some pivotal elements of this groundbreaking venture:
Mobileye Drive Platform
One of the foremost innovations powering Verne is the Mobileye Drive platform. This cutting-edge platform is tailored specifically for autonomous driving, ensuring seamless integration of all required sensors and computing capabilities. By leveraging Mobileye’s expertise, Rimac ensures that Verne will operate with unparalleled precision and safety.
Personalized Passenger Experience
In today’s ride-hailing economy, personalization remains a key differentiator. With Verne, Rimac elevates this concept. Passengers will leverage the Verne app to tailor their ride experience, adjusting settings such as temperature, comfort, lighting, and even scent.
Engineering and Design: Setting New Standards
Rimac’s engineering prowess is evident in every aspect of Verne’s design. It’s clear that they are not just focusing on the technological aspect but also the user experience.
Comfort and Safety
Mudri, the Chief Design Officer, along with CEO Pejković, emphasizes safety and comfort as cornerstones of the Verne experience. These two elements are paramount for attracting widespread adoption. Rimac’s dedication to these features is evident in their approach to designing a fully autonomous EV from scratch.
Spacious Two-Seat Design
Recognizing modern ride-hailing statistics, where most trips are undertaken by one or two passengers, Verne sports a two-seat configuration. This allows them to offer an unprecedented amount of space, likened to that of a Rolls-Royce. The interior design focuses on providing maximum comfort within a compact vehicle footprint.
Entertainment and Luxury Features
To enhance the passenger experience, Verne includes an ultrawide screen for multimedia entertainment paired with a high-fidelity 17-speaker audio system. These features ensure that every journey is as enjoyable as it is efficient, redefining what passengers can expect from autonomous transportation.
Operational Blueprint
Global Deployment Strategy
Verne won’t be confined to Croatian roads for long. Each city where Verne operates will feature a “Mothership” facility for routine inspections, maintenance, cleaning, and charging. This infrastructure ensures operational efficiency and reliability.
Market Targeting and Expansion
Rimac aims to roll out Verne globally, striving to provide an affordable yet luxurious mobility service that transcends socioeconomic boundaries. The goal is to offer a level of service where safety, comfort, and personalized experience take precedence, making luxury accessible to the broader public.
Technical Innovations: Beyond Aesthetics
Integrated Camera and Sensor Systems
Verne’s aerodynamic design integrates cutting-edge cameras, radars, and lidars seamlessly into the vehicle’s structure. This eliminates traditional elements like side-view mirrors and windshield wipers, enhancing both performance and maintenance.
Trunk Space and Practicality
Despite the focus on futuristic design, practical elements such as a trunk for luggage remain. This ensures that the vehicle is versatile enough for various uses, from airport pickups to grocery runs.
Conclusion
Rimac’s Verne is poised to not only disrupt the autonomous vehicle market but also redefine it. By combining cutting-edge technology with an unparalleled focus on passenger experience, Verne stands as a testament to what the future of transportation could look like. As Rimac brings this ambitious project to life, it’s clear that they are driving us into a new era of mobility—one that is safe, comfortable, and incredibly luxurious.
