Rimac, the Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer, has just pulled the wraps off their latest creation – and it’s not what you’d expect. Meet Verne, the company’s first foray into the cutthroat world of robotaxis. A niche hypercar maker really cut it in the autonomous vehicle game?
At first glance, Verne might seem like an odd duck in Rimac’s pond. This two-seater autonomous electric vehicle is a far cry from the lightning-fast hypercars we’ve come to associate with the brand. But don’t let its compact size fool you – Verne’s packing some serious tech under the hood.
The heart of Verne’s autonomous capabilities lies in its Mobileye-powered brain. Equipped with a sophisticated sensor suite including cameras, radar, and lidar, the Level 4 fully autonomous system promises to navigate urban jungles with ease. And with a massive 43-inch display and 17 speakers, passengers won’t be twiddling their thumbs during their commute.
Rimac’s got big dreams for Verne, with plans to kick off operations in 2026. They’ve already inked deals to launch in 11 cities across the EU, UK, and Middle East, and they’re in talks with over 30 more worldwide.
Here’s the rub – Rimac’s track record in mass production is, well, practically non-existent. We’re talking about a company that’s delivered fewer than 150 vehicles in its entire history. And let’s not forget, they’ve completely outsourced the self-driving tech for Verne. It’s like watching a tightrope walker attempt their first crossing of the Grand Canyon – exciting, but nerve-wracking.
While Rimac’s ambition is admirable, the robotaxi market is no Sunday drive. They’ll be going toe-to-toe with tech giants and automotive behemoths who’ve been in this game for years. Can David really take on these Goliaths?