Croatian automaker Rimac Automobili has just shifted away from its initial electric sports cars focus to include self-driving vehicles dubbed “robotaxis,” The Verge reports.
Rimac executives launched Verne robotaxi
Rimac Automobili founder Mate Rimac and his closest colleagues from the Group, including Marko Pejković and Adriano Mudri, have introduced the “Verne” fully autonomous robotaxi under a newly formed business unit.
Adriano Mudri will serve as Verne’s Chief Design Officer, while Marko Pejković will lead its operation as the new Chief Executive.
The new venture’s primary goals are to develop fully autonomous electric vehicles and offer them as a mobility service platform. It also aims to deploy the necessary infrastructures to support it.
The Rimac executives seek to launch Verne robotaxi in Zagreb, Croatia, as early as 2026.
The Verne robotaxi
The new Verne robotaxi utilizes a purpose-built chassis. Autonomy giant Mobileye helped develop it by offering its Mobileye Drive autonomous systems platform, which includes cameras, lidar, and radar sensors.
According to Verne, this innovative platform supports multiple locations, road types, weather conditions, and various driving styles. Initially, Verne will operate in denser urban environments, but it will be capable of more.
As for the design, this 2-door compact car features a dramatically wedge-shaped front end. Its sensors are also well incorporated into the design, delivering a face that looks like one big, illuminated smile.
Chief Design Officer Mudri also noted that the company eliminated common human-driven vehicle features such as side mirrors and windshield wipers, further improving the aerodynamics of the robotaxi. In addition, it features an enormous sliding door on each side. Overall, it looks like a blend of a space capsule and a European hatchback.
“We wanted to make it still resemble a car so that people are not scared of it. It needs to be relatable and acceptable.”
Adriano Mudri, Verne’s Chief Design Officer
Inside, it has only two seats and a minimalist interior design dominated by a giant 43-inch screen in the front.
“Why a 2-seater? Because the data shows that nine out of 10 rides are used by one or two people. Therefore, we can satisfy most of all trips with a two-seater and create unmatched interior space in a compact-sized vehicle.”
Adriano Mudri, Verne’s Chief Design Officer
How does it work?
Customers can easily order a ride through the official Verne mobile app, which also allows them to completely personalize the car even before it arrives. Preconfigurable options include temperature, comfort, lighting, and scent, among others.
It also has a start-stop button that allows customers to end their ride whenever they want, prompting the vehicle to stop safely.
“You’re not a prisoner in the car.”
Adriano Mudri, Verne’s Chief Design Officer
More excitingly, Verne also plans to establish a dedicated infrastructure called the “mothership” in all cities where it operates. This facility will handle the inspection, maintenance, and daily charging of Verne robotaxis.
The company is also planning to build the first factory for robotaxi production in Zagreb, Croatia.
Verne will initially launch in Croatia in 2026, followed by the United Kingdom and Germany. Denmark has inked deals with 11 cities in the European Union, the UK, and the Middle East while talks are still ongoing with 30 other cities.
