Croatian electric automaker Rimac Automobili announced plans to launch a bespoke robotaxi service by 2026 with “some backing” from South Korean legacy brand Kia, Autocar reports, citing Founder and Chief Executive Mate Rimac’s exclusive statements. It plans to unveil the planned autonomous robotaxi as early as this year.
Report highlights
Founder & CEO Mate Rimac apparently revealed to the UK’s leading car magazine that its all-electric Nevera Hypercar will play a crucial role in the planned robotaxi service under “Project 3 Mobility.”
Rimac aims to reveal a highly autonomous robotaxi as early as this year, with plans to commercialize the service by 2026. It has yet to announce more details about Project 3 Mobility, but it confirmed that Kia will be a key partner in this venture.
The Croatian startup seeks to “change the lives of more people” by offering accessible electric urban transport. The planned robotaxis can fully operate without a human driver. It will gain access to Rimac’s infrastructure development, such as charging stalls, storage hubs, and parking spaces.
In addition, Founder & CEO Rimac told Autocar that the upcoming robotaxi “is a car but a completely different type.” It is also worth noting that the company has been spied on testing the Renault Espace minivan, as per Car and Driver. In that sense, the robotaxi may be a bespoke unit with improved interior space and all-electric powertrain efficiency. Furthermore, he noted that the service can be premium, but it “doesn’t mean expensive or posh.”
The Project 3 Mobility
Rimac’s robotaxi service will operate under a new separate brand, “Project 3,” beneath the Rimac Group umbrella.
Electrek reported that Project 3’s headquarters is in Croatia, with a research hub in the UK. It apparently employs about 100 engineers at a new facility at the Rimac Technology R&D UK base near Warwick. As of now, it focuses on establishing a dedicated robotaxi factory before launching operations in other sites beyond Croatia.
“The goal is for the production of vehicles and a large number of components to be based in Croatia, which would then export tens of thousands of units per year to locations where the robotaxi service will be provided.”
Founder & CEO Mate Rimac
Kia’s role
Kia will introduce new purpose-built EVs next week, with further plans to put extra focus on electric PBVs as it transitions to a “mobility solutions provider.” It invested approximately $758 million (1 trillion won) to develop its inaugural PBV factory in its home market in April. It anticipates to start mass production at the facility in H2 2025, with a potential to produce 150,000 units annually.
Kia’s new dedicated PBVs “eS” platform and the new South Korean factory enable the automaker to advance as a significant partner for Rimac’s plans to offer its robotaxi service in the next few years.
Rimac is reportedly negotiating with 20 European and Middle Eastern cities regarding the planned robotaxi service after a pilot program in Zagreb. As mentioned, the company aims to kick off the robotaxi service operation in Croatia by 2026, expanding to Germany and the UK after a year.
