The Dark Horse of Autonomous Vehicles: Rimac’s Verne Revolutionizes the Industry
In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the tech and automotive industries, Rimac, the Croatian supercar manufacturer, is set to launch its own robotaxi service, Verne, in Zagreb, Croatia, in 2026. But this isn’t just another player entering the autonomous vehicle market – Verne is a game-changer.
Founded by Mate Rimac, a self-taught engineer who built his first car at the age of 22, Rimac has already made a name for itself as a manufacturer of high-performance electric vehicles. But Verne marks a significant pivot for the company, as it takes on the giants of the autonomous vehicle industry, including Waymo and Baidu.
A Revolution in Autonomous Technology
Verne’s robotaxi service will be fully electric, relying on autonomous technology from Mobileye, an Intel-owned company that supplies advanced driver-assist systems to many automakers. The vehicle will be Level 4 autonomous, meaning it lacks traditional controls like a steering wheel and pedals, and features a sleek, two-door hatchback design with a spacious interior.
But what sets Verne apart is its focus on luxury and passenger experience. The robotaxi will feature a 43-inch display screen, 17 speakers, and a Dolby Atmos sound system, making it a premium ride unlike anything else on the market.
A Threat to the Status Quo
Verne’s entry into the market poses a significant threat to the established players in the autonomous vehicle industry. With its focus on luxury and passenger experience, Verne is poised to disrupt the traditional ride-hailing model, which has been dominated by companies like Uber and Lyft.
But Verne’s impact goes beyond just the ride-hailing industry. Its focus on electric vehicles and autonomous technology could accelerate the adoption of these technologies, making them more mainstream and affordable for consumers.
A Global Rollout
Verne has already signed agreements with 11 cities in the EU, UK, and the Middle East, and is negotiating with more than 30 cities worldwide. The company plans to launch its robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia, in 2026, followed by the UK and Germany, and later in the Middle East.
A New Era for Transportation
Verne’s entry into the market marks a new era for transportation, one in which autonomous vehicles will play a central role. With its focus on luxury and passenger experience, Verne is poised to revolutionize the way we travel, making it faster, safer, and more enjoyable.
But as Verne prepares to launch its robotaxi service, the industry is left wondering: what’s next? Will Verne’s entry into the market accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicles, or will it create new challenges and uncertainties? Only time will tell.
