Rimac to launch the Verne self-dricing robotaxi in Europe in 2026

The Croatian manufacturer of luxury supercars announced the plan to bring autonomous robotaxis to the Old Continent. 

Croatian supercar manufacturer Rimac is venturing into the world of autonomous vehicles with a new brand, Verne. Set to launch in 2026, the project aims to rethink urban transportation with a fleet of fully autonomous, electric robotaxis.

The name Verne refers to French novelist Jules Verne because, according to the company, "he used the theme of travel as the driving force in his storytelling."

The Verne robotaxi. Photo Verne & Rimac Automobili

Unlike the solutions from competitors like Waymo, the Verne robotaxi is a smaller, somewhat luxurious two-seater. The car is equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities provided by Mobileye's self-driving system and will lack a steering wheel.

The interior of the new robotaxi reflects Rimac's experience with luxury cars. It features a giant 43-inch display and a premium 17-speaker sound system that will let users connect their smartphones. Passengers will be able to control their hailing and ride experience through a mobile app, controlling everything from temperature to ambient lighting.

Despite the high-end features, Verne's service will be "affordable for all," according to Rimac's founder, Mate Rimac. If everything goes according to plan, Verne will debut in Zagreb, Croatia, and quickly expand across the continent. The company has already secured agreements with 11 cities across Europe, the UK, and the Middle East, with negotiations underway in over 30 additional cities worldwide.

Rimac could pivot from supercars to launching a robotaxi sub-brand thanks to a €200 million financing round from the European Union, assigned to the company within the framework of larger financial aid to Croatia as part of the EU's post-covid stimulus plan.

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