Revolutionary Rimac Verne: The Two-Seat Robotaxi That's Redefining Urban Mobility
Not even a full week since Bugatti mesmerized the world with its new V16 hybrid–powered Tourbillon, there's a new player changing the game in urban transportation: the Rimac Verne. Named after the visionary author Jules Verne, this fully autonomous two-seater robotaxi aims to transform how we navigate city streets by 2026. The brainchild of former Rimac employees, the Verne exemplifies cutting-edge design and advanced engineering.
Meet the Minds Behind Verne
Verne is co-founded by Mate Rimac in collaboration with two of his closest colleagues: Marko Pejković, Verne's CEO and former Chief Strategy Officer at Rimac, and Adriano Mudri, Verne's Chief Design Officer and formerly Rimac's Director of Design. The vehicle was unveiled at the new Rimac Campus just outside Zagreb, Croatia, where it underwent painstaking development.
Advanced Autonomous Engineering
The Verne rides on a purpose-built chassis and leverages the Mobileye Drive autonomous systems platform. This setup includes an array of cameras, lidar, and radar sensors enabling the vehicle to navigate various environments and driving conditions. Designed for dense urban locales, the Verne doesn’t shy away from versatility, proving to be adaptable in various settings.
Aesthetically Pleasing Design
While many autonomous vehicles craft a dystopian look, the Verne breaks the mold with its charming design. It sports a wedge-shaped front end reminiscent of a Lamborghini, with all autonomous sensors seamlessly integrated. The vehicle exudes an inviting, friendly appearance, characterized by what looks like an illuminated smile.
Inner Space and Practicality
The Verne's interior boasts massive sliding doors, revealing a cabin optimized for two passengers. The doors are designed to not obstruct traffic while making ingress and egress a breeze. The two-seater design allowed Verne to maximize cabin space, reportedly offering more room than a Rolls-Royce. The ultra-large seats feature five different modes, including a highly reclinable setting with deployable legrests.
Minimalist Yet Functional Dashboard
Gone are the steering wheels and pedals; instead, a 43-inch curved display sits on a sleek shelf adorned with rose gold accents. The central console holds a touchpad for infotainment, USB-C ports, wireless chargers, cupholders, and additional storage. One unique feature is the ‘Median,’ a switch in the console giving passengers control to start and stop the ride and operate the doors.
Unparalleled Skylight
One of the most exciting interior aspects is the round 'Halo ring' sunroof, which Verne claims is unparalleled. It offers passengers panoramic views, making every trip an experience. Add customizable climate controls, window tint opacity, in-car scents, and unique ambient lighting inspired by Jules Verne’s books, and the Verne quickly becomes a standout in comfort and customization.
Advanced Features and App Integration
Rides can be hailed using the Verne app, which displays the taxi’s real-time location and ETA. Security is enhanced with a unique entry code system. The Verne’s operations will be managed from ‘Mothership’ hubs in various cities, with Zagreb being the first. The UK, Germany, and the Middle East are next, with agreements already in place in 11 cities and negotiations ongoing with 30 more. Verne’s production in Zagreb will scale to accommodate global demand.
Final Thoughts
The Verne aims to bring a revolutionary shift in urban mobility with its compact yet spacious, efficient, and autonomous ride. Set to launch in 2026, it not only challenges the status quo but also sets a high bar for its competitors, including Tesla, which has yet to reveal any concrete details about its own robotaxi. Stay tuned for more updates as the Verne continues to make leaps toward becoming a part of urban landscapes worldwide.