Mate Rimac's Latest Major Concept is Unrelated to Hypercars | Carscoops

      Verne robotaxis could serve as an ideal mobility option for individuals with disabilities.

      15 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      Mate Rimac co-founded Verne, a new all-electric robotaxi company.

      Verne plans to introduce its inaugural self-driving robotaxi in Zagreb next year.

      The service aims to offer more affordable rides compared to current ride-hailing alternatives.

      It has been eighteen months since Mate Rimac unveiled his latest venture, Verne, a fully electric mobility brand focused on creating a specially designed robotaxi. Since then, updates have been few, but Rimac recently took to Instagram to provide an update on Verne's advancements and broader objective.

      Instead of partnering with an existing car manufacturer to utilize their vehicles for its robotaxis, as Waymo has done with Jaguar, Verne is creating its own self-driving vehicle from scratch. The two-door model was presented last year and features a spacious interior devoid of traditional controls like a steering wheel or pedals.

      According to Rimac, self-driving robotaxis like those from Verne could significantly redefine personal mobility. He believes they will enable individuals to reclaim time typically wasted in traffic, whether through working on a laptop or attending meetings during transit.

      The potential advantages also extend to those who are unable to drive, such as younger individuals, the elderly, or those with disabilities.

      What Sets Verne Apart?

      Rimac claims that Verne’s robotaxi provides more space and amenities than what a wealthy businessman could expect in the back of a Rolls-Royce. A large screen occupies the dashboard, and the seats can fully recline.

      While Verne has not communicated much recently, it has been active behind the scenes. In a recent video, Rimac showcases numerous functional prototypes that are already assembled. He plans to first launch the robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia, asserting that it will be cheaper than existing ride-hailing services.

      Should the Croatian launch succeed, there are already plans to expand the service to other markets across Europe and globally.

      Verne has not disclosed any technical details regarding its vehicle, including its driving range. However, it is known to feature Mobileye’s advanced autonomous driving system, incorporating various cameras, radars, and LiDAR.