A lesser-known Croatian company has outperformed the electric vehicle (EV) giant Tesla in introducing an independent robotaxi, showcasing their expertise in manufacturing electric cars.
Prior to the anticipated robotaxi reveal by Tesla on August 8, Rimac, renowned for the Nevera electric hypercar, revealed Verne, its self-driving vehicle division.
Their upcoming unnamed autonomous vehicle aims to be the first produced, initially launching on the streets of Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, from 2026.
Rimac has already secured contracts with 11 cities in Europe, the UK, and the Middle East, and is in talks with more than 30 global cities interested in partnering with Verne.
Verne, inspired by the famed French author Jules Verne, relies on Intel-owned Mobileye’s Drive autonomous tech platform, providing Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, just a step away from complete autonomy.
This is facilitated by a switch known as the Median inside the cabin, allowing passengers limited control over the pod’s start and stop functions.
Equipped with numerous cameras and sensors outside, the pod features a sleek design without conventional mirrors or windscreen wipers to enhance aerodynamics and drive range.
Internally, the pod accommodates two seats with a front-end entrance to aid passengers in shifting from one side to the other.
Although online users with limited mobility pointed out the absence of wheelchair space, Verne states that almost 90% of rides involve only two passengers, eliminating the need for large vehicles like Toyota HiAce vans.
The company boldly claims that their pod offers more space than a Rolls-Royce, despite featuring a sizable 43-inch display in front of passengers.
Users of the robotaxi application can specify their desired interior temperature, ensuring the pod is pre-conditioned upon arrival.
Unlike typical rideshare apps that may lead to cancellations, Verne assures users that their bookings are secure.
Current regulations in Australia limit advanced autonomous systems to Level 2, which includes features like adaptive cruise control and lane-change assistance, making Verne’s robotaxi unlikely on local roads for now.
