Croatian startup Rimac Automobili has been pushing limits. From creating the world’s fastest electric supercar to buying the famous Bugatti brand, founder Mate Rimac has made big news with groundbreaking achievements. Now, Rimac is aiming to change urban travel with the 2026 Rimac Verne, an autonomous robotaxi that promises to transform ride-hailing services.
Taking inspiration from visionary author Jules Verne, who was often called “the man who invented the future,” Rimac sees a future where city transportation is efficient, luxurious, and fully self-driving. The Rimac Verne, named after the famous author, is set to bring this vision to life. Originally started in 2019 as Project 3 Mobility (P3M), the project recently changed its name to Verne.
Co-founded by Rimac and Marko Pejković, the project has attracted major investment from a subsidiary of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, Kia, and the European Commission, among others. Unlike other robotaxis like Waymo and Cruise, the Verne hides its sensors neatly into its sleek design, inspired by Jules Verne’s Nautilus submarine, with wide visibility through its “Halo” sunroof.
Before the Verne can start operating in any city, a “Mothership” will be set up. This facility will be the main hub for inspecting, maintaining, cleaning, and charging the Verne fleet. At first, charging will be done using 100 kW CCS plugs, with plans to adopt faster methods later. The first Mothership will be established in Zagreb, Croatia, followed by 11 cities in the UK, Germany, and the Middle East.
The Verne robotaxi is designed to offer a complete and personalized ride experience. Users can book a Verne through a smartphone app, which also lets them customize different aspects of the cabin, including lighting, temperature, and even scent. This level of customization aims to make each Verne ride feel like a personal car, setting it apart from traditional ride-hailing services.
Designed by Adriano Mudri, who also created the Rimac Nevera, the Verne’s two-seat hatchback design is both small and spacious. It offers more interior space than a Rolls-Royce while keeping the size of a subcompact SUV. The doors slide forward, minimizing obstruction, and the seats provide luxurious comfort, with features like full recline, footrests, and a 43-inch cross-car video screen.
Safety is a top priority in the Verne, with innovative features like knee airbags and shoulder belts designed to reduce injury in a crash. The self-driving system is powered by Mobileye, using a suite of cameras, radars, and lidar units to ensure safe and efficient operation. The vehicles will be limited to urban areas and can handle speeds up to 80 mph on city highways.
Rimac sees the Verne as a complement to public transportation, solving the “last mile” problem and reducing the need for personal cars. The Verne’s constant movement aims to reduce traffic congestion and free up parking space, promoting a more sustainable urban environment. The initial rollout will include 40 vehicles in Zagreb, with the capacity to expand to 450.
