Rimac to launch electric ‘robotaxi’ service in 2026.

Croatian electric supercar company is set to introduce a groundbreaking ‘robotaxi’ service across Europe starting in 2026.

The newly-launched spin-off business, named Verne in honour of renowned French novelist and poet Jules Verne, promises to revolutionise urban autonomous mobility with its innovative approach.

Verne’s service is centred around three key components: a fully autonomous electric two-seater vehicle, a custom app, and specialised infrastructure. The debut is scheduled for Zagreb in 2026, followed by expansion into other European cities, with the UK and Germany as initial targets. The company has already secured agreements with 11 cities in the EU, UK, and the Middle East, with discussions ongoing with over 30 cities worldwide looking to partner with Verne.

Founded by Mate Rimac and his two close associates from Rimac Group – Marko Pejković, now the CEO of Verne, and Adriano Mudri, the designer behind the Rimac Nevera hypercar and the chief design officer at Verne.

The fully autonomous electric vehicle is developed on a brand-new platform dedicated to safety and comfort, specifically engineered for autonomous driving utilising the Mobileye Drive autonomous platform. The robotaxi is meticulously crafted as a secure and comfortable autonomous vehicle, boasting an interior concept that completely redefines the traditional notion of vehicle space. It features sliding doors, a wide 43-inch display, and 17 speakers.

The Mobility Service Platform (MSP) revolutionises the ride-hailing app and mobility platform. Customers have the option to personalise the vehicle’s settings through the app prior to booking a ride, customising comfort, lighting, temperature, and even scent. Verne utilises the advantages of an autonomous connected fleet to ensure smooth and efficient operation of the service in every city on the backend.

In every city where Verne operates, a dedicated infrastructure known as the “Mothership” will be established. This central hub is where Verne vehicles undergo daily inspections, maintenance, cleaning, and charging to guarantee customers always receive safe and clean vehicles.

Furthermore, Verne is constructing its inaugural production facility in Croatia to manufacture autonomous electric vehicles for global deployment.

Expressing his sentiments, Adriano Mudri, the chief design officer at Verne, stated: “We take inspiration from Jules Verne, the visionary author known for ‘inventing the future’. Like him, we draw on the theme of travel as the driving force in our innovation, envisaging a future filled with imaginative breakthroughs and tangible accomplishments. His unwavering belief in the future has sparked the curiosity of generations of scientists and explorers, making the seemingly impossible, possible.”

Co-founder Mate Rimac affirmed that the service aims to provide “the ultimate mobility experience for all.”

“This entails delivering a service superior to even the most luxurious mobility experiences enjoyed by the elite, but at an affordable rate accessible to all. You can expect a secure and dependable ride, a vehicle with more interior space and comfort than the finest limousines available today, along with a service tailored to your preferences in every way possible. Beyond mere transportation from point A to point B, the service offers much more.

“It liberates your travel time, allowing you to reflect, learn, or unwind, enhancing your life with each journey. We are shifting the focus from the technology itself to the benefits it brings. Verne transforms travel time into an opportunity for personal growth, discovery, and enjoyment, enriching lives with each trip taken.”