Rimac vs. Tesla: Race to Dominate the Robo-Taxi Market Heats Up

Supercar Manufacturer Rimac
Unveils Robotaxi Concept Car
Foreshadowing competition with Tesla?

Rimac, the Croatian electric supercar manufacturer, unveiled an innovative driverless self-driving taxi concept car on June 26. Named Verne, after the father of science fiction writer Jules Verne, this concept car is poised to transform urban transportation.

Verne’s concept is to provide a driving experience like never before by combining advanced self-driving technology, user-friendly apps, and specialized infrastructure. This fully autonomous, two-seater compact electric vehicle features no steering wheel or accelerator pedal. It aims to optimize city traffic flow while providing spacious passenger accommodations, revolutionizing how we think about urban transit.

Emphasizing Comfortable Space for Customers
System Utilizing Cutting-Edge Technology

Robotaxi Verne features a compact three-door design suitable for two passengers. Unlike the minibus-style vehicles seen in other robotaxi, Verne’s sleek and futuristic design provides passengers a personalized, comfortable ride.

The Verne is a vehicle based entirely on a platform designed for self-driving. This vehicle is equipped with a safe and reliable navigation system with 3 long-range lidar sensors, 6 short-range sensors, and 13 cameras using technology from Mobileye, a self-driving technology company under Intel.

To ensure passenger satisfaction
The goal of building the maximum environment

For the interior, simplicity and personalization are key. A large central touchscreen lets passengers control lighting settings, interior temperature, and scents. It does not require a driver and has no pedals or steering wheel, emphasizing complete autonomy. Verne’s thoughtful design stands out, allowing passengers to feel comfortable in their own space and at their destination.

Powered by a 150 kW electric motor and a 60 kWh LFP battery, the Verne robotaxi boasts a range of approximately 240 km (149 miles), making it ideal for urban use. Furthermore, damaged or dirty internal parts can be quickly replaced for rapid maintenance, ensuring that all passengers enjoy a clean and comfortable experience.

As expectations for Rimac grow
Tesla robotaxi to be unveiled in August 2024

Meanwhile, Tesla’s robotaxi, expected to compete with Verne, will be unveiled on August 8, 2024. Recently, Tesla applied for a patent for a self-driving vehicle disinfection system, one of the key features of self-driving taxis. Through this, public expectations for more perfect self-driving robotaxi are growing.

It is unclear whether Tesla’s cutting-edge technology will lead to results, but the stock price is soaring, and interest is pouring in. In this situation, Rimac’s Verne is expected to strengthen its competitiveness in some ways. Rimac plans to launch Verne on a trial basis in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, in 2026 and also plans to launch it in the UK, Germany, and parts of the Middle East.