Rimac Unveils ‘Verne’ Robotaxi – How Does it Stack Up Against Tesla’s Cybercab?
On June 26, 2024, Rimac, the renowned electric hypercar maker, announced its latest venture into the future of urban mobility – the Verne Robotaxi. This move places them directly in competition with Tesla’s much-anticipated robotaxi, the Cybercab. Let’s break down the key elements of Rimac’s new vehicle and see how it compares to Tesla’s approach.
Introducing the Verne Robotaxi
Named after the famous science fiction writer Jules Verne, Rimac’s new robotaxi aims to be more than just a mode of transportation. It’s designed to function as “a room on wheels,” offering a highly comfortable and tech-enhanced riding experience.
- Seats: The Verne is a two-seater vehicle.
- Technology: It uses Mobileye’s advanced LiDAR technology, positioning it as a level 4 autonomous vehicle.
- Interior: The vehicle boasts an impressive 43” central display and 17 speakers for an immersive ride.
- Doors: Unique forward-swinging doors with a keypad-based entry system.
Rimac has ambitious plans, signing agreements to launch the Verne Robotaxi in 11 cities across the EU, the UK, and the Middle East. They are also in negotiations with an additional 30 cities worldwide.
Verne vs. Tesla: A Comparative Look
While Tesla’s Cybercab remains under wraps in many aspects, there are several points of comparison worth discussing:
- Cost Efficiency vs. Luxury: Tesla aims to offer robotaxi rides at prices comparable to bus tickets. Rimac, however, seems to prioritize providing a high-end experience.
- Screens: Rimac includes a 43” center display and an additional screen between the seats, whereas Tesla focuses on a single central screen for user interaction.
- Entry System: Rimac uses an exterior keypad entry system, while Tesla is expected to leverage phone-based temporary keys.
- Autonomy: Tesla’s autonomous technology relies purely on cameras, while Rimac uses a combination of radar, LiDAR, and additional cameras through Mobileye’s tech.
Viability Concerns for Verne
Rimac’s venture into the robotaxi market raises questions about scale and experience. The company, best known for producing the Rimac Nevera electric hypercar, has limited experience in mass-producing vehicles. To date, they have manufactured less than 150 hand-crafted units. Scaling up production for the Verne Robotaxi will be a significant challenge.
Additionally, Rimac received a substantial grant of €200 million from the EU to develop an economic recovery plan for Croatia, along with €80 million from Hyundai and Kia for unrelated projects. This financial boost might help, but the company’s lack of autonomy expertise could be a stumbling block. Mobileye will provide the self-driving tech, marking its foray into deploying full autonomy in a robotaxi.
Watch the Verne unveiling video below:
Final Thoughts
Rimac’s announcement of the Verne Robotaxi is impressive and ambitious, targeting a niche of luxury and comfort in autonomous urban transport. However, questions around scalability and autonomy expertise loom large. Tesla, on the other hand, continues to emphasize affordability and a more minimalist approach, potentially giving it an edge in wider market adoption.
Both companies are set to shape the future of urban mobility, each with their unique strategy. It will be intriguing to watch how these competing visions unfold in the coming years.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor the developments in autonomous vehicle technology and the evolving landscape of urban transport solutions.
Deepika 
Priyanka