Maker of Hypercars Worth Millions of Dollars, Rimac, Has Introduced A Robotaxi

Auto | Updated:05:07:2024 |9:40 AM | Edited by:Newsbudy |

There are no pedals or steering wheel. Inside is basically a massive screen.

It appears that automakers are growing less and less confident in people’s capacity to drive safely. The seeming resolution to that? Create cars that drive themselves; ones without pedals or steering wheels. Rimac is the most recent automaker to join the self-driving bandwagon. The “Verne,” named for renowned French novelist and poet Jules Verne, is the first robotaxi that it has already constructed.

It’s an unexpected turn of events because Rimac first created electric hypercars before partnering with Bugatti in 2021. In the new parent company, Buggati-Rimac, Porsche holds a 45% controlling stake, while Rimac controls a 55% share. The new 1,800-horsepower plug-in hybrid hypercar Bugatti Tourbillion is the newest offering from the joint venture. All of the Rimac Group’s shares in Rimac Technology, a distinct company, appear to be the source of the robotaxi. It is anticipated to launch in Zagreb, Croatia, in 2026.

The term “Urban Autonomous Mobility Ecosystem” refers to Rimac’s latest endeavour. The Verne is “not a car, but a room on wheels,” as Chief Design Officer Adriano Mudri of Rimac explained to Top Gear.

The Verne’s appearance is a cross between a European hatchback and a space capsule. It’s an electric vehicle with two doors and two seats, but its silhouette is unlike anything we’ve seen before. Stretching to the centre of the vehicle is a massive windscreen with a very steep rake. In order to prevent people from becoming afraid of it, we wanted it to still resemble an automobile. It must be acceptable and relatable, according to Mudri.

The Israeli startup Mobileye, which specialises in autonomous driving technology, has developed hardware and software to enable self-driving. A package of cutting-edge cameras, sensors, and lidars make up the Mobileye Drive platform, which the Verne robotaxi will use. It appears that the roof-mounted long-range lidar, which stands for light detection and ranging, can scan the surroundings up to 0.5 kilometres in front. It also has many cameras and six short-range lidars.

Why just two seats? Since the data indicates that one or two persons take nine out of ten rides,” Mudri stated in a press statement. “Therefore, we can create unmatched interior space in a compact-sized vehicle and satisfy most trips with a two-seater.”

When it comes to internal size, the legroom is comparable to that of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class’s back seats. However, the most noticeable feature is the absence of pedals and a steering wheel. After you’re strapped in, there’s just a start-stop button that will start the ride. There isn’t even a gear selector. The front features a massive 43-inch screen that takes up the entire width of the dashboard and can be used for entertainment while driving or to show the route. Also, you have access to 17 speakers for your favourite music.

Verne-Robotaxi: The inside featuring a big screen

Like Tesla is doing with its next robotaxi, you call it through an app. Before it ever comes, you can preset a number of functions, including the lighting, music, temperature, and even the ability to choose from a variety of available aromas. You can end your ride whenever you’d like, and the car will stop when it seems safe, thanks to the start-stop button. Mudri remarked, “You’re not a prisoner in the car.”

Additionally, Rimac has considered the functionality that users may need years from now. Envision a city overrun with identical-looking robotaxis. How would you recognise your car when you ordered one? Like with an Uber or Lyft, you can see it approaching on the map on your smartphone, of course, but to increase visibility, there’s also a screen on the B-pillar that will show your name.