Rimac’s next car has no driver or steering wheel

The Hypercar manufacturer has been keeping us waiting for the next vehicle, but who would have thought it might be an autonomous Taxi? This might be Rimac saying they dont have to prove them just fast always. Rimac is now a much larger technology and innovation company. Verne is a standalone brand like the Bugatti extension from Rimac. We are still recovering from the mind-boggling Bugatti Tourbillion. Verne’s goal is to democratise luxury and make your taxi rides safer. Verne’s first offering is set to be launched in its home, Zagreb, Croatia, in 2026 and later in Europe and the Middle East. It might take longer than Tesla to reach India. 

Also Read: Aspark Owl beat's Rimac Nevera

Verne: Design

Verne is straight out of a science fiction movie with hi-tech cities. The car silhouette is almost similar to nothing else in the market. More than a car, Verne resembles a pod but rather distinct from a toaster. Considering it is from the same people as Rimac, we bet it would definitely be aerodynamic. The vehicle has cameras, sensors, and Lidars but no windscreen wipers or side view mirrors. Wipers or mirrors won't help the driver's vision in this case. The boot has an electrically operated lid with a generous space for two passengers. Didn't I already mention it's a two-seater? Verne says the reason for going with just two seats is because 90% of taxi users only have a maximum of two occupancies. The second reason is this form factor provides users more room than a “Rolls Royce” and still compact dimensions for the busy city commutes. The doors slide open after it recognises the user. There are special cameras to identify faces and display to screen credentials.

Verne: Room space

On the inside is the car, or just the living room. Ingress and egress are made very easy by large openings and high seats. Speaking of seats, which are wide and with tremendous legroom, almost like a lounge. Verne has a circle above the passenger seat's head called ‘Halo Ring’, just like a sunroof. On the front is a massive 43-inch screen with 17 speakers for navigation data and all entertainment. This screen is controlled via a touch screen placed in the centre. The interior has ambient lighting and different scents at the user's disposal. Thats pretty much it. There are no steering wheels or pedals. The only way to take control of the motion is with the ‘Mediun’, a switch on the central console to start and stop the ride.

Verne: Mothership and its communication

Verne is not just about the ride, it's about the entire experience. Every 50 Verne pods will have a dedicated mothership, ensuring that the vehicles are always clean, charged, and well-maintained. The interiors are made of cleanable materials, and a complete cleaning will only take 30-45 minutes in the mothership, guaranteeing that every ride is a clean one. Users can also preset their preferred fragrance, temperature, and mood lighting even before entering the vehicle through a sophisticated app, adding a personal touch to their journey. This level of care and attention to detail is a testament to Verne's commitment to providing a comfortable and enjoyable ride for every user.

Every Verne pod will be smart enough to choose rides according to its battery range. The lower the percentage, the vehicle will automatically choose rides closer to its mothership—all that without human intervention. Verne is building its first mothership near its headquarters and is set to be functioning by 2026. Rimac’s Verne eventually expanded to 30 more cities worldwide.