Mate Rimac, the Croatian entrepreneur known for his electric vehicle ventures, is launching a new robotaxi service in partnership with Uber and Pony.ai. This strategic alliance aims to introduce autonomous electric vehicles to urban areas in Europe, commencing in Zagreb, Croatia.
Strategic Partnership and Launch Plans
The collaboration between Rimac’s robotaxi startup, Verne, Uber, and Chinese company Pony.ai was announced recently. Pony.ai will provide the autonomous driving technology using the Arcfox Alpha T5, developed in collaboration with BAIC, a notable Chinese automaker.
- Launch Location: Zagreb, Croatia
- Vehicle: Arcfox Alpha T5
- Partnerships: Uber and Pony.ai
Verne’s Role and Future Expansion
Verne will manage the robotaxi fleet while leveraging Uber’s extensive ride-hailing network. Additionally, Uber has expressed intentions to invest in Verne and assist in future expansions. Though an exact launch date has not been disclosed, on-road testing is already in progress in Zagreb.
Company Background and Vision
Verne originated in 2019 as Project 3 Mobility (P3) within the Rimac Group, which also includes Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Energy. Mate Rimac, who holds a 23% stake in the group, aims for Verne to operate a fleet of purpose-built two-seater electric robotaxis, a departure from traditional high-volume electric vehicles.
Manufacturing Plans and Vehicle Development
While Verne currently employs the Arcfox Alpha T5 for its initial robotaxi service, it plans to manufacture its own vehicles at a new facility in Lučko, Croatia, expected to commence operations later this year. As of now, Verne has reported testing 60 prototypes, although the specific details regarding their electric vehicles remain undisclosed.
Looking Ahead
Verne is targeting a small-scale commercial launch but envisions expanding its fleet to thousands of robotaxis over the coming years. The company’s ambitions extend beyond Zagreb, emphasizing the need for comprehensive autonomous mobility throughout Europe.
- Future Fleet Size: Thousands of robotaxis
- Next Markets: Beyond Zagreb
- CEO Statement: “Europe needs autonomous mobility that can move from testing to a real service.”
The introduction of this robotaxi service marks a significant step forward in the quest for autonomous transportation solutions in urban environments, setting the stage for a new era in mobility.
