Rimac, which is best known for its wild Nevera electric hypercar and for being a co-owner of Bugatti, is reportedly set to introduce an autonomous robotaxi.
It will reveal the vehicle early this year ahead of commercial operation by 2026.
As reported by Autocar, this autonomous robotaxi is currently dubbed the Project 3 Mobility. It will reportedly fall under a different brand under the Rimac Group umbrella and not be directly linked to its electric hypercar business.
The Project 3 Mobility autonomous robotaxi is also reportedly being developed with the help of Kia. Hyundai and Kia first invested around US$90 million (~A$133 million) in the Croatian startup in 2019.
At this stage details on Rimac’s Project 3 Mobility autonomous robotaxi remain scarce, though it’s understood to be able to drive entirely without human input and will work within a framework of chargers, storage hubs and parking spaces that the company is developing alongside the vehicle.
Development of the Project 3 Mobility autonomous robotaxi is reportedly being undertaken in the Croatian capital of Zagreb, which is close to Rimac’s headquarters.
It’s also being done at a new facility within the Rimac Technology R&D base in Warwick, England by around 100 engineers.
The company has been spotted using a Renault Espace people mover as a test vehicle, so that could potentially point toward the robotaxi’s size and shape.
Rimac founder Mate Rimac told Autocar this project aims to “change the lives of more people”. It “could also change the way people move around cities”, with the service being premium but “that doesn’t mean expensive or posh”.
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Rimac Technology facility
Mr Rimac said his company is purposely staying under the radar until it has a product to show, in order to avoid “underdelivering”.
The first priority of Rimac’s new autonomous robotaxi business is reportedly to set up a dedicated production facility for the robotaxi, before beginning operations in a number of locations outside of Croatia.
“The goal is for the production of vehicles and a large number of components to be based in Croatia, which would then export tens of thousands of units per year to locations where the robotaxi service will be provided,” said Mr Rimac to Autocar.
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Rimac Nevera production facility
The company is reportedly in discussions with 20 cities across Europe and the Middle East about offering a service. A pilot program will reportedly come first in Zagreb, Croatia in 2026.
Rimac’s robotaxi is reportedly expected to begin operating in Germany and the UK the following year.
This announcement of Rimac’s plans to enter the autonomous robotaxi realm comes as General Motors’ Cruise division has been hit with several setbacks over the past months.
