Rimac Immediately Introduces Robotaxi Starting Operations In 2026

Rimac Robotaxi. (Doc. Autocar)

Rimac is not only good at creating Revera, which has the world's fastest electric hypercar but also plans to introduce 'robotaxi' in early 2024. This Rimac robotaxi or autonomous taxi is planned to operate commercially by 2026.

It is known, now the Croatian electric car manufacturer is also the parent of Bugatti, and is expanding the mass mobility market under the Project 3 Mobility flag. Project 3 is an independent brand in the Rimac Group portfolio, separate from the supercar maker of the same name and Bugatti.

Some details of this commercial plan for robotaxi have been revealed through Autocar's report, January 2, where the project has the support of Kia.

Rimac founder and CEO, Mate Rimac, told Autocar that Nevera has an important role as an recognition product for Rimac, while the robotaxi project aims to "change the lives of more people" by providing accessible autonomous urban transportation.

Details about robotaxi are still limited before the disclosure, but what is clear is that they are capable of driving completely without human intervention and will operate in infrastructure developed by Rimac, including chargers, storage areas, and parking lots.

"It shows that most likely this robotaxi will be a unique proposition, designed with emphasis on the maximization of the interior space and the efficiency of electric powertrains," said Mate Rimac.

He also added that his company's Robotaxi service can be premium but not expensive or luxurious.

The fact that Rimac has used the Renault Espace MPV for testing purposes may provide clues regarding the size and shape of the robotaxi.

Recently, Project 3 also received 179.5 million in funds from the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Facility (EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility), which aims to boost economic growth across the post-pandemic blocs.

Project 3 is centered in Croatia's capital, Zagreb, but also has an R&D presence in the UK, with about 100 engineers based on new facilities on the R&D Basis of Rimac Technology neardorland, England.

Project 3's top priority is to build a plant dedicated to robotaxi, before starting operations in various locations outside Croatia.

The company is reportedly in discussions with 20 cities in Europe and the Middle East over this service offering after trials in Zagreb. The plan is for robotaxi to operate in Croatia by 2026, followed by Germany and Britain a year later.