Verne’s Fully Autonomous Electric Vehicle Service for Urban travel

Verne, a new venture from Rimac Group, unveils a revolutionary approach to urban autonomous mobility. Founded by Mate Rimac, Marko Pejković (CEO of Verne), and Adriano Mudri (Chief Design Officer), Verne introduces a complete ecosystem for seamless and personalised city travel.

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A Holistic Approach: Three Key Elements

The Verne service is built upon three core components:

1. Fully Autonomous Electric Vehicle: Designed from the ground up for autonomous driving, this vehicle utilizes the Mobileye Drive autonomous platform, eliminating the need for a steering wheel or pedals.
2. Mobility Service Platform (MSP): This reimagined ride-hailing app allows users to personalize their ride preferences before booking. From temperature and lighting to scent and entertainment options, the MSP ensures a tailored experience for every journey.
3. Infrastructure: Verne establishes specialised facilities called “Motherships” in each operational city. These hubs provide daily inspection, maintenance, cleaning, and charging for the vehicles, guaranteeing a safe and clean fleet. Additionally, Verne is constructing its production facility in Croatia for large-scale, global deployment of its autonomous electric vehicles.

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Inspired by Innovation, Named for a Visionary

Mudri explains the inspiration behind the name Verne: “Jules Verne, the famed author known as ‘the man who invented the future,’ heavily influenced our decision. Just as travel fueled his storytelling, it fuels our vision for a future filled with imaginative ideas and tangible results.” Verne prioritizes user experience above all else. Co-founder Mate Rimac emphasises, “The goal isn’t to be the first but to create the best possible user experience. We offer a holistic, integrated approach designed for unparalleled comfort and convenience.” Verne aspires to provide a service superior to even the most luxurious mobility experiences, at an accessible price point. Passengers will enjoy spacious interiors exceeding those of a Rolls-Royce, along with personalised settings and features designed to enhance travel time, transforming it into an opportunity for relaxation, productivity, or entertainment.

The Verne Vehicle: Key Features and Design

Verne’s unique vehicle stands out from the crowd. Developed on a purpose-built platform, it boasts:

• Autonomous Driving System: Powered by Mobileye’s advanced AD platform, Mobileye Drive, the vehicle navigates dynamic urban traffic with ease. The system seamlessly integrates with a sophisticated sensor suite of cameras, radars, and lidars to ensure safe and reliable operation in various conditions.
• Interior Design and User Experience: With a focus on passenger comfort, the two-seater Verne vehicle redefines in-car space. Featuring more interior space than a Rolls-Royce, it offers a relaxed and spacious environment. Passengers enter through wide, easily accessible sliding doors. Once inside, they can stretch out and enjoy the luxurious seats with adjustable comfort settings. The absence of a traditional dashboard creates a living-room atmosphere, featuring a massive 43-inch display for entertainment, journey information, and vehicle controls. Passengers can curate their experience with personalized temperature, lighting, sound, and scent settings. Additionally, a touchpad facilitates interaction with the in-vehicle system, while the “Median,” a physical switch, empowers users to start and stop rides, providing a sense of control within the autonomous environment. The innovative “Halo ring” sunroof offers a panoramic view of the city, further enhancing the passenger experience.
• Exterior Design: Verne’s unique shape prioritizes safety and passenger comfort. The design merges a smooth, spaceship-like canopy with a solid lower body. Cameras, radars, and lidars are seamlessly integrated, while the removal of windshield wipers and side-view mirrors contributes to a sleek design and improved aerodynamics. Notably, the vehicle retains a trunk for luggage storage.

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Effortless Booking and Personalised Travel

The user-friendly ride-hailing app allows for easy booking, real-time vehicle location tracking, and estimated arrival times. The app’s personalisation features ensure that every journey is tailored to the user’s preferences, transforming travel from simply reaching a destination into a delightful experience.

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Infrastructure: Motherships and Production Facility

Motherships are central to the Verne ecosystem. These facilities maintain the vehicle fleet, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and optimal functionality. Additionally, Verne is constructing a dedicated production facility in Zagreb to support large-scale global deployment.

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Global Roll-Out and Expansion Plans

Verne will launch its first service in Zagreb, followed by expansion into other European cities (UK and Germany) and the Middle East. Partnerships have already been secured with 11 cities, and negotiations are underway with over 30 others worldwide. Verne’s approach to mobility offers significant economic, urban infrastructure, and social benefits.

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