Rimac Vern: Tesla Robotaxi Sneak Peek?

Is This Tiny Robot Taxi a Glimpse into Tesla’s Future?

The automotive world is abuzz with anticipation for Tesla’s August 8th event, where the electric car giant is expected to unveil their groundbreaking robotaxi. While details remain shrouded in secrecy, a recent announcement from hypercar manufacturer, Rimac, offers tantalizing clues about what Tesla might have in store. Rimac, renowned for building some of the world’s fastest electric vehicles, surprised many by revealing their own robotaxi project – the Rimac Vern. This compact, two-seater vehicle, strikingly reminiscent of a futuristic pod, might just be the key to unlocking the secrets behind Tesla’s upcoming robotaxi program.

Two is the Magic Number

One of the most striking similarities between the Vern and Tesla’s teased robotaxi is the two-seater configuration. This deliberate design choice, according to Rimac engineers, stems from the fact that a staggering 90% of car trips involve two or fewer passengers. This statistic, highlighted by both Rimac and Tesla in past presentations, seems to underscore a shared understanding that optimizing for efficiency means catering to the most common usage scenarios.

Reimagining Doors and Accessibility

Both the Vern and Tesla’s robotaxi appear to abandon conventional door designs in favor of futuristic alternatives. While the Vern boasts rear-hinged doors for a compact footprint in tight spaces, reminiscent of the Tesla Model X’s falcon-wing doors, the Tesla robotaxi’s outward-opening doors hint at a focus on maximizing ingress and egress. This shared emphasis on unconventional door designs underscores a commitment to both aesthetics and practicality, ensuring smooth transitions for passengers in a variety of environments.

The App-Driven Experience: A Glimpse into the Future of Ride-Hailing

Rimac’s vision for the Vern extends beyond just the vehicle itself; they’re building a comprehensive ecosystem around it, starting with a dedicated ride-hailing app. This bespoke app, similar in concept to Uber or Lyft, allows users to hail the Vern, track its arrival, and even pre-set cabin temperature and music preferences. Tesla, too, has hinted at a similar app-based approach for their robotaxi, with demos showcasing users summoning vehicles and customizing their ride experience.

This strategic move toward proprietary app ecosystems suggests a future where automakers like Tesla and Rimac exert greater control over the entire transportation experience. By owning the platform, these companies can optimize costs, ensure seamless integration with their vehicles, and cultivate brand loyalty directly with passengers. This closed-loop system stands in stark contrast to the prevailing model of partnering with third-party ride-hailing services, a move that could potentially undercut the cost-effectiveness of robotaxis by introducing additional layers of fees and commissions.

Prioritizing Passenger Comfort and Safety

With no need for traditional driving controls, both the Vern and Tesla’s robotaxi capitalize on the freed-up space to prioritize passenger comfort and safety. The absence of a steering wheel, pedals, and dashboard translates into expansive legroom, creating an open and airy cabin reminiscent of a high-tech lounge. This design choice not only enhances comfort but also contributes to safety by maximizing the crumple zone in the event of a collision.

The Road Ahead: A Convergence of Innovation and Practicality

The emergence of robotaxis like the Rimac Vern provides compelling insights into the future of transportation, a future where self-driving vehicles seamlessly integrate into our lives. Rimac’s commitment to a compact, two-seater design optimized for individual riders aligns with Tesla’s own vision, suggesting a shared understanding of the evolving needs of urban commuters.

While the ultimate success of these robotaxi ventures hinges on factors like scalability, affordability, and technological prowess, one thing is certain: The race towards a self-driving future is accelerating, and both Rimac and Tesla are vying for a prominent position in this transformative landscape.