Verne: Revolutionizing Urban Autonomous Mobility with a Futuristic Approach
Verne: Exploring the future of transportation
Key Points:
Verne is a new way to think about autonomous transportation in urban areas. It was created by Mate Rimac, along with Marko Pejković and Adriano Mudri from Rimac Group. Marko Pejković is now the CEO of Verne, while Adriano Mudri is the designer of Nevera and the Chief Design Officer at Verne.
A presentation was given at the recently opened Rimac Campus near Zagreb. During the event, the three creators revealed a unique design for an autonomous vehicle and discussed the features that will be available in the upcoming mobility service.
The upcoming service and its network rely on three main components: an electric vehicle that can operate autonomously, a custom app, and specialized infrastructure. The initial service is set to debut in Zagreb in 2026.
City-based self-driving transportation system.
The foundation of the new urban autonomous mobility ecosystem is built upon three essential components:
This new vehicle is constructed on a brand new platform that prioritizes safety and comfort, specifically created for autonomous driving with the Mobileye Drive autonomous platform. It has been completely redesigned and reengineered to ensure it is safe and comfortable for autonomous driving. Unlike vehicles built on older platforms designed for human driving, this vehicle has been built from scratch without any compromises or drawbacks.
This is a new version of a ride-hailing app and transportation platform. Customers can customize the settings of the vehicle through the app before requesting a ride. This allows the vehicle to be adjusted to the customer's preferences for comfort, lighting, temperature, and scent. Despite not owning the vehicle, customers will feel like it is personalized just for them. Verne utilizes the advantages of an autonomous connected fleet to ensure the service operates efficiently in all cities.
Verne will have a specific location in every city called the "Mothership," where their vehicles will undergo daily inspections, maintenance, cleaning, and charging. This guarantees that customers will always receive a safe and clean vehicle.
Verne is currently constructing its inaugural production plant in Croatia to manufacture self-driving electric cars that will be used globally.
A fresh beginning brings a new identity as Verne.
Adriano Mudri, who holds the position of Chief Design Officer at Verne, introduced a new brand. He mentioned that it was a challenge to come up with a suitable name for their new project that aligned with their vision. However, once they found the right name inspired by the famous author Jules Verne, known as 'the man who invented the future', the decision was easy. Just like how Verne used travel as a central theme in his stories, they draw inspiration from it to create a future full of creative innovation.
His ability to achieve tangible goals and his optimism about the future inspired many scientists and explorers over the years. He was known for turning seemingly impossible ideas into reality.
Verne's approach focuses on creating a superior user experience rather than just being the first to market. Their integrated approach is centered around providing the best possible customer experience. Co-founder Mate Rimac envisions a mobility service that surpasses even the most luxurious options available, offering safety, reliability, comfort, and personalized service for all customers. This service goes beyond simply transporting individuals from one point to another, aiming to provide a comprehensive and unmatched mobility experience for everyone.
By using Verne, you can make the most of your travel time by using it to engage in activities like thinking, learning, or relaxing. This can enhance your overall quality of life with each trip. Rather than focusing on the technology, we are emphasizing the advantages it brings. Verne aims to turn your travel time into an opportunity for personal development, exploration, and pleasure. Ultimately, it aims to enhance your life with every journey you embark on.
The Verne vehicle is unique and unlike any other cars on the road. It is built on a specially designed platform that takes full advantage of autonomous technology, eliminating the need for a steering wheel or pedals.
Verne's autonomous driving system is made possible through a partnership with Mobileye, a renowned company in the field of autonomy. This system allows the vehicle to operate independently in busy city traffic conditions.
In recent years, the company has partnered with Mobileye to incorporate their advanced AD platform, Mobileye Drive, into the Verne vehicle. This integration, along with a complex sensor system including cameras, radar, and lidar, will enable automated driving capabilities. The platform is customizable and adaptable to meet the needs of autonomous driving in various environments, road types, weather conditions, and driving styles. These features are essential for Verne's upcoming expansion efforts.
The Verne vehicle is designed with an interior that includes two seats and a concept that sets a new standard for vehicle space.
Adriano Mudri explained the decision to create a 2-seater vehicle based on data showing that the majority of rides are taken by 1 or 2 people. By focusing on a two-seater design, they were able to maximize interior space in a compact vehicle. The goal was to provide more room for passengers to relax and enjoy their journey, surpassing even the space found in a Rolls-Royce. The design also prioritized easy access for passengers, with optimized door openings and sliding doors that allow for smooth entry and exit without disrupting traffic flow. Inside, passengers can stretch out and get comfortable in a living room-like environment, complete with a large 43-inch display for entertainment and journey information. This innovative interior design eliminates traditional automotive features like dashboards, steering wheels, and pedals in favor of a more modern and user-friendly experience.
The Verne vehicle offers a comfortable and luxurious environment for enjoying music or movies with its ultrawide screen and high-quality audio from 17 speakers.
The cabin will be prepared and adjusted to your preferences, regardless of the weather outside.
The atmosphere, including the sounds and lighting, can enhance any mood you are in. It can help you relax, feel energized, or be entertained. The oversized seats offer five levels of comfort and enjoyment, allowing you to work, relax, or rest comfortably.
The vehicle has a Touchpad located between the seats that allows users to interact with the in-vehicle system and make adjustments to the vehicle's settings. A key feature of this Touchpad is the Median, a physical switch that enables users to start and stop the ride, providing a greater sense of control over the autonomous vehicle.
Located above you is a circular sunroof known as the Halo ring. This unique feature offers a different experience, acting as a gateway to new adventures and providing fresh perspectives of the cities below.
Verne's priority was to create materials that met the necessary standards for durability and resistance to misuse, while also giving off an inviting, high-quality, and comfortable appearance and feel.
The exterior design of the Verne vehicle is distinctive and eye-catching in urban settings. The overall proportions of the vehicle set it apart, with a unique shape that was created by prioritizing safety and designing from the inside out. The design includes a sleek, rounded canopy on top that resembles a spaceship, paired with a stylish and sturdy lower body.
Despite having more content than regular cars, we were able to achieve a sleek design. We incorporated cameras, radars, short and long-distance lidars, along with their cleaning systems, seamlessly into the vehicle. By removing typical features found in human-driven vehicles, such as windshield wipers and side-view mirrors, we were able to simplify the appearance and improve aerodynamic performance. However, we kept the trunk for practicality, ensuring that users can still carry luggage or groceries without any issues. Mudri highlighted these design choices as significant improvements in efficiency and convenience.
The design combines the luxurious comfort typically found in a high-end limousine with the compact size of a car, something that has not been seen previously.
App for booking a ride
Everything you need to begin your journey is included in this app. You can easily request a ride, track the vehicle in real time, find out how long it will take to pick you up, and be confident that your ride won't be cancelled. Each trip can be tailored to your preferences, from the temperature inside the vehicle to the scent. This seamless experience offers peace of mind and convenience, ensuring that every ride is not just about getting to your destination, but also about enjoying the journey itself. The more customers customize their rides, the greater the comfort and feeling of ownership.
The infrastructure, known as the Mothership, is a crucial component of our ecosystem and production facility.
"Mothership is like a garage for our Verne vehicles, where they are looked after. It is where the Verne vehicles are checked, maintained, cleaned, and charged daily to ensure they are safe, clean, and prepared for your next adventure. The first Mothership will be constructed in Zagreb, near our headquarters," stated Marko Pejković, CEO of Verne.
Pejković shared that the company will be constructing a production facility in Zagreb to manufacture autonomous electric vehicles on a large scale for global deployment. The facility will be situated in the southern part of Zagreb, where the vehicles will be assembled, fine-tuned, and tested. Pejković highlighted that this production site will showcase Croatia as a country that supports the advancement of crucial future technologies that will offer numerous advantages to the society.
Expansion Strategy for Verne
Verne's initial service will begin in Zagreb before expanding to other European cities, starting with the UK and Germany, as well as the Middle East. The company has already secured partnerships with 11 cities in the EU, UK, and the Middle East, and is in talks with over 30 cities globally that are interested in collaborating with Verne.
At Verne, we believe that our approach to future mobility will result in various advantages in terms of the economy, city infrastructure, and society.
The economic aspect of our service involves establishing a legitimate business that will not only benefit our customers, but also the community in which we operate. Providing accessible and high-quality mobility options in the city will help create economic opportunities and promote the democratization of these opportunities for all individuals.
URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE FOCUS: Enhance and optimize the existing transportation network, decrease reliance on private vehicles in the downtown area, open up traffic lanes and parking spots in city centers, and generate additional room for pedestrians.
When it comes to the social aspect, implementing sustainable solutions for transportation can have a positive impact on the environment. This includes improving road safety, reducing the negative environmental effects by decreasing the number of cars needed, and using them in a cleaner and more efficient way. This can also lead to increased transportation accessibility and inclusivity, as well as saving time and transforming parking spaces into public spaces for everyone to use.
VERNE SERVICE FOR ENHANCING PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Our service will collaborate with the cities we are in to support and cooperate with other eco-friendly urban transportation options like walking, biking, and public transit. It will act as a supplement to public transportation, rather than a rival. Ultimately, Verne aims to reduce the necessity for owning multiple cars in a household, which can lead to less parking congestion, infrequent use, and high costs.
In 2011, Mate Rimac established Rimac Automobili with the goal of creating the world's first electric hypercar that utilized the power of electric motors for high performance.
The Rimac team unveiled the Nevera in 2021, which is equipped with advanced technology developed in-house. This includes a cutting-edge 120kWh battery and a 1,914hp all-electric powertrain. The Nevera currently holds the title of the most powerful and quickest accelerating production car globally, showcasing incredible technological advancements.
Mate was accompanied on his journey by two of his closest colleagues and friends, Marko Pejković, who is now the CEO of Verne, and Adriano Mudri, who designed Nevera and serves as the Chief Design Officer at Verne.
A decade ago, a group of individuals faced challenges in establishing a car manufacturing company in Croatia. Despite lacking experience, a supply chain, financial support, and a developed automotive sector in the country, they pursued their goal against all odds. The odds of success were low, but their determination and belief in their team kept them going.
Today, Rimac Technology supplies advanced battery systems and motors to major car manufacturers such as BMW and Porsche within the Rimac Group. Bugatti Rimac is known for creating high-performance hypercars that combine Rimac Automobili's expertise in electric vehicles with Bugatti's long history of design and engineering. The Rimac Campus, a large construction project in Europe, will serve as the headquarters for these operations in the future.
Many of these tasks appeared to be unachievable initially… but they were accomplished.
Verne is something that seems impossible to achieve or accomplish.
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