Revolutionizing Urban Mobility: Meet Vern, The Autonomous Driving Ecosystem 🚗🤖

Remember the Rimac Nevara, the 1800 horsepower pure electric Croatian hypercar that defied the laws of physics? Well, the brainpower behind that marvel has unveiled a new venture — and it’s probably not what you were expecting. This new venture is Vern, a revolutionary urban autonomous mobility ecosystem poised to redefine how we commute in cities. This venture isn’t just about creating another car; it’s an entire ecosystem.

What is Vern? 🌆🌌

This new innovation by the makers of Rimac is what they’re calling an urban autonomous mobility ecosystem. This mouthful encompasses three main components:

• The Platform: The foundation on which everything operates.
• The Infrastructure: The necessary support and facilities for operation.
• The Vehicle: The self-driving taxi, which they design to be more like a “room on wheels” than a traditional car.

Designing the Future of Urban Transport 🌟🛠️

Designing an autonomous car comes with its own unique challenges, especially when you remove elements like a steering wheel and pedals. Vern’s designers started from scratch — from a blank sheet of paper:

• User Experience: The focus was on making it a comfortable room on wheels.
• Sensors and Safety: The vehicle is equipped with advanced long-range and short-range LiDAR sensors and cameras to ensure safety and environmental awareness.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Even without traditional car features, the Vern still looks stylish and not like a “toaster” on wheels.

From a Passenger Perspective 🎨🛋️

Moving away from the conventional four or five-seat layout, Vern comes with just two seats. Why? Because 90% of urban rides are occupied by a maximum of two people. Furthermore, the vehicle is designed to be relatable and inviting, resembling a small space shuttle crossed with a ’70s sports car.

Smart and Safe – The Tech Behind Vern 🧠🔧

The technology enabling Vern extends beyond its sensors. General features include:

• No Steering Wheel or Pedals: Completely reimagining the layout of a vehicle.
• Battery Placement: The battery is integrated into the vehicle’s leather frame for stability.
• User-Centric Features: Pre-configured settings via an app for temperature, lighting, and even preferred scents.

The vehicle has a trunk that retains traditional elements, thoughtfully integrated sensors to avoid damage during loading and unloading, and a triple-isolated leather frame for top-notch NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) inside the interior, akin to Rolls-Royce or high-end luxury cars.

The Vern App – Your Ride Awaits 📱📲

Interacting with Vern starts via a dedicated app. The app allows users to:

• Hail a Ride: Summon a Vern vehicle at any time.
• Setup Preferences: Pre-configure the atmosphere, including temperature, lighting, and even the scent inside the vehicle.
• Personalized Profiles: Your unique preferences are always remembered, making every ride feel like it’s your own car.

Identification is simple – the Vern vehicle will automatically recognize you by matching your phone data and greet you accordingly. Once inside, the wide screen and available media provide an immersive experience, transforming the ride into a mini-office or a private entertainment hub.

The Mother Ship: Vern’s Support System 🌎🚀

Operating an autonomous fleet isn’t just about the vehicles themselves. Vern’s infrastructure revolves around facilities called “Mother Ships”:

• Maintenance: Daily inspections, cleaning, and charging occur here.
• Logistics: Strategically located on the city outskirts, Mother Ships serve as the command center for up to 500 vehicles.
• Efficiency: Vehicles will automatically return to the Mother Ship for upkeep, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum service availability.

Economic and Regulatory Challenges 🏛️💼

Deploying a revolutionary service like Vern involves overcoming several hurdles:

• Technology: Achieving a level of autonomy safer than human-driven vehicles.
• Regulatory Approvals: Navigating laws and regulations to enable service operation.
• Sustainable Business Model: Ensuring profitability through a mix of ride-hailing fees, subscriptions, and additional services.

Launching in Cities Near You 🌍🏙️

Initial trials will start in Zagreb by 2026, followed by expansions into the UK, Germany, and the Middle East. Vern is not just about replacing private cars but also synergizing with public transportation, offering a multimodal approach to ease urban commuting.

Conclusion: The Future Beckons ⏳🛤️

Vern by Rimac isn’t just another autonomous venture; it aims to revolutionize how we experience urban transport, blending luxury, safety, and convenience. As technology and regulations advance, one day, hailing a robo-taxi might be the norm rather than a novelty. So, are you ready to ride the future?