50 Facts About Rimac Automobili

The Beginnings of Rimac Automobili

Rimac Automobili's journey from a garage project to a global leader in electric hypercars is nothing short of inspiring. Let's dive into the early days and the foundation of this innovative company.

1. Founding: Rimac Automobili was founded in 2009 by Mate Rimac in Sveta Nedelja, Croatia.
2. Initial Activity: The company began as a hobby garage activity in 2007, with Mate Rimac converting his BMW 3 Series (E30) to an electric car.
3. Early Success: The converted BMW E30, known as the "e-M3," gained significant attention from the press and investors, setting multiple Guinness and FIA world records for electric vehicles.

Concept One: The First Electric Hypercar

Rimac's first major breakthrough came with the Concept One, a car that set new standards for electric vehicles.

4. Concept One: In 2011, Rimac unveiled the Concept One, the world's first fully home-grown electric supercar, at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
5. Performance: The Concept One boasts an impressive 1,300 horsepower and can reach a top speed of 221 mph, making it a benchmark for electric hypercars.
6. In-House Manufacturing: Rimac Automobili is known for developing and manufacturing most of its components in-house, including chassis, body parts, interior, infotainment, powertrain, and battery systems.

Building a Strong Team and Reputation

Rimac's success is not just about innovative cars but also about the people and partnerships that have driven the company forward.

7. Team Structure: The company has a strong engineering focus, with about 50% of its 190-person team dedicated to engineering and design.
8. Employer Recognition: Rimac has been voted the best employer in Croatia, attracting top talent to the company.
9. Sister Company: Rimac Technology, a sister company, produces drivetrains and battery systems for various automotive businesses, including Aston Martin and Koenigsegg.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

Rimac has formed strategic alliances that have bolstered its technological capabilities and market reach.

10. Bugatti Rimac Joint Venture: In 2021, Rimac Automobili merged with Bugatti Automobiles to form Bugatti Rimac, a joint company that includes both Bugatti and Rimac Automobili.
11. Concept One Production: The production version of the Concept One was unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Auto Salon, with only eight units planned for production.
12. Nevera Model: In 2018, Rimac unveiled its second model, the Nevera, at the 88th Geneva International Motor Show. The Nevera produces 1,914 horsepower and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 1.85 seconds.

Expanding Horizons: Beyond Cars

Rimac's innovation extends beyond electric cars, exploring various other high-tech transportation solutions.

13. Battery Systems: Rimac Technology supplies battery systems to various high-performance vehicles, including the Aston Martin Valkyrie and Koenigsegg Regera.
14. Partnerships: Rimac has entered technical partnerships with companies like Automobili Pininfarina, whose first car, the Battista, uses the same architecture and powertrain as the Nevera.
15. Racing Involvement: Rimac has been involved in various racing projects, including the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with Nobuhiro Tajima, where they debuted the all-electric car "Tajima Rimac E-Runner Concept_One".

Innovative Projects and Future Plans

Rimac is always looking ahead, working on groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of technology.

16. Electric Yacht: In 2014, Rimac announced plans to build the world's first fast electric yacht.
17. Driverless Car: In 2015, Mate Rimac mentioned that they were working on a driverless car with fifth-level autonomous driving capabilities.
18. Hovercraft: Rimac was also developing personal watercraft (hovercraft) in 2015, with plans to produce 300 units that year and over 1,000 the following year.
19. Flying Car Project: Mate Rimac mentioned working on a flying car project in 2015, which would require an airfield for testing.
20. Verne Robotaxi Concept: In June 2024, Rimac announced the Verne robotaxi concept, an independent brand for robotaxis operating in urban environments. The vehicle uses LIDAR and computer vision for navigation and lacks any form of driving input from occupants.
21. Launch Plans: Verne plans to launch with 500 vehicles in Zagreb in 2026, with an expansion into the UK in 2027.

Mate Rimac: The Visionary Behind the Brand

Mate Rimac's passion and vision have been the driving force behind the company's success.

22. International Recognition: Rimac Automobili has gained international recognition for its innovative electric vehicles and advanced technology.
23. Mate Rimac’s Background: Mate Rimac was born in war-torn Yugoslavia and later moved to Croatia. He was fascinated by cars and technology from an early age and won several tech competitions, including ones for his inventions like the iGlove and Active Mirror System for car blindspots.
24. Early Racing Career: Mate Rimac started racing with an old 1984 BMW E30 323i and won many races after converting it to an electric car. This success led to international recognition for his electric vehicle projects.
25. VST Company: Before founding Rimac Automobili, Mate Rimac worked on an IC to EV conversion company called VST (Where V=S/T, V-velocity, S-distance & T-time). VST would later become Rimac Automobili.

High-Performance Focus and Engineering Excellence

Rimac's focus on high-performance electric vehicles and engineering excellence sets it apart from the competition.

26. Royal Family Interest: The Concept One gained attention from a UAE-based royal family, who offered to buy two cars, further boosting the company's reputation.
27. High-Performance Focus: Rimac Automobili focuses on high-performance electric vehicles rather than mass-market production, targeting niche projects and high-end customers.
28. Engineering Company: The company is both a carmaker and an engineering company, with Rimac Technology handling R&D and production for various automotive components.
29. Supplier Challenges: Initially, Rimac faced challenges in sourcing components from traditional suppliers due to low production volumes. This led to developing most components in-house.
30. Bugatti Collaboration: The collaboration with Bugatti has brought significant resources and expertise to Rimac Automobili, enhancing its capabilities in both car manufacturing and component development.

Global Presence and Innovative Design

Rimac's global presence and innovative design have made it a leader in the electric vehicle market.

31. Global Presence: Despite being based in Croatia, Rimac Automobili has a global presence, supplying components to major automotive manufacturers and showcasing its cars at international motor shows.
32. Innovative Design: Rimac's cars are known for their innovative design, including features like all-wheel torque vectoring systems that make them fun to drive.
33. Concept C_Two: The C_Two is an evolution of the Concept One, with refined touches and dramatic design elements like butterfly doors.
34. Customer Base: The company attracts high-profile customers, including CEOs of major car companies who recognize Rimac's advanced technology and innovative approach.
35. R&D Synergy: The synergy between Rimac Automobili and Rimac Technology allows for the development of cutting-edge technologies that can be applied across various automotive projects.

Component Export and OEM Partnerships

Rimac's expertise in component manufacturing has led to valuable partnerships with other automotive manufacturers.

36. Component Export: Rimac Technology exports its battery systems and drivetrains to several high-performance vehicle manufacturers, contributing to the global electric vehicle market.
37. Partnerships with OEMs: Rimac has partnerships with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to supply advanced components, enhancing their offerings in the electric vehicle segment.
38. Electric Hypercar Leadership: The Nevera is considered one of the best electric hypercars on the market, setting new standards for performance and technology in the industry.

Record-Breaking Achievements and Humble Beginnings

Rimac's record-breaking achievements and humble beginnings highlight the company's dedication to innovation and excellence.

39. Record-Breaking Performance: The e-M3 set multiple world records for electric vehicles, showcasing Rimac's early commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric car performance.
40. Garage Roots: The company's humble beginnings in a garage reflect its entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to challenge conventional automotive industry practices.
41. Mate Rimac’s Vision: Mate Rimac's vision for Rimac Automobili is to become the best electric hypercar manufacturer and the most technologically advanced car company globally.

High-Tech Manufacturing and Quality Control

Rimac's commitment to high-tech manufacturing and quality control ensures that each car meets the highest standards.

42. High-Tech Manufacturing: Rimac Automobili is one of the few places in the world where you can design and produce a whole car from scratch, including all composite and metal parts, electronics, infotainment, and chassis components.
43. Tooling and Molds: The company designs and produces its own tools, jigs, and molds, ensuring high-quality control over every detail of its manufacturing process.
44. Quality Control: The attention to detail in every component ensures that each car meets high-quality standards, which is maintained by having both engineering and manufacturing teams under the same roof.

Employee Bonding and Industry Impact

Rimac's strong team culture and impact on the Croatian automotive industry have been key to its success.

45. Employee Bonding: The process of building the team from scratch has bonded the employees, creating a family-like environment within the company.
46. Croatian Automotive Industry: Rimac Automobili has been instrumental in inventing the Croatian auto industry, which previously had no significant presence in the global automotive market.
47. International Recognition Awards: The company has received numerous awards and recognitions for its innovative approach to electric vehicle manufacturing and its contributions to the automotive industry.

Commitment to Sustainability and Future Plans

Rimac's commitment to sustainability and ambitious future plans ensure that it will continue to lead the electric vehicle industry.

48. Sustainability Focus: Rimac Automobili is committed to sustainability, focusing on electric vehicles as a cleaner alternative to traditional internal combustion engines.
49. Future Plans: The company plans to expand its product line and technology offerings, including the launch of the Verne robotaxi concept in urban environments.
50. Legacy in the Industry: Rimac Automobili has left a lasting legacy in the automotive industry, inspiring other companies to explore innovative electric vehicle technologies and manufacturing practices.

The Future of Electric Hypercars

Rimac Automobili has transformed from a garage project into a leader in the electric sports car world. Founded by Mate Rimac in 2009, the company has set benchmarks with its Concept One and Nevera models. With a focus on in-house manufacturing and high-performance electric vehicles, Rimac has attracted partnerships with big names like Bugatti, Aston Martin, and Koenigsegg. The company's innovative spirit extends beyond cars, dabbling in electric yachts and even flying cars. The upcoming Verne robotaxi concept shows Rimac's commitment to urban mobility solutions. Rimac Automobili isn't just about making fast cars; it's about pushing the boundaries of what's possible in electric vehicle technology. As they continue to innovate, Rimac is set to remain a key player in the future of high-performance electric vehicles.