The Croatian robotaxi project, led by Mate Rimac’s Verne, has officially concluded, with the company prepared to return 89.7 million euros in public funding if project objectives were not met.
Key facts
- •Verne received 89.7 million euros in advance payments from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
- •The project officially ended on August 31, 2026, with a final evaluation pending.
- •Verne has raised more than 140 million euros from private investors.
- •The project was originally approved for 179.5 million euros in total public funding.
- •Outstanding objectives include specialized infrastructure and vehicles adapted for passengers with disabilities.
The Verne robotaxi project, which received funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, officially ended on August 31, 2026. The company is now required to submit a final report on its activities and results within one month. If competent authorities determine that contracted obligations were not fully achieved, Verne has stated it is prepared to return the 89.7 million euros in advance payments it received from the project.
By the numbers
Project Status and Evaluation
While the project has formally concluded, a final evaluation is pending to determine the extent of its success. Verne must provide documentation regarding all costs incurred and results achieved. Competent authorities will use this report to assess whether the project met its requirements. To date, institutions have verified the delivery of autonomous vehicle prototypes, the completion of testing, and the adoption of autonomous driving regulations.
Outstanding Objectives
Three specific objectives remain subject to final assessment: the issuance of 50,000 free ride vouchers for people with disabilities, the production of vehicles adapted for passengers with disabilities, and the establishment of specialized infrastructure. The project's primary goal, which remained unchanged through multiple contract amendments, was the development of a fully autonomous electric vehicle at the fifth level of autonomy—a technology that currently does not exist globally.
Private Investment and Future Plans
Beyond the EU funding, Verne has raised over 140 million euros from private investors. The company is developing a commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb in partnership with Uber and technology provider Pony.ai. Mate Rimac, the company's founder, noted that while the project is an "adventure" with long-term potential, it is currently difficult to forecast when the business will become profitable or sustainable.
Timeline
- April 2026The last annex to the project contract was signed.
- August 31, 2026The Verne robotaxi project officially ended.
- September 30, 2026Deadline for Verne to submit a report on activities, costs, and results.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Total Croatia News.
