The groundwork for Rimac Automobili was laid in 2007 as a personal project for Mate Rimac. He converted a BMW 3 Series (E30) to an electric powertrain, attracting attention and investment. Early financing came from angel investors and the sale of proprietary patents.
Rimac Automobili was formally established in 2009 in Sveta Nedelja, Croatia. Mate Rimac, at 19 years old, initially modified an E30-M3, stating: “I owned an old BMW E30…which I used for drift and circuit races…I decided to try building an EV.” After five development updates, the modified BMW earned the title of fastest-accelerating electric vehicle in Category A, Group VIII (electric vehicle) and Class 3 (over 1,000 kg) in 2011, achieving a 0–100 km/h acceleration in 3.3 seconds. The vehicle, nicknamed the “Green Monster”, produced 442 kW (601 PS; 593 hp) and 900 N⋅m (664 lb⋅ft) of torque, reaching a top speed of 280 km/h.
In 2018, Porsche Engineering Group GmbH acquired a 10% stake in Rimac to form a development partnership. Mate Rimac commented on the partnership, stating it was “an important step for Rimac on our way to become a component and system supplier of choice for the industry in electrification.” Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors jointly invested €80 million in 2019, planning collaboration on high-performance electric vehicles. In 2021, Porsche increased its stake to 24%.
In July 2021, Porsche and Rimac announced the creation of Bugatti Rimac, incorporating Bugatti. Rimac Group holds a 55% stake in the new venture, with Porsche owning the remaining 45%. In June of that year, Porsche participated in a €500 million fundraising round.
Rimac’s first model, the Concept One, is an all-electric sports car with a curb weight of 1,850 kg and a power output of 960 kW (1,305 PS; 1,287 hp). It accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 355 km/h. Initially, a production of 88 units was planned, later limited to 8, all of which were sold. The first unit was delivered to Spanish company Applus+ IDIADA, named the Volar-e, and the second to shareholder Paul Runge.
The Concept S is a lighter, more powerful, and more aerodynamic update of the Concept One, producing 1,032 kW (1,403 PS; 1,384 hp) and accelerating from 0–100 km/h in 2.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 365 km/h.
The Nevera, unveiled in March 2018, is the successor to the Concept One, featuring a new design with butterfly doors and upgraded power. Its four electric motors produce 1,427 kW (1,940 PS; 1,914 hp) and 2,360 N⋅m (1,741 lb⋅ft) of torque. The Nevera claims a 0–97 km/h acceleration in 1.85 seconds and a top speed of 415 km/h. Production is limited to 150 units.
Beyond its own models, Rimac Technology produces battery systems for Aston Martin’s Valkyrie, Koenigsegg’s Regera, the Jaguar E‑type Zero concept car, and the SEAT Cupra e-Racer concept car. The company also collaborated with Automobili Pininfarina on the Battista, based on the Nevera’s architecture and powertrain. In 2015, Rimac partnered with Nobuhiro Tajima, debuting the Tajima Rimac E-Runner Concept_One at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, finishing second overall and ahead of all internal combustion engine cars.
In June 2024, Rimac announced the Verne robotaxi concept, an independent brand for urban robotaxis planned to launch with 500 vehicles in Zagreb in 2026, followed by expansion into the UK in 2027. The Verne utilizes LIDAR and computer vision and features two reclining seats with customizable settings via a phone app.
Gallery · 4 related images
