Rimac Automobili, founded in 2009 by Mate Rimac, is a Croatian automotive manufacturer headquartered in Sveta Nedelja, Croatia. The company specializes in developing and producing electric sports cars. Additionally, its sister company, Rimac Technology, is part of the Rimac Group and focuses on creating drivetrains and battery systems for the automotive industry.
The groundwork for Rimac Automobili was laid in 2007 when Mate Rimac, working independently, converted his BMW 3 Series (E30) into an electric vehicle. His innovative project gained attention from the press and investors. A significant portion of early financing came from angel investors (an angel investor provides initial seed money for startup businesses, usually in exchange for ownership equity in the company) and the sale of proprietary patents.
In 2009, Rimac Automobili was officially founded in Sveta Nedelja, near Zagreb, Croatia. The company rented suitable facilities to kickstart its operations. Mate Rimac’s passion for high-performance vehicles and his vision to revolutionize the automotive industry drove the company forward.
Rimac Automobili’s first model, the Concept One, made waves as the world’s fastest production electric vehicle. Its cutting-edge technology and performance capabilities garnered widespread acclaim. The Concept One delivers a total of 1,600 Nm of torque and 1,224 hp. This incredible power allows it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds. Concept One was the fastest accelerating electric vehicle in the world in 2013.
During the 88th Geneva International Motor Show in March 2018, Rimac unveiled its second model, the Rimac Nevera. This electric hypercar boasts impressive specs, including a top speed of 412 km/h (approximately 256 mph) and a range of 490 km (approximately 304 miles). 1877 horsepower is the battery’s maximum output alongside the 2340 Nm torque. Rimac claims the Nevera can get to 60 mph in 1.85 seconds.
Rimac has formed strategic partnerships with major players in the automotive industry. Porsche Engineering Group GmbH acquired a 10% stake in Rimac, emphasizing their collaboration in electrification and advanced driver assistance systems. Additionally, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors jointly invested in Rimac, aiming to develop high-performance electric vehicles.
Today, Rimac Automobili stands as a technology powerhouse with a focus on designing, engineering, and producing electric hypercars and high-performance EV components for the global automotive market. Their journey from a hobby garage activity to a trailblazing automotive company exemplifies innovation and determination.