Rimac: The Electric Lightning from Croatia

Rimac Automobili is the ultimate garage-to-glory story. Started by Mate Rimac in 2009 after his BMW engine blew up, this Croatian company now builds the fastest electric production car in the world and controls Bugatti. They proved that EVs aren't just eco-friendly; they can be terrifyingly fast.

Rimac Hero Vehicle

Model Lineup

Explore the current production vehicles.

Nevera

The car that shattered the rulebook of speed. The Nevera is a 1,914-horsepower, all-electric hypercar that has broken over 20 acceleration and braking records in a single day. With its advanced four-motor torque vectoring, it is the new benchmark for performance, period.

Production 2021-Present

Concept_One

The car that put the world on notice. The Concept_One was the world's first all-electric hypercar, a groundbreaking machine that proved electric power could be utterly dominant. It was the genesis of the Rimac legend and a true pioneer of the EV revolution.

Production 2013-2014

Bugatti Rimac

Not a car, but a paradigm shift. The formation of Bugatti Rimac in 2021 saw the Croatian innovator take control of the legendary French marque. This entity is now charting the electrified future for both Bugatti and the pinnacle of high-performance automotive technology.

Production Corporate Entity

C_Two

The stunning and ambitious concept that became the Nevera. The C_Two was the prototype that showcased the incredible leap in technology from the Concept_One, promising a new level of performance and luxury that the final production car would ultimately deliver.

Production 2018 (Concept)

Author

HugeGarage Editor

Published

Updated

5 Min Read

The Green Monster

The story begins with an explosion. In 2007, 19-year-old Mate Rimac was racing his old BMW E30 when the gas engine failed. Instead of buying a new engine, he decided to convert the car to electric power.

People laughed at his "washing machine on wheels." But when that BMW (the "Green Monster") started beating gas-powered race cars and setting FIA world records, people stopped laughing. This project birthed Rimac Automobili.

Concept_One: The Proof

In 2011, Rimac unveiled the Concept_One. It was one of the world's first true electric hypercars. It became globally famous for two reasons:
1. Its incredible torque vectoring technology.
2. Richard Hammond famously crashing one off a Swiss mountain during The Grand Tour. While the crash was tragic, it ironically proved how strong the car's carbon monocoque was, as Hammond survived.

The Nevera: Bending Physics

The successor, the Rimac Nevera (named after a sudden Croatian Mediterranean storm), is a numbers game that sounds fake.
1,914 Horsepower.
0-60 mph in 1.74 seconds.
It currently holds over 20 acceleration and braking records. It doesn't just accelerate; it rearranges your internal organs. It features a "Drift Mode" that uses precise computer control to let anyone look like a professional driver.

The Bugatti Merger

In a twist that nobody saw coming, in 2021, the Volkswagen Group handed the keys to Bugatti over to Mate Rimac.
The new company, Bugatti Rimac, is led by Mate. It is an incredible achievement: a 33-year-old Croatian innovator taking charge of the most historic French luxury brand in the world.

Buying Advice: Beyond Money

Buying a Rimac isn't just about having $2 million. It is about patience. Production numbers are extremely limited (150 units for the Nevera). However, you might drive a Rimac without knowing it; they supply battery and motor technology to Koenigsegg, Aston Martin, and Pininfarina.

Rimac represents the new era of speed, born not in a boardroom in Germany, but in a garage in Sveta Nedelja.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2026 Rimac Nevera street legal in the United States?

Yes, the Rimac Nevera is fully street legal in the USA. It has successfully completed all necessary EPA and CARB certifications, as well as rigorous federal crash testing for global homologation. This ensures that the 1,914 hp hypercar meets all NHTSA safety standards, allowing American owners to register and drive it on public roads without the restrictions of a "Show or Display" permit.

What are the performance specs of the 2026 Rimac Nevera R?

The 2026 Rimac Nevera R is the even more radical, track-focused evolution of the standard Nevera. It features a quad-motor powertrain delivering a staggering 2,107 horsepower. Key performance benchmarks include:

  • 0-60 mph: 1.74 seconds.
  • 0-186 mph (300 km/h): 8.66 seconds.
  • Top Speed: 256 mph (412 km/h).
  • Battery: A new 108 kWh performance-optimized battery pack designed for sustained high-output track sessions.
Where are Rimac dealerships located in the USA for 2026?

Rimac has established an exclusive retail network across North America to support the Nevera and the upcoming Nevera R. Key dealership locations include Beverly Hills (O'Gara Coach), Rancho Mirage (indigo Auto Group), Manhattan, Miami, and Greenwich. These centers provide bespoke configuration services and specialized maintenance through Rimac-certified technicians trained at the Croatian headquarters.

How does Rimac’s All-Wheel Torque Vectoring (R-AWTV) work?

The Rimac All-Wheel Torque Vectoring (R-AWTV) system replaces traditional electronic stability programs and traction control. It calculates the precise amount of torque to be delivered to each of the four wheels 100 times per second. For US drivers, this means the car can instantly shift from a high-grip AWD safety mode to a high-speed Drift Mode, adjusting the vehicle's behavior to match the driver's skill and road conditions perfectly.

What is the Rimac "Verne" Robotaxi project launching in 2026?

Verne is a standalone brand under the Rimac Group launching its first autonomous robotaxi service in 2026. Unlike the Nevera, Verne is a two-seat electric vehicle designed purely for Level 4 autonomous urban mobility. Utilizing the Mobileye Drive platform with LiDAR and cameras, the vehicle lacks a steering wheel and pedals, featuring a cabin inspired by a living room with a 43-inch entertainment screen.

Does Rimac provide battery technology for other automakers?

Yes, Rimac Technology is a major Tier-1 supplier for global OEMs. In 2026, Rimac is producing high-performance battery systems and e-axles for the Bugatti Tourbillon (delivering in 2026) and has a long-term partnership with BMW Group to develop high-voltage batteries for their next-generation Neue Klasse electric vehicles. Their tech is known for having some of the highest power densities in the automotive industry.

How fast can you charge a Rimac Nevera at a US fast charger?

The Rimac Nevera supports an industry-leading 500 kW DC fast charging rate. When connected to a compatible ultra-fast charger in the US (such as those from Electrify America or specialized private networks), the 120 kWh battery can be charged from 0% to 80% in just 19 minutes. Even at standard 350 kW chargers, the Nevera reaches 80% capacity in approximately 25 minutes.

What interior luxury features are found in the 2026 Nevera?

The 2026 Nevera features a minimalist, driver-centric cockpit with premium materials like bespoke leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber. It includes a facial recognition system that identifies the driver to load personal profiles, an 8-speaker Focal Utopia M sound system, and an AI-driven "Driving Coach" that provides real-time visual and audio guidance on racing lines for US track enthusiasts at circuits like Laguna Seca.

What is the range of the Rimac Nevera on a single charge?

The Rimac Nevera has an official EPA-estimated range of 205 miles on a full charge of its 120 kWh battery pack. While its primary focus is extreme performance, the vehicle’s liquid-cooled battery system and advanced thermal management ensure consistent range even during spirited driving across different US climate zones, from the heat of Florida to the cooler East Coast.

Who founded Rimac and what is the brand's vision?

The company was founded in 2009 by Mate Rimac, who started by converting his own BMW 3 Series into an electric race car in a garage. Today, the Rimac Group is the majority shareholder of Bugatti Rimac. The brand's vision is to push the absolute limits of electric propulsion, proving that sustainable technology can outperform internal combustion engines in every measurable metric of speed, power, and handling.