Electric hypercars have been all the rage in recent years, with companies like Rimac pushing the boundaries of what is possible with battery-powered performance. However, the CEO of Rimac, Mate Rimac, recently made a surprising statement, indicating that the demand for electric hypercars may be on the decline. In a recent interview at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit, Mate Rimac noted that high-end buyers are looking to differentiate themselves from the mainstream as electric vehicles become more common. They seek cars with combustion engines and an analog feel, rather than the mass-produced EVs that are flooding the market.
### The Changing Landscape of Electric Vehicles
Mate Rimac highlighted the shifting landscape of the automotive industry since Rimac began developing the Nevera hypercar back in 2017. While governments worldwide are implementing strict regulations to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, consumers now have access to a wider range of affordable EV options than ever before. In response to these market forces, many automakers have committed to producing only electric vehicles by certain deadlines. However, Rimac suggests that these external pressures may not align with the desires of high-end consumers, leading to a decrease in demand for cutting-edge electric hypercars like the Nevera.
### The Impact on Rimac’s Business
Despite having already delivered more than 50 Nevera hypercars to customers, Rimac’s original production targets of 150 units may be in jeopardy due to waning demand. In light of these changing consumer trends, Rimac is considering the possibility of incorporating some form of combustion power into future hypercar models. Mate Rimac emphasized that the company is not strictly bound to electric propulsion and is willing to pursue whatever technology is most exciting at the time. This flexibility could pave the way for the development of potent hybrid hypercars that combine the best of both combustion engines and electric motors.
### The Future of Hypercar Technology
Rimac’s potential shift towards hybrid hypercars echoes the recent announcement that the successor to the Bugatti Chiron will feature a V-16 hybrid engine. Mate Rimac revealed that Rimac had already begun developing a combustion engine two years prior to merging with Bugatti, indicating a strategic move towards embracing a hybrid powertrain. This decision reflects a broader trend in the hypercar market, where a balance between traditional combustion engines and electric propulsion is being sought to cater to the evolving preferences of discerning customers.
### Embracing Innovation and Tradition
In the face of declining demand for pure electric hypercars, Rimac’s willingness to explore hybrid technologies signals a commitment to innovation while also honoring traditional automotive elements. By blending cutting-edge electric propulsion with the visceral experience of combustion engines, Rimac aims to create hypercars that offer a unique driving experience and appeal to a broader range of luxury car enthusiasts. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, companies like Rimac are adapting to meet the changing demands of consumers while staying true to their core values of pushing the boundaries of performance and technology.