Rimac Automobili might become Tesla’s closest rival by 2018

As 2017 comes to a close, for sure, many of you are eager to learn what’s in store next year. If Rimac Automobili hasn’t been in your radar, we’re here to tell you that it should be. Have you heard what Rimac has been up to lately?

In case you didn’t know, this is the company that brought us the Concept One. Well, Autoguide has reported earlier that Rimac is hinting of coming out with its own electric roadster. If that plan pushes through, chances are high that Rimac’s electric hypercar could outrun the Tesla Roadster --- both on the road and with regards to the pace of production.

It’s easy to make this conclusion. After all, Rimac’s incredibly powerful Concept One coupe packs an awesome output of 1224hp (918kW) and 1180 (2548 Nm) on tap. It makes sense that the “soon-to-become-Rimac convertible” will be more potent (or at least as powerful) as the preceding coupe version, right?

Now, if Tesla’s new roadster can pull off a zero to 60mph sprint in 1.9 seconds, Rimac will surely put up a good fight considering its Concept One coupe can do a 0-60mph ( 96km/h) run in only 2.5 seconds. Also a primary consideration is the fact that the Concept One has an equally impressive 200-mile electric range and 220 miles per hour (354 km/h) top speed.

In terms of production, it seems as if Rimac also knows how to blow its competition out of the water. Aside from contemplating on a new electric convertible, the Croatian EV startup has confirmed it will be adding some five new retailers within the United States. Rimac currently has one retailer in the US, at the Manhattan Motorcars in New York City. If the five new branches will open in 2018, it will be carrying the Concept One coupe as well as what we believe is the new Rimac electric roadster.

As Tesla continues to struggle with deadlines, it’s likelier for other EV startups to rise above the competition. While it’s been said that Rimac’s new convertible model (still with no name) was actually being developed for some time now and will likely have its premiere in 2018, Tesla’s new Roadster on the other hand will be due in 2020.

With all these being laid out, there is definitely a ton of developments to look forward to not only between Tesla and Rimac but also in the growing effort among car companies in making the electrified future a reality.

The recent expansion was made possible in part by Camel Group’s $36M investment. Camel Group as we know is the biggest battery manufacturer in Asia. While majority of funds was for the benefit of Rimac Automobili, some $3.6 M had been allotted for Greyp electric bicycle company as well. Rimac will formally announce the added five new retailers in March next year.