Despite having so many impressive feats on paper, the Rimac Nevera still can’t sell much
Despite its groundbreaking technology and eye-watering price tag, Rimac’s Nevera hypercar, priced at USD2 million, has encountered slower-than-expected sales. With its formidable 1,888hp quad-motor configuration, the Nevera represents the pinnacle of electric hypercar innovation. Yet, only 50 out of the planned 150 units have been delivered. Why?
Yes, it is obvious that the price tag is likely also a factor here since USD2 million is not exactly “harga madani” so not everyone will be able to afford it, however, there are cars that cost way more that sell far better and of course, there are even cars tat can be auctioned for prices some people never knew existed so I think there is a bigger issue at play.
Moreover, at the Financial Times Future of the Car conference in London, Rimac elaborated on this trend, noting that the increasing presence of mainstream electric vehicles (EVs)has somewhat diluted the allure of high-performance EVs among high-net-worth individuals. Clearly, they prefer the tried and tested internal combustion engine (ICE) over EVs.
The shift towards more common electric models has, in a sense, made the Rimac Nevera’s cutting-edge technology less exceptional in their eyes. This preference for the analog and classic elements of ICE supercars is reminiscent of the ongoing appeal of mechanical wristwatches over their digital counterparts.
On top of that, the impact of this preference extends beyond Rimac. It influences other prestigious brands, such as Bugatti, which is also under Rimac’s ownership. Bugatti is responding to this market trend by continuing to develop internal combustion vehicles. The upcoming replacement for the Chiron, for example, will feature a naturally aspirated V16 engine.
What’s more, I don’t need to tell you how successful Bugatti is especially with the Chiron, after all, the brand keeps making more and more “final models” of the Chiron given how much demand it has, so we can clearly see that despite what the Governments of the world try to pedal, the fact is nobody prefers an EV over the good old petrol engine.
You may have a different preference but the fact is the slow sales of the Rimac Nevera underscore a deeper issue in the automotive market, and that is the enduring appeal of ICE and the unique driving experience they offer, even in an era increasingly “dominated” by EVs so even if you want to own an EV, the money does not so make peace with that.
