Vay, a Berlin-based startup, is introducing a unique take on car-sharing by offering teleoperated vehicles, allowing users to summon cars without a human driver behind the wheel. Founded in 2019, Vay has raised around $110 million to develop teleoperations technology that enables remote drivers to pilot cars to customers, who then take over and drive themselves. Once the customer reaches their destination, the teleoperator remotely drives the vehicle back. This innovative service has already rolled out in Berlin and Las Vegas, marking a significant step in the evolution of mobility.
The company is also expanding into business-to-business services, leveraging its tele-driving technology for partnerships with automakers and fleet services. Earlier this year, Vay announced deals with Peugeot to test tele-driving technology in its E-308 electric van and with Belgium-based car-sharing service Poppy. Vay’s tele-driving technology promises to offer flexibility to businesses and customers alike, with applications ranging from car rentals to delivery services.
Vay’s entry into Las Vegas earlier this year began with just two Kia Niro EVs. Since then, it has expanded to 15 vehicles and completed over 3,000 trips. The company is now working on growing its fleet to 100 vehicles within the next six to nine months. Vay’s pricing model has been a key factor in attracting customers, offering rides at half the cost of services like Uber and Lyft, which has resulted in a loyal customer base and steady growth.
Vay is betting on tele-driving as the future of transportation, with CEO Thomas von der Ohe envisioning a world where vehicles are equipped with this technology straight from the production line. Vay’s expansion into the business-to-business sector reflects its ambition to be a significant player in the mobility industry, partnering with companies to bring tele-operated fleets to consumers.
By integrating tele-driving into the everyday mobility market, Vay is positioning itself as a leader in a new category of transportation, offering both flexibility and affordability. As the company continues to expand its services, the future of teleoperated transportation is becoming a reality.