Vay is launching its innovative teledriving car service, a remote driving solution similar to Uber, where a human driver in a remote location operates your vehicle.
While teledriving may be unfamiliar to many, it's a concept worth noting. With Vay, you simply order a car through the app. A remote driver, situated in an operations center with multiple screens, will control the car as it comes to pick you up. To onlookers, it appears as though a self-driving car is arriving, but a human is in complete control from a distance.
Once you enter the vehicle, you can drive it to your desired destination. After your trip, the remote driver takes back control to transport the car to the next user or park it. This unique approach provides greater privacy than traditional ridesharing services like taxis or Uber and could prove more economical as a per-minute rental option. Furthermore, it offers a layer of safety that fully autonomous vehicles may lack, as a human driver is always at the helm.
Founded in 2018 by Thomas von der Ohe, Fabrizio Scelsi, and Bogdan Djukic, Vay is based in Berlin and has expanded its operations to Las Vegas. With a team of over 150 employees and $95 million in funding, Vay aims to redefine urban mobility by providing seamless door-to-door transportation while alleviating parking challenges.
CEO Thomas von der Ohe stated, “After five years of developing our technology, we are bringing our vision to life in Las Vegas. Our convenient, affordable, and sustainable mobility service aims to make cities more livable and greener.”
While the technology is promising, there are potential risks. However, Vay is implementing redundant safety features to mitigate these concerns. According to Caleb Varner, U.S. General Manager, “Our founders believe that fully autonomous cars are still a long way off due to the numerous edge cases that need addressing.”
Vay’s drivers utilize screens equipped with cameras showing the surroundings, allowing them to maintain situational awareness for safe operation. Independent testing by TÜV Süd has validated Vay’s adherence to essential safety and cybersecurity standards.
Recently launching in the UNLV and Arts District areas of Las Vegas, users can order an electric vehicle through the Vay app. Once you enter the car, you drive until arrival, at which point the remote driver reclaims control for the next leg of the journey. The app also supports stopovers, enhancing your travel flexibility. Vay’s rental model means users only pay for the time they use the vehicle, starting at 30 cents per minute during driving and 3 cents per minute while waiting.
An early access user described their experience, stating, “The new Vay service is not only the least expensive option to get from A to B, but it also provides me with the freedom to travel at my own pace.”
Vay’s teledriving technology allows remote drivers to navigate vehicles on public roads, manipulating controls similar to traditional driving. Prepared by rigorous training at the Vay Teledrive Academy, these operators ensure safe and effective vehicle management.
Vay distinguishes itself from competitors like Cruise and Waymo by offering a flexible and economically viable alternative to self-driving cars. The ideal application for Vay’s service includes trips to places like the grocery store, where you can easily transport groceries or packages.
“As we fine-tune our service, we aim to offer users a more affordable alternative—20% to 50% less than other options—while maintaining high convenience,” Varner explained.
Vay is currently operating a fleet of Kia Niro electric vehicles. The startup is focused on expanding its presence by hiring and training drivers in the U.S. and retrofitting vehicles with necessary technology. Moreover, Las Vegas is an appealing location for Vay due to supportive regulations that facilitate innovative vehicle services.
As Vay tests its offering in Las Vegas, the service is designed for user flexibility, with minimal restrictions aside from returning the vehicle to designated areas where remote drivers will manage the next steps. Vay operates with two hubs strategically placed to serve price-sensitive users and urban communities effectively.
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