Berlin-based company Vay, known for its remote-driving technology, is scaling up its operations in the United States with plans to deploy a fleet of 100 vehicles in Las Vegas by 2025. The company, which focuses on providing cost-effective and sustainable mobility solutions, has secured an 8,500-square-foot production facility in the city to support its growing demand and streamline the adaptation of its electric Kia e-Niro fleet. This expansion underscores efforts to address urban mobility challenges while leveraging innovative technology.
How does Vay’s app-based service work?
Vay’s app connects users with electric vehicles delivered directly to their location by remote drivers. Once the car arrives, users take control and drive the vehicle themselves. At the end of the trip, the car is returned to the system, where a remote driver resumes control, eliminating the need for the user to find parking. The service operates on a per-minute rental basis, offering consumers a more affordable alternative to ride-sharing platforms without requiring a membership. Additionally, the service aims to reduce urban congestion and minimize the environmental impact by promoting shared, all-electric vehicles.
What roles are emerging with remote-driving technology?
Remote driving is creating new career opportunities, as professionally trained operators manage vehicles from designated control centers. Equipped with steering wheels, pedals, and visual displays simulating real-time driving environments, these operators work under safety protocols aligned with industry standards. Vay’s Las Vegas operations run up to 16 hours daily, with plans to expand into remote truck driving in the near future. Remote drivers benefit from stable hourly compensation and the ability to work from central office spaces, avoiding the time-intensive challenges typical of traditional driving professions.
Founded in 2018 by Thomas von der Ohe, Fabrizio Scelsi, and Bogdan Djukic, Vay has grown rapidly, raising over $131 million to fund its expansion. The company has conducted more than 6,000 trips in Las Vegas since launching the service. CEO Thomas von der Ohe remarked,
“This new facility and our fleet expansion highlight Vay’s commitment to serving our growing customer base in Las Vegas, ensuring a seamless experience for everyone requesting our vehicles.”
Reports from earlier years show Vay initially concentrated its efforts in Europe, aiming to introduce remote driving as an alternative to fully autonomous cars. Initially, regulatory concerns and technical challenges delayed its plans for large-scale deployments. However, the company gradually expanded its offerings to include B2B services, such as remote vehicle management for private fleets and trucks. These steps eventually laid the groundwork for its U.S. entry and focus on the Las Vegas market.
Remote driving has gained traction as a practical solution in the mobility space, especially in cities where parking and congestion remain critical issues. While traditional autonomous vehicles rely on AI-driven systems, Vay’s model provides a blend of human control and advanced technology, potentially addressing trust and infrastructure concerns associated with automated transport. As the company expands, its impact on urban mobility and the workforce engaged in remote driving will likely shape future transportation paradigms.
