Vay a German startup has launched a remote-driven car service

After years of development and rigorous testing, German startup Vay has officially launched a remotely driven car service in Las Vegas.

With the click of a button, you can call up one of Vay’s human remote-controlled cars aka “teledrivers” from physical stations miles away. The service is available around the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the Arts District, the company announced on Wednesday.

Vay – One of the least expensive travel options

Co-founder and CEO Thomas von der Ohe, says: “After five years of developing our technology, we are bringing our vision to life in Las Vegas. Our convenient, affordable and sustainable door-to-door mobility service aims to free cities from parked cars and make them more liveable and greener.”

Teledrivers will deliver electric vehicles to customers who then get in and drive themselves to their desired destination, once the trip is complete the teledrivers will then steer the vehicles to their next client. As of launch day, Vay is charging customers $0.30 a minute when users drive.

The Berlin-based company raised around $100 million from investors including former Google chief financial officer Patrick Pichette, Kinnevik AB, and venture capital firm Atomico.

Users in the US can download the App now on the App Store here.

Vay implements safety and security by design. The Berlin-based startup follows key safety standards, including those for vehicle safety, functional safety (ISO 26262), and cybersecurity (ISO 21434). To confirm Vay’s high safety standards TÜV Süd, an independent third-party for testing, certification, auditing and advisory services, has tested and positively endorsed Vay’s technology. A thorough training program within the Vay Teledrive Academy prepares its teledrivers for professional driving on public streets. Rigorous training and advanced technology empower the teledrivers to drive with confidence, always following a safe and defensive driving style.