Vay’s remote-operated EV rides launch in Las Vegas

While giants like Waymo dominate autonomous ride-hailing, German startup Vay is making waves with its innovative approach. Offering remotely-operated electric vehicles (EVs) in Las Vegas, Vay delivers rides at half the price of Uber and Lyft.

Unlike fully autonomous systems, Vay’s vehicles aren’t driverless in the traditional sense. Instead, a human operator remotely navigates the EVs, ensuring a safe and seamless ride.

This unique approach eliminates the need for onboard drivers while maintaining human oversight for critical decisions.

Over the past year, Vay has expanded its fleet from two to 30 vehicles, completing over 6,000 rides in Las Vegas. Ahead of CES 2025, the company showcased its cutting-edge technology, highlighting its commitment to affordable and accessible ride-hailing.

Vay’s CEO and co-founder, Thomas von der Ohe, clarified that the company is not focused on autonomous driving. “Our core safety principle is that the [human driver] can make the decision,” he explained.

Unlike competitors like Waymo and Lyft, which rely on extensive simulations and Lidar sensors to secure regulatory approval, Vay uses a cost-effective camera-based system for monitoring rides.

Vay’s reduced reliance on expensive hardware allows it to offer rides at a fraction of the cost. With its unique business model, Vay plans to achieve profitability within the next year or two, setting it apart from other ride-hailing services.

As Vay continues to innovate, it presents a fresh alternative in the ride-hailing industry. It combines advanced technology with human oversight to redefine urban transportation.

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